Learning Environment

photo of residents in surgical simulation lab

In our rich clinical training environment, trainees experience the full gamut of our field in a culture of excellence and innovation.

Training in one of the nation’s largest academic medical centers, residents and fellows are members of a large, collaborative, multidisciplinary community of physician-scholars.

Our culture

  • We foster healthy living and work-life balance through wellness activities and social events
  • Collegiality and collaboration are the norm
  • Faculty are accessible, supportive and dedicated to teaching

Clinical training

The surgical simulation lab exposes residents to experts from across the country. Here: Washington University rhinologist John Schneider, MD (right), assists guest lecturers Kris Moe, MD, from University of Washington (left), and Ted Schwartz, MD (Cornell University), renowned pioneers in the techniques of transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery or TONES.
  • Leading-edge surgical simulation technology allows trainees to develop skills in a safe environment
  • Early autonomy along with strong mentorship strengthens clinical decision-making skills  
  • Trainees participate in the care of complex, multidisciplinary cases
  • Team-based care exposes trainees to leading experts in related subspecialties
  • High patient volumes provide experience to both common and rare conditions

Clinical practice sites

Trainees practice at recognized institutions, many located right on the Washington University Medical Campus. 

Center for Advanced Medicine Otolaryngology physicians provide outpatient care in the Center for Advanced Medicine, located on the Washington University Medical Campus.

Christian Hospital Part of the BJC Healthcare group, Christian Hospital serves the communities of North St. Louis.

Barnes-Jewish Hospital is the largest hospital in Missouri, with 1,365 beds. It has been ranked on U.S. News & World Report’s Honor Roll of America’s best hospitals for more than 25 consecutive years.

St. Louis Children’s Hospital is the largest children’s hospital in the region, with 390 beds. It offers comprehensive services in every pediatric medical and surgical specialty and is recognized as one of America’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, which in 2017 ranked the hospital in all 10 specialties surveyed. Physicians also treat patients at the two St. Louis Children’s Special Care Center locations in south and west St. Louis County.

The Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Missouri and is ranked as one of the nation’s top cancer facilities by U.S. News & World Report. It is among the top five nationally in patient volume.

Veteran’s Administration Medical Center provides inpatient and ambulatory care in medicine, surgery, psychiatry, neurology, rehabilitation and other subspecialty care for veterans and their families in east central Missouri and southwestern Illinois.

Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital offers subspecialty care in West St. Louis County, 15 miles west of the Washington University Medical Campus.

St. Luke’s Hospital is a 493-bed hospital in West St. Louis County, one of the locations where Washington University neurotology fellows train.

Research, research and more research!

An abundance of research opportunities await you. Explore our active research projects »