Residency Program
Message from the Program Director
Thank you for your interest in the Otolaryngology- HNS Program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Finding the program where you can thrive personally and develop into the surgeon you aspire to be is a daunting task! As a proud graduate of this program, I would like to highlight the strengths of our training program.
Our residents are provided with outstanding clinical training in a collegial environment. Our faculty is extraordinarily talented and diverse and have dedicated themselves to be exceptional clinicians and educators.
We have many training locations all within close proximity to each other. Our residents have the opportunity to rotate at multiple sites in addition to our university hospital including Cook County Hospital, Jesse Brown VA hospital, and Lurie’s Children’s hospital as well as private hospital settings. With this wide array of practice settings, our residents receive outstanding, well rounded training in every subspecialty.
The level of autonomy our residents are able to achieve during their training is frequently touted as the resident’s favorite aspect of the program. We are able to achieve this while still having abundant oversight and a robust safety net, and our residents uniformly feel well prepared for independent practice when they graduate.
We have a structured mentoring program to guide residents both in their professional development and in their research endeavors. Having this support structure allows us to identify opportunities for growth throughout our resident’s training.
We have a long history of competitive fellowship and job placement for our graduating residents. Our residents receive outstanding training that prepares them for a career in general Otolaryngology, or for entering subspecialty fellowships. About half of our residents pursue a career in general Otolaryngology, and half go on to competitive fellowship programs.
But given all of the above, I believe the number one strength of our program is our resident complement. Our residents are incredible individuals who truly care about each other and support each other throughout their rotations. I am proud of the supportive workplace culture that we have fostered over the years and I am dedicated to continuing this as program director.
I look forward to sharing more about our program with you. Please contact us with further questions.
Tatiana Dixon
Residency Program Director
LInks
Welcome Letter from the Chiefs
To Prospective Residents:
Congratulations on your decision to pursue otolaryngology as your chosen specialty!
On behalf of the Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Department at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, we are excited to welcome you as you begin this important journey.
Chiefs
Our program is built on a foundation of excellence, supported by dedicated faculty, a broad spectrum of clinical exposure, and a close-knit community of residents. We pride ourselves on the diverse training experiences we receive across all facets of Otolaryngology, with an impressive case volume and variety. Early autonomy is emphasized, allowing residents to develop confidence and independence safely, with senior residents eager to mentor and teach.
While our primary training location is at the University of Illinois Hospital, we also spend meaningful time at affiliated institutions such as Cook County, VA, Lurie Children’s, and Northshore/Endeavor Health. Many consider our multiple clinical sites a significant advantage, offering unique learning opportunities with various attendings and exposure to diverse patient populations. This not only enhances surgical skills but also informs future career decisions by familiarizing residents with different hospital systems and academic environments.
Residency has profoundly shaped both our professional paths and personal growth. The supportive atmosphere within our department fosters genuine camaraderie. Faculty and residents maintain approachable, collaborative relationships, with faculty always available to provide guidance.
As Chief Residents, we have seen firsthand how our colleagues develop and thrive within this environment. We feel confident that our training prepares us to graduate ready for independent practice. Whether it’s the comprehensive clinical experiences, innovative research opportunities, or the vibrant Chicago community, we believe this is a place where you can flourish and leave a meaningful mark in Otolaryngology. When we reflect on our time here, we will proudly say we trained at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Thank you for considering our program for your residency— we sincerely hope you choose to join us!
All the best,
Nicole, Krystal, and David
Application and Selection Process
Our program fills 3 residency positions each year.
Applicants seeking a PGY-1 Categorical position starting June will need to apply through ERAS. All 3 positions are filled through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).
When selecting an applicant for an interview, the Resident Recruitment Committee will evaluate the strength of your application with all of its components, including:
- The Dean’s Letter (Medical Student Performance Evaluation)
- Strong letters of recommendation
- Third-year Core Clerkship grades
- Research experience
- Personal statement – mission fit
- USMLE Step 2 Score preferable
- Leadership roles
- Service to the underserved
Interview Day Planning
This year our interviews will take place in person on Thursday, January 8 and Friday, January 9. There will be an optional social mixer for those who would like to get to know our current residents and learn more about our program the evening of Thursday, January 8.
We’ve designed an interview process with the aim of fostering mutual understanding. Our Chair will deliver a presentation preceding the interview sessions. The interviews are organized into two groups. All candidates will experience one on one interviews with each of our faculty members and our three Chief Residents. Following or preceding the interview sessions, candidates will engage with the residents, including a tour of UI Health. Scheduled breaks in the morning or afternoon provide time to recharge between sessions.
Thank you for your interest in our program!