Status and trends of general otolaryngology in academia

Objectives/Hypothesis This article focuses on the hiring trends of academic general otolaryngology practices to clarify the status of academic general otolaryngology in the face of today's changing medical landscape. Study Design Cross-sectional study. Methods We conducted a survey to evaluate past, present, and projected hiring issues in academic otolaryngology, specifically related to general otolaryngology. Surveys were sent via e-mail to all academic chairpersons of accredited otolaryngology residency programs in the United States. Data included faculty appointments, work hours, clinical and research roles, academic productivity, patient load, promotions, and criteria for future hires. Results The response rate was 34.3%. On average, general otolaryngologists (generalists) represented 17% of otolaryngology faculty in academic practices. Whereas most generalists were employed as assistant professors (65%), nearly half of promotions in recent years were given to generalists (49%). Between 2009 and 2014, there was an average of six new hires per academic otolaryngology practice (range: 1–13); of these new hires, 21% were generalists. Chairpersons estimated that in the next 5 years they would hire an average of three new otolaryngologists per practice (range: 0–7), of whom 39% would be generalists. Although 82% of chairpersons reported an increase in subspecialty hires, 94% reported that they would also require the same or increasing numbers of generalists. Conclusion Despite the increase in subspecialization in academic otolaryngology, the role of general otolaryngologists in academic practices will continue to be important and perhaps will increase. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 2015