Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship

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Start Date: August 1
Duration of Fellowship: 1 year
University Affiliation: University of California, San Francisco
Licensure Requirements: California Medical License
Number of Fellows Per Year: 1
ACGME Accredited: Yes

Program Details

Program Director: Jordan Virbalas, MD, FAAP

Associate Program Director: Kimberly Luu, MD

Appointment Level: Faculty member as Clinical Instructor

Operating Privileges: UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals San Francisco and Oakland

Clinical Experience: The Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals is a one-year program that provides unique exposure to the breadth and depth of pediatric otolaryngology.

Our 10 full-time pediatric OHNS faculty provide a rich and comprehensive exposure to the following surgical arenas:

  • endoscopic and open pediatric airway
  • pediatric otology (including chronic ear disease, cochlear implants, and ear canal atresia)
  • head and neck neoplasms including thyroidectomy
  • Complex sleep surgery
  • VPI/voice
  • endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery

The fellow is encouraged to participate in the multidisciplinary clinics offered at the Benioff Children’s Hospitals, as these are designed to care for children with complex pathology. At each campus, our pediatric otolaryngologists participate in Craniofacial Clinic, Aerodigestive Clinic, Tracheostomy Clinic, and Hearing and Communication Clinic. In addition, the Mission Bay campus offers the West Coast’s longest-standing Birthmark and Vascular Anomalies Clinic.

One of the most critical elements of pediatric otolaryngology training is participation in a robust and varied in-patient experience. Our fellowship offers an apprenticeship model of training in which a faculty member is made available each week for consultation and guidance in the management of the in-patient service.  At each campus, the fellow will find state-of-the-art intensive care facilities and a high volume emergency room. The Oakland campus is also a level I trauma center.

Educational Opportunities: 

  • Weekly didactic sessions, fully integrated across both campuses of BCH, led by pediatric OHNS faculty members, residents, or the fellow
  • Monthly multidisciplinary airway conference, designed to promote discussion of complex airway challenges among OHNS, pulmonary, critical care, emergency medicine, and anesthesia faculty from both campuses of BCH
  • Weekly case conferences with pediatric OHNS faculty to discuss active issues on the inpatient service as well as challenging outpatient cases.
  • Voluntary formal courses in Medical Education, Global Health, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are offered to our fellow through UCSF

    Research Opportunities: UCSF has a long history of groundbreaking research. In 2022, for the 16th year in a row, UCSF received the most NIH funding of any public institution (2nd most of any institution). Accordingly, fellows will find many research projects available to them. The fellow is expected to produce one publishable manuscript and one quality improvement project during their fellowship.

    Call Responsibilities: 1 week/month. Predominantly back-up to UCSF OHNS residents. Pediatric OHNS moonlighting is available.

    To Apply: Please email inquiries to [email protected]