Otologists require at least 11 years of schooling, including medical school, residency, and a neurotology fellowship. They work with neurotologists to help patients with ear, nose, throat, balance, nerve function, and infectious diseases. They must first become certified otolaryngologists and choose a specific field, such as otology or neurotology, for further training. Strong analytical thinking, communication skills, and compassion are necessary for success in this field.
To become an otologist, you need at least 11 years of school beyond graduation. Four years of medical school, five years of medical residency, and a two-year fellowship in neurotology is the general course of study to earn an ontology degree. Neurotologists and otologists work together. While otologists primarily deal with ear, nose and throat problems, neurotologists help patients with hearing, balance, nerve function, infectious diseases and the anatomy of the head and neck.
Otologists are recommended to become a certified otolaryngologist first. This is a special doctor trained to perform general surgery on ear, nose and throat conditions. Also known as ENT physicians, ENT doctors must complete one year of training in general surgery and four years of specific training in ENT. After residency training, the physician must take written and oral exams to obtain certification with the American Board of Otolaryngology.
Once the doctor is certified in otolaryngology, he or she must choose a specific field to enter, such as pediatrics, allergy, sinus surgery, facial surgery, head or neck cancer surgery, laryngology (voice and swallowing), otology, or neurotology. Once the decision is made to become an otologist, it is typically an extra one to three years of training for that particular field. This training includes substantial research, and physicians often become leaders and experts in their fields because of this extensive study.
If a student wants to become an otologist, he or she must have a solid background in anatomy, biology, chemistry, physics and neurology. Otologists must have a strong understanding of the base of the skull and the nervous system. Also, it would be helpful if otology students were successful in communication and public relations courses, because otologists often work in teams with other physicians and surgeons. The ability to successfully communicate during procedures and surgeries is critical.
A student who wants to become an otologist must also be a strong analytical thinker, because the doctor must make diagnoses on patients, including diagnoses of infectious diseases. In addition, otologists analyze specific nerve functions in the treatment of head and neck problems and cranial nerve disorders. Therefore, preparing for a career in otology requires solid thinking skills and the ability to make sound, quick judgments.
To become an otologist, a student must enjoy working with people and must be kind and compassionate. An otologist can care for both children and adults, or this type of doctor can choose pediatric or adult otology. Otology jobs are available in physicians’ offices, specialist otology facilities, and hospitals.
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