Residency Program

The Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Residency Program at UAB trains residents clinically and operatively in all major disciplines of ENT and associated communication sciences including, head and neck cancer, head and neck endocrine, microvascular reconstructions, robotic head and neck procedures, anterior and lateral skull base, rhinology, inspire implantations, general otolaryngology, laryngology, facial trauma, cosmetic reconstructive surgery, otologic/neurotologic surgery, speech pathology, and audiology and rehabilitative procedures.

Our residents enjoy training at state-of-the-art facilities, including a beautiful outpatient clinic on the second floor of The Kirklin Clinic, University Hospital, UAB Highlands, UAB Hoover Specialty Care, UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, Children's of Alabama, and VA Medical Center. All of these facilities are conveniently located downtown as part of the UAB Medical Center District with the exception of UAB Hoover Specialty Care.

Residents have 24-hour access to a five-station, fully-equipped temporal bone and sinus lab, a resident resource center with eight computer stations, television and kitchenette, and a GME shared Wellness Center with lactation/meditation room, exercise equipment, librarians on staff, computers, and collaboration and quiet zones.

Four applicants are appointed each year for five years of training. During internship, PGY1 residents rotate monthly alternating between the general surgery schedule and otolaryngology. A total of six months is spent with general surgery and other required services, and six months on ENT (head and neck and general). PGY2-5 residents rotate every three months on the ENT service and complete training on the head and neck, general, otology, endocrine, pediatrics, VA, research, and consult services.

Residents are immediately involved in research and enjoy a robust research experience during residency. This includes participation in monthly research meetings, an annual research day, mentorship through a clinical research director and other faculty, a dedicated three-month rotation service as a PGY3, and a mandatory publication in a major journal by end of residency. Residents are additionally invited to participate in tumor boards and multidisciplinary meetings.

Annually, the department performs more than 4,000 surgical procedures and cares for more than 31,000 patients in multiple clinics. The program has one of the highest numbers of residency operative cases in the country. Chief residents routinely finish their training with more than 3,000 cases. 

Perks and honors

Residents may receive financial assistance to present articles and attend courses, and a $900 allowance is offered during PGY2-4 to apply toward educational events, books, instruments, etc. (as approved by director). Awards are given at the annual Research Day (including monetary prizes and paid travel expenses). We also offer assistance with first-year license renewal, team building and social events throughout the year, and opportunities for the completion of transoral robotic surgery and inspire device implantation certification by end of residency.

Contact Us

Benjamin J. Greene, MD
Residency Program Director

Michelle Thrasher
Education Administrator
michellethrasher@uabmc.edu
P: 205-801-7999
F: 205-801-7802

Taylor Richardson
Education Coordinator
krichardson@uabmc.edu
P: 205-801-7347
F: 205-801-7802