Residency Schedule

Rural Rotation

The rural rotation in Kearney, Nebraska, is with three busy board-certified otolaryngologists. This rotation offers our residents a unique opportunity to experience practice in a non-academic hospital and the invaluable experience of witnessing how private practices can be successful. These two aspects of the rotation are not provided in other rotations offered. Over 50% of graduating otolaryngology residents in the U.S. will go into general practice, often in a private practice setting. Therefore, the opportunity to see how such a practice runs is a crucial part of resident training. Rural community otolaryngologists often have very broad practices and are frequently asked to tackle problematic patients without the support and resources of a large academic institution. This is the case with the otolaryngologists in Kearney. We believe the rotation with this group will aid in teaching our residents these important skills.

At the start of this rotation, we expect our residents will increase their key indicator case numbers in all areas, especially endocrine, facial trauma, head and neck, and rhinology by working with these busy private practice individuals. Our residents' experience has been very hands-on in clinical evaluation, decision-making and primary surgical skill improvement. We have been able to pursue rural outcomes research as part of this rotation and will continue to do so.

Kearney is located in central Nebraska, approximately 180 miles west of Omaha. The program provides a fully furnished apartment just minutes from the clinic and hospital.