title: The subspecialty of rhinology: a survey of otolaryngology chairmen.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The past decade has witnessed the emergence of rhinology as a distinct subspecialty within otolaryngology. A critical evaluation of this process is necessary to define the field and to determine the impact of subspecialization on residency education.
  
  
  METHODS
  An Internet-based survey of otolaryngology residency chairmen was performed to query attitudes about the importance of various aspects of rhinologic education including didactics, presence of rhinology faculty, exposure to research, office-based rhinology, and various surgical procedures. A 7-point Likert scale was used to rate responses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A 30.2% response rate was noted for the chairmen survey. From the chairmen's perspective, overall high levels of importance were ascribed to rhinology education and surgical training in otolaryngology residency. Lower scores for importance were noted for basic science research, exposure to office-based allergy care, and advanced surgical procedures. High scores were noted for the importance of fellowship training in the professional development of a resident interested in pursuing a career in rhinology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall high levels of importance were ascribed by the participating chairmen to the importance of rhinology education in residency. As the subspecialty of rhinology continues to develop, the role of the various educational, research and clinical activities will require continued evaluation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY 10003, USA. atabaee@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Abtin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tabaee
authors.forename: Seth M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007396:Internship and Residency; D059747:Nasal Surgical Procedures / Q000639:trends; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000145:classification / Q000193:education*; D012106:Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires