Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor

Duties and Responsibilities

Otolaryngologists, like other physicians, must keep accurate records of their findings, diagnoses and treatments of patients. Doctors in private practice must also deal with making reports to insurance companies, negotiating for payment from insurance and the day-to-day operations of a small business -- hiring and managing personnel, complying with local licensing requirements and paying utilities. To maintain board certification as an otolaryngologist, the doctor must complete continuing education credits each year.

General Treatment

An otolaryngologist evaluates a patient, taking a history of the patient’s overall health and specific symptoms, and examines the patient for outward signs of an injury or ailment. Otolaryngologists may use specialized equipment, such as a laryngoscope, an instrument that allows the doctor to look deep into the throat at the structure of the larynx. An otoscope allows the doctor to examine the inner structure of the ear. Otolaryngologists may treat ear infections in infants, children and adults; sinus infections, polyps or malformations such as deviated septum; tumors in the ears, nose and throat; injury to the head or neck; infections; and disease.

Salary

The 2011-2012 edition of the survey reported a median income of $222,000 per year for otolaryngologists in their first year of practice.

Education

Otolaryngologists are doctors of medicine. Therefore, like all physicians,, otolaryngologists must obtain a medical degree (D.O. or M.D.) after college. In the United States, the education track for otolaryngologists includes. Undergraduate degree (4 years of college or university) Medical degree - (4 years of medical school) Residency training - (3 years of otolaryngology residency, plus 1 year of general surgery training, plus one additional year of training for a total of 5 years of residency training) Optional fellowship training in sub-specialty of choice such as head and neck, plastic/reconstruction, etc. - 2 years.

Reflection

No I would not like to become an ENT Doctor I think don’t have all the money necessary to pay all my classes to learn about that interesting career.