Welcome!
Dear Otolaryngology Residency Applicants,
Welcome to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery Residency Training Program! So far, the past couple of years have been…challenging. Our program has risen to the occasion by being flexible with resident rotation and call schedules, converting our didactic and academic conferences to virtual platforms, and supporting each other through the daily uncertainties. This speaks to the resiliency and character of the residents, faculty, and staff in this department of which I am honored to be a part. We offer world-class training with broad-based clinical and surgical experience in all facets of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery in an environment that fosters learning, collegiality, and personal growth. As we prepare for the first ever virtual interview and recruitment season, I hope that you will find the information on our website helpful in learning more about the structure and culture of the residency program at UAMS. If you have any questions about our training program or life in Little Rock please don’t hesitate to contact me or our Program Coordinator, Stacey Thompson.
Sincerely,
Adam Johnson M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Pediatric Otolaryngology
Program Director, Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Residency
Application Process
The UAMS Department of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery participates in the Electronic Residency Application System and the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP Match) as developed by the Association of American Medical Colleges. Applications for a position in our residency program are accepted only through ERAS. The contact information for ERAS is as follows:
- For U.S. Graduates: Contact your designated Dean’s Office
- For International Medical Graduates: Contact the ECFMG at 215-386-5900
- For Canadian Graduates: Contact CARMS at 613-237-0075
- ERAS Residency Application
We receive approximately 250 completed applications each year. After these are reviewed, invitations to interview are issued to those candidates who seem to be the most competitive on the basis of the application material. Candidates are considered based on academic performance, USMLE scores, honors and awards, letters of recommendation, research, volunteerism and work experience, and a well-rounded personal life. The interview is useful to match personalities and interests of candidates with our program. We will interview on two dates to be determined later.
We welcome off-campus students to take a senior elective at UAMS, but an elective is not required for selection to the residency program and does not necessarily improve one’s chances.
Applicants must apply in the fall prior to the beginning of their first post-graduate year (PGY-1). Please see ERAS for application deadlines. All five PGY years are completed in Otolaryngology.
Specific Recruitment Criteria
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery uses the following criteria to evaluate all residency applicants in a similar manner. We value well rounded individuals and do not have a minimum threshold for any of the criteria, including USMLE Step scores. All applications received by our program through ERAS are reviewed and scored by the Resident Applicant Selection Committee after which invitations to interview are extended.
- Class Rank and Medical School Performance Evaluation (Dean’s letter)
- USMLE Step 1 and 2 Scores
- AOA Status
- Letters of Recommendation
- Honors in Surgery and/or Otolaryngology Clerkships
- Participation in Research
- Publications as First Author
- Publications as Second Author
- Participation and leadership in extracurricular activities, philanthropy, and volunteerism
- Foreign Medical Students must be ECFMG Certified Indefinitely
- Foreign Medical Students are accepted on J-1 and H-1 Visas
- Application deadline: Please see ERAS for application. Applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed.
- Applicants participating in an “away rotation” with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery are not guaranteed the following:
- An interview with our residency program.
- An appointment to see the Department Chairman or any other faculty.
- A recommendation letter from the Department Chairman, faculty, residents or staff.
Applicants who are invited for an interview will be personally evaluated by the faculty and the final selections for the residency positions will be made at that time.
The UAMS Department of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery strongly discourages medical student rotations with our residency program after letters of invitation to interview have been sent out.
Contact Us
Program Director
Adam Johnson, M.D., Ph.D.
4301 W. Markham, Slot 543, Little Rock, AR 72205
AJohnson4@uams.edu
Residency Coordinator
Samantha Ketcher
4301 W. Markham, Slot 543 Little Rock, AR 72205
Sketcher@uams.edu
501-603-1214