What does an otolaryngologist do?
An otolaryngologist is a physician who specializes in the care and treatment of the ear, nose, and throat and is commonly known as an ENT (ear, nose, and throat). This type of doctor is unique because they are trained in both medicine and surgery. Otolaryngologists diagnose and treat diseases and perform surgery on these organs as well. ENTs are engaged to work in hospitals and other medical facilities, operate private clinics, or go into teaching.
Otolaryngologist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real otolaryngologist resumes:
- Manage all incoming medical records requests (ensuring office is within HIPPA guidelines).
- Experience with electronic medical records and the coordination and distribution of professional documents in accordance to HIPAA regulations.
- Perform simple laceration repairs, application of cryotherapy for skin lesions, gynecologic and prostate examinations.
Otolaryngologist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 66% of Otolaryngologists are proficient in Patients, EMR, and Private Practice. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Dexterity, and Physical stamina.
We break down the percentage of Otolaryngologists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Patients, 66%
Consulted with patients to evaluate/assess medical condition and plan/administer appropriate care.
- EMR, 21%
Send prescription through Allscripts Escripts Experienced with Aprima EMR
- Private Practice, 3%
Worked as a member in a private practice and served on staff at the medical facility/hospital.
- MRI, 3%
Maintained the data of the patient's records of MRI, X-rays, hearing test.
- Medical Practice, 3%
Assisted with all aspects of medical practice.
- Exam Rooms, 2%
Managed supplies for 6 exam rooms, 2 surgery suites and 2 cosmetic procedure rooms.
Most otolaryngologists use their skills in "patients," "emr," and "private practice" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential otolaryngologist responsibilities here:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an otolaryngologist to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "physicians and surgeons need to be excellent communicators." Otolaryngologists often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "ensured open lines of communication between patients, staff, and physicians with efficiency and confidentiality. "
Dexterity. Another essential skill to perform otolaryngologist duties is dexterity. Otolaryngologists responsibilities require that "physicians and surgeons may work with very precise and sometimes sharp tools, and mistakes can have serious consequences." Otolaryngologists also use dexterity in their role according to a real resume snippet: "gained invaluable knowledge of the medical industry and patient care; developed diagnostic and problem-solving skills through hands-on clinical experience. "
Physical stamina. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of otolaryngologists is physical stamina. This skill is critical to many everyday otolaryngologist duties, as "physicians and surgeons should be comfortable lifting or turning disabled patients, or performing other physical tasks." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "obtain history and perform physical examination of foot and ankle/ lower extremity for new and established patients. "
Problem-solving skills. A big part of what otolaryngologists do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to otolaryngologist responsibilities because "physicians and surgeons need to evaluate patients’ symptoms and administer the appropriate treatments." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical otolaryngologist tasks: "provided solutions to the patients for their needs. "
Compassion. Another crucial skill for an otolaryngologist to carry out their responsibilities is "compassion." A big part of what otolaryngologists relies on this skill, since "patients who are sick or injured may be in extreme pain or distress." How this skill relates to otolaryngologist duties can be seen in an example from an otolaryngologist resume snippet: "provided and directed patient care in an appropriate and compassionate manner. "
Detail oriented. Another skill commonly found on otolaryngologist job descriptions is "detail oriented." It can come up quite often in otolaryngologist duties, since "patients must receive appropriate treatment and medications." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day otolaryngologist responsibilities: "draw blood samples, prepare charts, and take vital signs and detailed patient histories. "
The three companies that hire the most otolaryngologists are:
- Integrity Locums6 otolaryngologists jobs
- HealthTrust4 otolaryngologists jobs
- MEDNAX3 otolaryngologists jobs
Compare different otolaryngologists
Otolaryngologist vs. Associate professor, physician
A Resident Physician participates in a program of graduate medical education and training in a specialized area of medicine. They work with other members of the healthcare team to provide direct medical care to patients.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between otolaryngologists and associate professor, physician. For instance, otolaryngologist responsibilities require skills such as "nose," "emr," "private practice," and "exam rooms." Whereas a associate professor, physician is skilled in "internal medicine," "medical history," "clinical program," and "acls." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Associate professors, physician tend to reach similar levels of education than otolaryngologists. In fact, associate professors, physician are 1.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 12.9% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Otolaryngologist vs. Resident physician
Emergency medicine specialists are healthcare professionals who are responsible for treating patients with immediate care in emergency rooms or trauma centers. These specialists are required to possess skills in advanced cardiac life support, trauma care, and management of other life-threatening conditions. They must lead a team of other medical professionals during situations that are intense and stressful while making a split second lifesaving diagnosis on their patients. Emergency medicine specialists must also maintain accurate medical records to understand the medical history of their patients.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that otolaryngologist responsibilities requires skills like "nose," "emr," "private practice," and "mri." But a resident physician might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "family medicine," "ob," "medical education," and "primary care."
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Resident physicians tend to reach similar levels of education than otolaryngologists. In fact, they're 1.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 12.9% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Otolaryngologist vs. Emergency medicine specialist
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, otolaryngologists are more likely to have skills like "nose," "emr," "private practice," and "mri." But a emergency medicine specialist is more likely to have skills like "emergency medicine," "critical care," "acls," and "im."
Emergency medicine specialists typically earn higher educational levels compared to otolaryngologists. Specifically, they're 20.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 16.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Otolaryngologist vs. Resident doctor
Even though a few skill sets overlap between otolaryngologists and resident doctors, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an otolaryngologist might have more use for skills like "nose," "emr," "private practice," and "medical practice." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of resident doctors require skills like "emergency room," "internal medicine," "general surgery," and "outpatient clinic. "
Resident doctors reach similar levels of education compared to otolaryngologists, in general. The difference is that they're 0.7% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 7.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of otolaryngologist
Updated January 8, 2025
