You’re in medical school, but what’s next?
The AAO-HNS offers resources to help guide medical students who are interested in exploring a career in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.
Read the articles below to learn more about the match process, life as a resident, the path to becoming a fellow-in-training, and firsthand knowledge about practicing otolaryngology. The Academy also offers surgical videos and learning modules to provide an in-depth look at real procedures from expert surgeons.
Medical Student Travel Grant
The AAO-HNS Medical Student Travel Grant supports medical students in attending the AAO-HNSF 2026 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, the premier gathering of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery professionals from across the country and around the world. By helping to defray the cost of attendance, this grant removes a key financial barrier that might otherwise limit a student’s ability to explore the specialty in a meaningful, immersive setting.
Attending the Annual Meeting offers medical students a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge education sessions spanning all otolaryngology subspecialties, connect with residents, fellows, and program directors who can influence future training and career opportunities, and gain firsthand insight into what a career in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery looks like. These experiences can play a significant role in specialty exploration, residency preparation, and long-term professional development.
Through this program, selected applicants receive a $250 grant to help cover eligible expenses associated with attending the Annual Meeting, including registration and travel costs.
Application Status
Applications for the AAO-HNSF 2026 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO Medical Student Travel Grant are now closed.
Upcoming Event:
Is ENT Your Calling? Inside the Most Versatile Surgical Specialty
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | 7:00–8:15 pm (ET) | Virtual | Free
Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery offers an extraordinary range of clinical and surgical opportunities-from hearing and balance to airway, sinus, voice, sleep, and head and neck conditions. In this webinar designed for medical students, learn what makes ENT one of the most rewarding surgical specialties. Physicians will share insights into training, daily practice, and the many directions a career in ENT can take.
Participants will have the opportunity to submit questions and engage directly with panelists during the session.
The webinar will be recorded and available for on-demand viewing after the event.
Featured
Preparing for your Residency Interviews
Join us for “Preparing for your Residency Interviews,” a valuable webinar where medical students will gain insights from a panel of program directors and physicians on excelling in residency interviews. Discover expert tips and strategies to make a lasting impression during this pivotal stage of your medical career. Don’t miss this opportunity to fine-tune your approach and set yourself up for success in securing your ideal residency placement.
This workshop for medical students preparing for an otolaryngology residency features program directors and recently matched residents who share practical guidance on crafting a compelling personal statement and navigating the application process.
Want more information? Email us at [email protected].
In today’s changing residency application landscape, it is important that you get first-hand information on how to maximize your chances to match OTO. Hear directly from a panel of ENT Program Directors representing different regions, program sizes, and types of institutions on tips and guidance to help you chart the best path to matching.
Medical students often use online platforms to anonymously post questions and communicate fears, experiences, and successes with their peers. Questions were gathered anonymously in advance, and discussed and answered by the panelists (a resident, fellow, program director, department chair, and attending), without concern that a question will be attributed to any specific individual.
Learn about the specialty from both academic and private practitioners. Discussion topics will include applying to residency, subspecialties and interaction with other specialties, research programs, women and individuals underrepresented in the specialty, work life balance, and more.
This webinar covered an overview of the program and specific details of how preference signaling worked during the 2020 application season, including a discussion of the background, rationale, logistics, and benefits to both applicants and residency programs. For any medical student planning on applying for ENT residency, this session is a must to better understand the impact of preference signaling.
Learn from junior and senior residents and fellows-in-training about what to expect when you join the otolaryngology specialty. Discussion topics include: what to do (and not do) after you match, what to expect during your first year of residency, opportunities and resources available from AAO-HNS, how to connect with new colleagues, and more!
Designed for incoming residents, and students interested in otolaryngology, first and second year residents discuss their first-year experiences, address concerns and questions, and offer recommendations on how to prepare for the first year of residency.
Members of the AAO-HNS Diversity and Inclusion Committee share their own challenges and personal journeys to otolaryngology including tools and resources for students underrepresented in medicine, successful navigation of the system to match into Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and early Residency experiences.
