Advance Your Career as a Surgeon-Scientist at Duke
The Otolaryngology Surgeon-Scientist career Path (OSSP) is a six-year Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery residency pathway designed for physicians interested in careers as academic surgeon-scientists. Supported by an NIH R25 training grant from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), the program combines exceptional clinical training with immersive research experiences, individualized mentorship, and structured career development.
Residents benefit from Duke University's world-class research environment and gain the skills needed to become future leaders in basic, translational, clinical, global health, and health policy research.
Program Leadership
What Is the Otolaryngology Surgeon-Scientist Career Path Track?
The Otolaryngology Surgeon-Scientist career Path (OSSP) Track provides an integrated pathway for residents who aspire to combine clinical excellence with impactful research. The program is designed to cultivate future academic leaders by providing protected research time, expert mentorship, and structured career-development support throughout residency.
Residents receive:
- Early exposure to research mentors and opportunities
- Individualized research training plans
- Dedicated research time supported by NIH funding
- Ongoing mentorship throughout clinical and research training
- Career-development training focused on successful transition to academic medicine and independent research careers
Program Structure
PGY-1 to PGY-2: Clinical Foundation and Mentor Selection
During the initial years of residency, participants engage in clinical training while exploring Duke's extensive research community. Residents are introduced to potential mentors and research programs that align with their academic interests. Residents also attend R25 career development seminars and research seminars.
Dedicated Research Training
Residents complete 18 months of=dedicated mentored research training in their chosen area of study. Research experiences are tailored to individual career goals and may include laboratory-based, translational, clinical, population health, global health, or health policy research
Senior Clinical Training and Career Development
Following dedicated research training, residents re-enter advanced clinical training years while continuing to advance scholarly projects, publish findings, compete for grants, and receive ongoing mentorship. Residents continue completing R25 career development seminars and research seminars.
The ultimate goal is to graduate surgeon-scientists prepared to launch successful academic careers and contribute meaningful discoveries that improve patient care.
Research Opportunities
The Otolaryngology Surgeon-Scientist career Path supports a broad range of research interests, including:
- Basic Science Research
- Translational Research
- Clinical Research
- Global Health Research
- Health Services Research
- Health Policy Research
Through Duke's collaborative research ecosystem, residents have access to cutting-edge technologies, multidisciplinary teams, and nationally recognized investigators across the university.
Mentorship
A cornerstone of the program is comprehensive mentorship.
Residents may work with faculty mentors within the Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences or approved research mentors from other Duke departments and centers whose expertise aligns with the resident's research goals.
This flexible mentorship model enables trainees to build meaningful collaborations and develop individualized research experiences that support long-term career success.
Why Choose Duke?
Duke offers a unique environment for aspiring surgeon-scientists by combining:
- Nationally recognized clinical training
- Robust NIH-funded research programs
- Access to leading investigators across disciplines
- Collaborative translational science infrastructure
- Individualized mentorship and career development
- Strong preparation for academic medicine careers
