OVERVIEW
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery is a phenomenal field for a variety of reasons; nonetheless, the specialty continues to struggle with diversity and inclusion with most of the literature being directed toward race/ethnicity and gender disparities. As a result, the remainder of this section will focus on these aspects of identity; however we recognize and support diversity in all of its forms, encompassing but not limited to age, disability status, economic circumstance, ethnicity, gender, race, religion and sexual orientation.

Fortunately, there are amazing mentors and leaders among underrepresented minorities (URM) and women in otolaryngology (WIO) who are dedicated to providing mentorship and guidance throughout this complicated and sometimes stressful process. One beneficial step is to identify a mentor who is invested in your success and is willing to advocate on your behalf (and no, this does not need to be another URM).

There are many resources available that may not be immediately evident to prospective URM applicants and it is important to take advantage of these opportunities. We have compiled a preliminary list of resources and we welcome any additions you find! Now down to the nitty gritty!

URM SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES

• The Diversity Summer Travel Fellowship in Otolaryngology for Under-Represented Minority Medical Students, through The American Head and Neck Society. This opportunity is intended to expose an URM medical student to the field of Head and Neck Surgery specifically, and Otolaryngology in general. A grant of $5,000 will be awarded to a medical student to cover travel, lodging and food expenses for the summer experience.

• The Summer Clinical Otolaryngology REsearch (SCORE-Oto) Program is an 8+ week intensive summer opportunity to pursue research and observe clinical care in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck surgery at Kaiser Permanente Oakland

• The University of Tennessee Department of Otolaryngology Summer Research Fellowship Program provides an opportunity for motivated medical students that would like to pursue a career in Otolaryngology to work directly with the department’s residents and faculty. 

URM MENTORSHIP

• Society of University Otolaryngologists Diversity Liaisons. This website provides a faculty point person within each department of Otolaryngology. It may be beneficial to reach out to respective faculty members prior to an away rotation if you are interested in getting involved with research within that department, or if you just want to connect!

• The Harry Barnes Society is dedicated to Black Otolaryngologists. This society has worked hard to promote increasing diversity and inclusion in Otolaryngology. They offer travel grants, mentorship, workshops, and networking events to minorities interested in the field. They are currently working towards amplifying their social media presence and a website is forthcoming!

URM AWAY ROTATIONS/FUNDING

• The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) offers several funding opportunities for minority applicants which can be found here.

• The Society of University Otolaryngologists (SUO) also provides a list of opportunities to support away rotation funding. There are a lot of institution specific grants/awards that you should consider. 

• The American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) provides a 1 week ENT rotation program to introduce medical students from URM to pediatric otolaryngology. The program has been endorsed by the AAO-HNS Diversity Committee.

• The American Neurotology Society’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee offers the Under-Represented in Medicine in Otology/Neurotology Travel Grant to engage URM students in research and clinical activities related to the ear, hearing and balance to promote an interest in a career in otology and neurotology. This opportunity was developed to support travel and housing expenses for a chosen clinical rotation that requires significant travel from the applicant’s home institution.

There are also many funding options for URMs offered by individual institutions and we encourage you to contact any specific programs that you are interested in. We hope that these resources will help you in your journey towards becoming an Otolaryngologist. Remember that you have earned your spot, that you are deserving of your accomplishments, and that you have made it this far because of your hard work, determination, and perseverance - not luck. If you have additional questions regarding available resources, other related opportunities, or how to navigate the application labyrinth, please reach out to our team. Congratulations again on all of your achievements.