Matching graduate education with societal need.

Abstract

A number of prior Ogura lecturers have focused on the need to change residency education in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery; nothing has changed. The present discussion is based on the notion that graduate medical education should reflect societal need. Lecture. Information on graduate medical education is presented. The information presented substantiates the maldistribution of otolaryngologists and the mismatch of the design and output of our programs from the perspective of public need. It is proposed that the American Board of Otolaryngology should take the lead in substantive change with the targets being 1) providing flexibility in program design, 2) a 1-year reduction in core training in otolaryngology, and 3) expanded interaction with family medicine.