Otolaryngology

I About The Programme
II Assessment and Evaluation
III Target Audience and Eligibility Requirements
IV Other Information

I About The Programme

Name of Programme

Paediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship

Overview

The KKH Otolaryngology Department sees a wide variety of paediatric cases, from Singapore and the region. Both observership and hands-on programmes are available. The type and duration of the programme can be tailored to suit the needs and skills of the applicant. Relevant certification is required for hands-on fellowships.

Fellows will be under the supervision of the attending consultant throughout the programme. They will work alongside the team of trainees in the clinics and operating theatres.

For more information on the Department of Otolaryngology (Women’s Services), click here.

For more information on the Children’s ENT Centre, click here.

Aim of Programme

Exposure to a variety of paediatric otolaryngology cases, including paediatric airway, otology, voice and head and neck. Participate in the management of such patients and gain confidence in operative techniques.

Duration of Programme

6-12 months

Number of Training Places

1-2 Fellows per 6- to 12-month period

Learning Outcomes

After completing the programme, Fellows will be able to:

• perform most surgeries listed in the content areas;
• understand the principles of paediatric otolaryngology and apply their knowledge to management of complex cases
  

Content Areas

These serve as a general guide and depend on proficiency of the learner.

1. Otology
   Be proficient in use of microscope
   Aural toilet
   Examination under Anesthesia of ears, foreign body retrieval
   Myringotomy and tube insertion
   Evoked response audiometry and steady state evoked potentials
   Observe implant surgery – cochlear implant, middle ear implants, auditory brainstem implant
   Mastoidectomy and meatoplasty
   Management of the hearing impaired child
   Management of the speech delayed child

2. Paediatric Airway
   Participate in Airway Course if available
   Perform tracheostomy
   Be proficient in direct laryngoscopy and rigid microlaryngobronchoscopy
   Treatment of various airway diseases including airway haemangioma, laryngomalacia, vallecular cyst, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, tracheomalacia, bronchoscopic removal of foreign body

3. Head and Neck
   Thyroglossal cyst (Sistrunk) operation
   Thyroidectomy
   Excision of Neck lumps – pilomatrixoma, branchial cyst and sinus, atypical mycobacterium infection
   Management of head and neck arteriovenous malformations

4. Rhinology
   Paediatric FESS
   Electrocautery of epistaxis vessels
   Inferior turbinate reduction

5. General
   Excision of preauricular sinus
   Removal of esophageal foreign body
   Removal of nasal foreign body
   Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
   Management of head and neck haemangioma
   Observe FEES
   

Training Methods

Fellows need to attend the following:

• Daily ward rounds
• Journal Club: every 2nd Thursday of the month
• Multidisciplinary meeting: every 4th Thursday of the month
• Weekly clinical consultation sessions conducted by their attending
• Weekly operating theatre sessions conducted by the attending
• Cochlear implant meeting

Past and Present Fellows

Dr Hamdoon Al Naamani from Oman was attached to the department from June 2010 to June 2011.

Dr Ricardo Ramirez from St Luke’s Hospital, Philippines, was attached to the department from June 2011 to January 2012. Dr Ricardo is now a Consultant in St. Luke's Medical Center Quezon City.

Dr Jean Roschelle Meneses Alonso joined the department from May 2016 to May 2017. Dr Jean practices at Casa Medica Inc. in Socorro, Quezon City.

Dr Ann Kathleen Barlin from Philippines joined the department from August 2016 till September 2017.

Team of Experts

The Paediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship Programme is managed by the following experts.

II Assessment and Evaluation

Aims of Assessment

Fellows are required to continually demonstrate the following six competencies throughout the programme:

(A) Patient Care

• ellows must demonstrate comprehensive assessment to reach the appropriate diagnosis, provide appropriate ongoing management based on best clinical practice, respond to clinical problems, demonstrate competent procedural skills and practice within the scope of his/her abilities.

(B) Medical Knowledge

• Fellows must demonstrate good basic science knowledge, apply the knowledge in the clinical context, demonstrate up-to-date knowledge and good analytical thinking and problem solving techniques.

(C) Practice-Based Learning and Improvement

• Fellows must engage in on-going learning, facilitate learning of others, and understand and integrate concepts of quality improvement into practice.
  

(D) Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Fellows must demonstrate care and concern for the patient/family, communicate effectively with patient/family and work effectively with other healthcare professionals.

(E) Professionalism

• Fellows must accept responsibility and follow through on tasks, responds to patient’s unique characteristics and needs equitably and demonstrate integrity and ethical behaviour.

(F) Systems-Based Practice

• Fellows must provide cost-conscious medical care, work to promote patient safety and coordinate care with providers in the larger healthcare community.

Assessment Approaches

A review with the supervisor will take place:

• at the end of the 3rd month;
• at the end of 6th month;
• in the 12th month.

as well as, in educational/research activities.

III Target Audience and Eligibility Requirements

Target Audience

This fellowship programme is for otolaryngologists with an interest in paediatric otolaryngology. Fully qualified otolaryngology surgeons from the region (ASEAN/ASIA) who want an attachment in paediatric otolaryngology to familiarise themselves with paediatric otolaryngology are most welcome.

Pre-requisite/Eligibility Requirement(s)

Candidates must:

• have completed medical school with a basic medical degree;
• have completed or is almost completing a specialist training in Otolaryngology;
• be recommended by their respective Head of Department (HOD) OR at least two referees chosen by the applicant;
• be employed by a public hospital in their country;
• have qualifications that allow for at least a temporary registration as spelt out by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC). The Clinical Fellow will have to meet the criteria as stated by SMC under the “Supervisory Framework for Conditionally/Temporarily Registered Doctors for Patients’ Safety.”

IV Other Information

Course Fees

Course fee will be determined upon application.

Funding

Candidates should obtain their own funding to cover expenses during the training period.

Certification

Certificate of fellowship will be awarded upon completion of the programme.