The first otolaryngology curriculum was developed by the AAO-HNS/F in 1986 followed by an update (the National Resident Otolaryngology Study Guide, NROSG) in 2002. With the inevitable growth and evolution of our specialty, this curriculum required an extensive revision of existing content but also development of new materials. This updated curriculum, OTOSource, launched July 2018, now reflects the new requirements of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, and the American Board of Otolaryngology, along with the changing practice of modern medicine. The goal of OTOSource is to provide residents, program directors, faculty members, and practicing otolaryngologists a standard study guide with teaching tools to assist with board certification, recertification and lifelong learning. It is also a single source online repository for all otolaryngology education content developed by the AAO-HNS/F and the otolaryngology specialty societies. OTOSource provides an outline form and serves as a roadmap of topics, learning objectives, and references developed by leaders in the field. 

The Comprehensive Curriculum Task Force and Work Group, comprised of multi-specialty representatives, was brought together to develop the comprehensive curriculum to support both residents and practicing otolaryngologists in their pursuit of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery education.

Units:

• Clinical Fundamentals
• Rhinology
• Allergy
• Laryngology, Voice and Swallowing
• Adult Sleep Medicine
• Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Otology / Audiology
• Head and Neck Surgery
• Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery
• Trauma
• Business of Medicine

Timeline:

Phase 1 (completed)

• Organize a task force and work group with representatives of all otolaryngology specialty societies.

Phase 2 (ongoing)

• Inventory of existing education products across specialties conducted by the work group.

Phase 3 (ongoing)

• Review and update existing National Resident Online Study Guide (NROSG) modules and develop modules for new topics.

Phase 4 (ongoing)

• Populate curriculum with all current education content.

Phase 5 (ongoing)

• Develop new content based on identified education gaps.
• Update OTOSource site with new education content.

OTOSource Task Force Members:

• C. Ron Cannon, MD
• Sukgi S. Choi, MD
• Marion E. Couch, MD, PhD
• James C. Denneny III, MD
• Sonya Malekzadeh, MD, Chair
• Brian Nussenbaum, MD
• Michael J. Ruckenstein, MD, MSc
• Michael G. Stewart, MD, MPH
• Scott P. Stringer, MD
• Richard V. Smith, MD
• Gayle E. Woodson, MD

OTOSource Work Group Members:

• Sarah N. Bowe, MD - AAO-HNS/F Section on Residents and Fellows
• Dinesh K. Chhetri, MD - American Laryngological Society
• William O. Collins, MD - American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Ellen W. Deutsch, MD - American Broncho-Esophagological Association
• Babak Givi, MD - American Head and Neck Society
• Lisa E. Ishii, MD, MHS - American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Jami Lucas - American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy
• Sonya Malekzadeh, MD - AAO-HNS/F Comprehensive Curriculum Task Force Chair
• Stephen C. Maturo, MD - AAO-HNS/F Trauma Committee
• Andrew C. Murr, MD - Association of Academic Departments of Otolaryngology
• Brian Nussenbaum, MD - American Board of Otolaryngology
• Ozlem E. Tulunay-Ugur, MD - American Society of Geriatric Otolaryngology
• Zara M. Patel, MD - American Rhinologic Society
• Karen T. Pitman, MD - AAO-HNS/F Advanced Practice Providers Task Force
• Alejandro Rivas, MD - American Neurotology Society
• Michael J. Ruckenstein, MD, MSC - Otolaryngology Program Directors Organization
• Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD - Society of University Otolaryngologists
• Lawrence M. Simon, MD - AAO-HNS/F Practice Management Education Committee
• Maria V. Suurna, MD - AAO-HNS/F Sleep Disorders Committee
• Jeffrey T. Vrabec, MD - American Otological Society