Otolaryngology
Otolaryngology, head and neck surgery is the diagnosis and treatment (operative and non operative) of patients with disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. This includes cancer of the head and neck (excluding the eye and the brain), disorders of the salivary glands and thyroid gland, disorders of hearing, balance, swallowing, speech, snoring/sleep apnoea and aspects of facial plastic surgery.
Vocational training in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery is undertaken through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). Once RACS training is completed the doctor is awarded the Fellowship of the RACS (FRACS) in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery.
Am I able to apply to work as a recognised specialist in New Zealand?
To apply for vocational registration in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, you would need to hold:
- the FRACS qualification; or
- an international postgraduate medical qualification, where your combination of qualifications, training and experience will then be assessed against the standard of FRACS in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery.
What standard will I be compared against?
To obtain the FRACS in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, the trainee completes at least 5 years of advanced training (after obtaining general medical and surgical experience):
- rotations required through a minimum of 4 hospital posts
- a minimum of 6 months each must be completed in paediatrics and head and neck oncology
- completion of Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patient (CCrISP) and Australian and New Zealand Surgical Skills Education and Training (ASSET) courses required before entry into second year of training
- completion of Early Management of Severe Trauma (EMST) course required before entry into third year of training
- passes in the generic surgical science examination, surgical science examination in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery and clinical examination required before entry into third year of training
- 60 temporal bone procedures must be performed before entry into second entry into third year of training
- 300 A and 300 B surgical procedures must be performed before entry into fourth year of training
- attendance at regular histopathology and radiology sessions required during training
- attendance at the Australian Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Annual General Meeting required every year during training
- attendance at the Robert Guerin Memorial Training Meeting required from second year of training until the Fellowship examination has been taken
- completion of tympanoplasty audit required before the Fellowship examination can be taken
- completion of a Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) course required before the Fellowship examination can be taken
- completion of a head and neck course required before the Fellowship examination can be taken
- completion of 2 temporal bone courses required before the Fellowship examination can be taken
- a research project must be completed before the Fellowship examination can be taken
- summaries of operative experience must be submitted to the regional training committee at 6 monthly intervals during training
- a pass in the Fellowship examination required on completion of training
- FRACS in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery awarded on satisfactory completion of examination and training requirements
- participation required in the RACS continuing professional development programme
I want to make a vocational registration application
If you wish to make a vocational registration application, please refer to the Vocational Registration Homepage and select the Option appropriate for you.
Am I able to apply for other types of registration?
You may be able to apply for more than one type of registration. To find out which is the best fit for you, please use our self assessment tool