Andrew Skillington, MD, MSCI, is one of five chief residents in the Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University. Here he shares his plans for fellowship training and desires for an international stage for more personal interests.
Why Washington University?
I was drawn to WashU by their excellent surgical training and abundant research opportunities. I really felt WashU was a very balanced program, and I knew training here would prepare me well for a career as an academic clinician. Additionally, the culture of the department is very inclusive and friendly, and this was important to me when I was considering residency programs.
Have you developed a stronger interest in any one sub-specialty and if so, what attracted you to that specialty?
I have developed a strong interest in head and neck cancer. I was initially drawn to this specialty because the pathology is interesting and the surgeries are pretty intense. However, working with cancer patients is really what solidified my interest in this specialty. Working with this patient population is very rewarding and has certainly been some of the most impactful experiences I have had as a resident. I am excited to enter fellowship next year to further my training and prepare myself for a career in head and neck surgical oncology.
Where will you be headed after graduation?
After graduation, I will be heading to Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, for a fellowship in head and neck microvascular surgery.
Do you have any words of advice for your junior residents?
Make the most of every opportunity here at WashU! While there may be some very long days, residency goes by so quickly. Try to maximize your time here and learn something new each day.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with my wife, daughter, and our three dogs. We enjoy being outside gardening, hiking, biking, or playing basketball in our driveway. We also love working around our house. We always have a few home improvement projects that we are in the middle of. Currently we are repainting the house.
What would most surprise your colleagues to learn about you?
I am a former competitive figure skater and a current figure skating judge. I officiated at the US Figure Skating National Championships in 2014, 2016, and 2019; and I helped select the US Olympic team in 2014. I hope to one day be an international judge and officiate at international competitions.