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Department of Otolaryngology – Head + Neck Surgery

At the Dr. Elie R. Rebeiz Department of Otolaryngology – Head + Neck Surgery, we've been helping people living with ear, nose and throat conditions feel like themselves again since 1796 — and training the next generation of great doctors to do the same.
Otolaryngologist Miriam, O'Leary, MD, FACS in an ENT surgery at Tufts Medical Center.
A new sense of compassionate care

At Tufts Medicine, our passion for ENT care shines through in everything we do, and we’ve got the proof to back it up — from leading the way on early detection of nasopharyngeal cancer to helping a mother rediscover the sound of her children’s laughter.

Open an international research journal, and there’s a good chance you’ll see our work featured in it, too. In just the last few years, we've discovered how metastasized breast cancer can mimic inflammatory sinus disease and analyzed the relationship between ENT practitioner demographics and patient satisfaction scores.

Our residency program is highly coveted for its small size and family atmosphere, which gives our residents an up-close-and-personal education from the brightest minds in otolaryngology. 

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Department research

We’re always in pursuit of what’s next in otolaryngology care, and what's next in our patients' care. Pioneering these possibilities is our Otolaryngology Research Center — the backbone of our department's medical questions, methods and breakthroughs. It's here that we explore fundamental and applied research, with a focus on advanced endoscopic and minimally invasive otolaryngologic surgery.

Research is a pivotal and seamlessly woven component of our department's framework. Every trainee and faculty member participates in some form of data collection, analysis or research. Together, we make breakthroughs — like in the field of laser technology where our discoveries have led to safer and more effective procedures because surgeons now have a better understanding of how lasers interact with tissue.

Our commitment to research excellence doesn't end there. Every resident undergoes a 3-month research block during their third year of training (PGY-3). This strategic immersion empowers them to explore how we can continuously advance the field of otolaryngology. In fact, many residents go on to showcase their findings through presentations or publications, often with the dedicated guidance and support of our Otolaryngology Research Center staff.  

Success stories

before and after facial surgery
Facing difficult side effects head on
While Barbara’s 2019 surgery to remove cancerous cells from her parotid gland was successful, the facial paralysis that followed took a major toll on her quality of life. Fortunately, our head and neck surgeons had a plan to improve her vision, breathing and ability to eat and drink through a cutting-edge surgical procedure.
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Training + education

Excelling in otolaryngology requires a wealth of knowledge and the technical skills to put your education into practice. It also calls for people skills — warmth, compassion, patience and the poise to make the right decision in an urgent situation.  

Over the course of our 5 year residency program, you’ll find that your fellow residents often become an extended family and that attendings relish in their roles as esteemed mentors.

Training + education
Otolaryngology Residency at Tufts Medicine Tufts Medical Center
What makes our residency program so special? Current and former residents explain why Tufts Medicine was the right place for them to take the next step in their careers.

Affiliate training hospitals

We partner with health centers across greater Boston to help our residents expand their network, discover their passions and learn from a diverse patient population. From immersive journeys in pediatric otolaryngology to private practice, you’ll find that exposure gained with our affiliate training hospitals positions you as a more well-rounded healthcare professional.

Boston Children's Hospital

Boston Children's Hospital has one of the largest pediatric ENT departments in the country. During this rotation, you’ll receive hands-on training from internationally recognized pediatric otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons. You’ll work alongside residents from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Boston University Otolaryngology programs. 

ENT Specialists Group

Deciding whether to pursue a private practice or academic otolaryngology career is an important part of any resident’s journey. At the ENT Specialists Group, you’ll be exposed to a private practice environment that cares for a diverse patient community featuring a variety of ENT conditions.

Rhode Island Hospital/Hasbro Children’s Hospital

Rhode Island Hospital & Hasbro Children’s Hospital allows residents to deepen their expertise in pediatric otolaryngology across state lines. During this rotation, you’ll work with and learn from:

  • General otolaryngologists
  • Fellowship-trained subspecialists 
  • Oromaxillofacial surgeons

Tufts Medical Center

Pioneering the expansion of modern medicine is part of Tufts Medical Center’s DNA. Home to New England’s first permanent medical facility as of 1796, Tufts Medical Center preserves the rich tradition of training the next generation of ENT specialists and surgeons.

My favorite part about our residency is the small size of our program and the community that it fosters. We have a wonderful relationship between our attendings and our residents. Everyone feels like friends here, and it makes the dynamic wonderful in our clinics in the operating room.
Tania Hassenzadeh, MD
Department of Otolaryngology
Tufts Medicine | Tufts Medical Center
Closeup of a doctor wearing a mask and hat and looking through glasses and magnifying instruments during a surgery.
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Our leadership

Our leadership team gives us the guidance and support we need to ensure that the clinical, research and training goals of the department are met.

  • Department Chair, Division Chief Head & Neck Surgery: Miriam O'Leary, MD
  • Division Chief Neurotology: Jonathon Sillman, MD
  • Division Chief Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Arnold Lee, MD
  • Division Chief Pediatric Otolaryngology, Associate Program Director: Andrew Scott, MD
  • Residency Program Director: Kathryn Noonan, MD
  • Clerkship Director: Christan Soneru, MD
Otolaryngologist Miriam O'Leary, MD, using scope on patient at an appointment in the ENT clinic at Tufts Medical Center.
Our locations

From regular office visits to inpatient stays, our specialists across Tufts Medicine offer the best in healthcare, when and where our patients need it.

Otolaryngologist Richard Wein, MD with Miriam O'Leary, MD, using scope on patient during Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) appointment.
Our doctors + care team

Our specialists and care team members across Tufts Medicine deliver unmatched healthcare with a personalized touch.

News
Rare Neck Condition Diagnosed + Treated
November 8, 2019
Alexander Biddell was born with a rare condition that caused the central region of his neck to not develop properly. Luckily, Dr. Alexander Marston an otolaryngologist at Tufts Medical Center at Tufts Medical Center was able to diagnose and treat him.
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