Message from the Residency Program Directors

Education is at the heart of the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. All of our faculty take great pride in the time they spend teaching and training future otolaryngologists, in areas of clinical care, critical research review and participation in various service-related activities.

Half of our graduates seek fellowship training after residency and practice at various academic institutions across the country. Many of our graduates ultimately practice throughout Indiana and the Midwest. The residency program has grown not only in the number of residents, from 15 to 20, but also in the depth of training over the last several years. The number of faculty in each division has seen a significant increase in all subspecialties of otolaryngology.

Our residents receive in-depth clinical training in areas of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, head and neck oncologic surgery, laryngology, neurotology, pediatric otolaryngology, rhinology and skull base surgery, and sleep surgery. Our residents also participate in numerous surgical simulation activities throughout the year as well as several national surgical courses including our annual course. To better prepare residents for future practice, training is given in quality improvement, LEAN process improvement strategies and professional development to learn to work as teams. As a residency program, our trainees come from medical schools all over the country improving our diversity of ideas, thought and outlook in our department.

Our singular goal is to create the best clinical learning experience and environment compared to all Otolaryngology programs in the country. This happens from the top down with faculty recruitment followed by residency recruitment. We provide a fulfilling and nurturing environment for physicians who seek to advance and grow together.

Taha Shipchandler, MD
Residency Program Director

Elisa Illing, MD
Assistant Residency Director