Welcome
Welcome from the Program Director
Welcome to the University of Kansas Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Residency Program.
Thank you for your interest in KU ENT. Whether you are a medical student exploring a future career in Otolaryngology or an applicant preparing for the residency match process, we are excited to share what makes our program unique.
At KU ENT, our mission is to train technically outstanding surgeons, intellectually curious physicians, and engaged members of our professional community. Residents benefit from a high-volume clinical experience that spans the full breadth of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, with all subspecialties represented by dedicated faculty committed to education, mentorship, innovation, and exceptional patient care.
The strength of our residency is built upon a culture of educational excellence. Under the leadership of our Department Chair, Dr. Lisa Shnayder, resident education remains a central priority of the department. Our Educational Leadership Team also includes Dr. Shannon Kraft, Vice Chair of Education; Dr. John Flynn, Associate Program Director; and Dr. Hannah Kavookjian, Medical Student Director. Together, we are committed to creating an environment that supports residents as learners, surgeons, educators, and future leaders in our specialty.
Our residents train across a diverse network of clinical sites throughout Kansas City, providing exposure to a wide range of patient populations and healthcare systems. These sites include The University of Kansas Health System, Saint Luke's Hospital, the Kansas City VA Medical Center, Children's Mercy Hospital, and University Health. This breadth of training ensures residents develop the clinical judgment, surgical skills, and adaptability necessary to thrive in any future practice setting.
Just as important as our clinical excellence is our culture. We are proud of the supportive and collaborative environment that defines our program. Residents and faculty work closely together, fostering a strong sense of community, camaraderie, and mentorship. Our trainees consistently describe KU ENT as a place where colleagues become lifelong friends, and where residents are genuinely invested in one another's success both inside and outside the hospital.
Kansas City offers an outstanding place to live, train, and grow, combining the opportunities of a major metropolitan area with an affordable cost of living and vibrant community. We invite you to learn more about our program, our residents, and the experiences that make KU ENT such a special place to train.
To get a closer look at resident life, education, and clinical experiences, follow us on Instagram @kuent and search #KUENT.
We appreciate your interest in our residency program and look forward to helping you explore whether KU ENT is the right fit for your training and future career.
Welcome to KU ENT!
Erin Buczek, MD, FACS
Residency Program Director
Application
The University of Kansas School of Medicine Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (OTOHNS) training program accepts four new residents each year through the National Resident Matching Program (www.nrmp.org). Applicants must graduate from a LCME-accredited medical school in the United States or Canada and be eligible to obtain Kansas and Missouri medical licenses. All interviews are in person. We interview all rotating medical students while they are on rotation with us. The interview experience consists of round robin interviews with program faculty and residents, with opportunities to ask questions of residents in less formal group settings. Interviewees are ranked based on their preparedness, ability, aptitude, academic credentials, and communication skills.
General Information
The OTOHNS program consists of five years of OTOHNS training under the direction of the Residency Program Director Erin Buczek, MD, FACS and Associate Program Director John Flynn, MD. The Department's research program is directed by the Resident Research Committee, chaired by our lead researcher, Frank Materia, PhD. Our Clinical Competency Committee helps to ensure successful learning outcomes in our robust training program. Residency Coordinator Caroline Kelly, MPA provides day-to-day coordination and support for the program leadership, current residents, and alumni.
The University of Kansas Residency Program has received favorable review with commendation by the ACGME OTOHNS Residency Review Committee and our Residency Program was awarded a ten-year cycle within the ACGME's accreditation system.
Contact
Caroline Kelly, MPA
Residency Coordinator
ckelly9@kumc.edu
