An otolaryngology is one of the oldest medical specialties in United States and the person who specializes in this field is called an otolaryngologist.
What is an otolaryngology specialist?
Otolaryngologists are physicians who specialize in treating any ailments in areas such as ears, nose and throat. An otolaryngologist is otherwise known as an ENT or ears, nose, throat physicians.
Duties of an otolaryngology practitioner
- An otolaryngologist is medical professional who is responsible in receiving patients with certain disabilities in a particular are such as ear, nose and throat. Ultimately, an otolaryngologist examines patients and performs various physical tests or procedure in order to determine their health problem.
- Otolaryngologists are also responsible in diagnosing diseases or injuries of the ear, nose, throat, pharynx, sinuses, larynx, thyroid, oral cavity, salivary glands and esophagus. The following diseases may include viral, yeast infections or bacterial infections and also tonsillitis common in children.
- Once otolaryngologists identify its underlying problem, they mostly prescribe any medications like antibiotic or antiviral agents in order to help their patient get well.
- There are also some cases wherein an otolaryngologist perform procedures like biopsy especially they suspect a malignant or cancerous tumor.
- Otolaryngologists also deal with patients suffering from speech, hearing or any other problems or malfunctions caused by the nose, ear or throat. An otolaryngologist needs to find out if the cause of the problem is due to allergies, cold or patient’s diet. Otolaryngologists may also recommend hearing aid for people with hearing problems and work with victims of accident suffering from head and neck injuries.
Condition of work
Otolaryngologists are employed in various medical institutions such as clinics, hospitals or private offices. Their work usually involves abnormal or extended work hours and may also experience on-call duties in order to meet the patient’s need any time of the day. They should have a good skill in decision making and the good ability to work under stressful situations.
Educational Requirements
In order to become an otolaryngologist, aspiring candidates should complete a college degree and finish a 4 year program in any medical school similar with conventional physicians. Candidates are also required o gain 5 years of specialty training before taking the state exam and earn a license to work as a physician from the ABO or the American Board of Otolaryngology.
Occupation and Progress
According to Bureau of Labor and Statistics in United States, the average wage for otolaryngologists depend the number of work experience and the kind of medical facility with pay range of about $150,000 to $300,000 per annum.