Arch Otolaryngol
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A survey of fellowship-trained otolaryngologists was undertaken. Seven hundred forty-four questionnaires were mailed, and 344 were returned. ⋯ Generally, this survey indicates that fellowship-trained specialists feel that there are enough fellowships currently, and suggestions are made to improve the quality of fellowship training. Almost 70% of this survey's respondents prefer a Certificate of Added Qualifications from the American Board of Otolaryngology for credentialing and validation of their fellowship training.
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Based on the success rate of US otolaryngology graduates on the American Board of Otolaryngology Certification Examination, it would appear that otolaryngology training is quite good. However, it is not clear that all aspects of training are equal in quality, not only between programs but also within a single program. One indication that there may be areas of weakness is the fact that despite the perceived national shortages of primary care physicians in the United States and the overabundance of specialists, 25% of the approximately 260 graduating otolaryngology residents extend their training beyond specialty training to subspecialty levels (Manpower Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, unpublished data obtained from chief resident questionnaires, 1990-1992). ⋯ Most of the fellowships are well structured and are 1 year in duration. Others are more like apprenticeships and may be of shorter duration. A few are 2 years long and include a significant research commitment reserved for individuals entering academic practice.