Related Jobs or Working
with these Jobs
Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists perform surgery to
correct diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat.
Also known as an ENT specialist, an Otolaryngologist is a physician who
specializes in the treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, and throat.
Otolaryngologists work with patients of all ages who suffer from diseases in
those areas.
ANZSCO ID: 253515
Alternative names: Head and Neck Surgeon; Otorhinolaryngologist, ENT Specialist,
Specialisations:
Otolaryngologists focusing on the ears treat hearing disorders,
infections, balance disorders, nerve pain, ear noise (tinnitus), and
cranial nerve disorders.
ENT specialists of the nose deal with patients suffering from
chronic sinusitis.
Throat specialists treat diseases of the larynx, esophagus, and
upper aero-digestive tract, including swallowing and voice
disorders. Medical specialists treating problems in the head and
neck regions deal with tumors, infectious diseases, deformities, and
facial trauma.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
Aside from being knowledgeable in this field, Otolaryngologists should also have the stamina required to work long hours. They should be able to get along with people and instill confidence, so excellent communication skills is a must. They should also have excellent hand-eye coordination, problem solving skills, and critical thinking. They should also have a strong moral philosophy, and is able to work well under stressful conditions.
To become an ENT Specialist, you would need:
- Ability to work as part of a team, and to manage and supervise others.
- Excellent vision and visuospatial awareness.
- Expert listening skills and the ability to work effectively with people who have communication difficulties.
- Good organizational capacity.
- Outstanding hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
- Stamina to sustain a busy and demanding role.
(Source:
OkOA)
Duties and Tasks
- Examines patients to determine the necessity of operations, estimates and explains risks to patients, and selects the best operational procedures.
- Reviews reports on patients' general physical condition, reactions to medications and medical histories.
- Consults with anaesthetists regarding the correct anaesthesia for patients.
- Performs surgical operations.
- Examines instruments, equipment, and surgical set-up to ensure that antiseptic and aseptic methods have been followed.
- Instructs other medical, nursing and associated staff regarding the preparation of patients and instrument and equipment requirements.
- Prescribes post-operative care, and observes and investigates patients' progress.
- Maintains records of operations performed.
- May specialise in particular types of operations.
Working conditions
The working conditions of Otolaryngologists vary depending on where
they work. Those who work in hospitals could be called in for an emergency
surgery so they are on call 24 hours a day. However, those in private
practice or joined colleague practice may see patients on their own
schedule, allowing flexibility, in the comfort of their own office. Some
Otolaryngologists may also find themselves teaching at universities and
hospitals, or conducting research in laboratories for pharmaceutical
companies.
Tools and technologies
Otorhinolaryngologists use a range of specialised surgical instruments when
operating on patients including retractors, forceps, snares, syringes and
hooks. They must also wear sterile surgical attire while operating.
Outside of the operating theatre, otorhinolaryngologists use technologies
such as X-rays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, and Computed
Tomography (CT) scans to assist in planning appropriate courses of action
and to follow up after surgery.
An ENT Treatment Unit Set will have the following equipment :-
-
Suction, Fiber Optic Head Band, Sprayer, Fiber Optic Otoscope, Mirror Re-warmer, Instrument Tray, Cold Light source – Double Outlet, Endo Holder, Fiber Optic Cable, Cautery, X-ray Lobby (or) Monitor.
-
Optionally the unit may include – 0 deg. Endoscope, 70deg. Endoscope, CCD Camera, Side Cabinet, Microscope, Patient Chair, Doctor Chair and Video Imaging System.
-
Apart from the above hospital requires – Tympanometer, Nystagmograph (used to diagnose the cause of vertigo / dizziness) and audiometry set-up.
-
Endoscopy equipment such as nasopharyngo-laryngoscope, Sinuscope, video otoscope, Laryngoscope or telelaryngoscope, bronchoscope or esophagoscope may be made available depending on the diagnostic capability the hospital would like to have.
(Source:
ENT Houston)
Education and training/entrance requirements
To become an otorhinolaryngologist, you need to first become a
qualified medical practitioner and then specialise in otolaryngology head
and neck surgery.
To become a medical practitioner, you need to study a degree in medicine. Alternatively, you can study a degree in any discipline followed by a postgraduate degree in medicine.
To specialise in otolaryngology head and neck surgery, doctors must apply to the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) to complete the Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Surgical Education and Training program.
|
Did You Know? Top Ear, Nose,
and Throat Facts HSC
Biology: The Ear
|
Related Jobs
or Working with these Jobs
(Jobs not linked are currently being worked on)
Material sourced
from
StateUniversity
- Careers [Ear,
Nose & Throat Specialist;]
Great Sample Resume [Otolaryngologist;
]
Work Chron [Otolaryngologists;
]
PrimedeQ [ENT
Medical Equipment;]
The Apprentice Doctor [Becoming
an ENT doctor; ]
Your Career [Ear,
Nose & Throat Specialist; ]
