Fellowship Opportunity in Clinical or Basic Science Research

University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center / Case Western Reserve University Department of Otolaryngology is pleased to announce two research fellow positions for the academic year of 2025-2026. This is a one-year research fellowship designed for rising fourth-year medical students or medical students who are nearing the completion of their fourth-year curriculum and are pursuing a research opportunity prior to residency training.

Selected fellows will work closely with faculty on a variety of clinical, translational, and/or basic science projects across all of our clinical divisions including Otology/Neurotology Rhinology/Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery, Pediatric Otolaryngology, Laryngology, Sleep Surgery, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery. The University Hospitals Department of Otolaryngology will fully support all credentialing costs associated with on-boarding, as well as registration and travel expenses associated with up to two academic meetings for podium presentations accepted during the fellowship term. Fellows planning to apply/reapply to Otolaryngology residency programs will be able to complete an acting internship (AI) with our residency training program during their fellowship if they are matriculated students at a US based, LCME accredited medical school.  A $15,000 stipend will be offered for each position.

Fellows will be expected to organize and complete multiple clinical research projects throughout the year with publication and/or presentation expected as the end result of these projects. There will be formal research methodology training delivered through lectures and one-on-one mentoring with our faculty to obtain competency in the various areas of the fellow's personalized research plan. Additionally, the fellow will have opportunities to participate in departmental didactics, quality meetings, and social events. Our research fellows enjoy full integration into our department family and can expect to enjoy all of the great things our residents love about our program and city!

Cleveland, Ohio, nestled along the southern shore of Lake Erie, boasts a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and opportunity. With its dynamic arts scene, including the renowned Cleveland Museum of Art and Playhouse Square, the largest performing arts center outside of New York City, there's never a shortage of creativity to explore. Food enthusiasts will delight in the diverse culinary landscape, from beloved neighborhood diners to trendy eateries showcasing the city's culinary innovation. Nature lovers can escape the urban hustle by immersing themselves in the serene beauty of the nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic vistas. Cleveland's friendly locals embody Midwestern hospitality, fostering a sense of belonging that quickly makes newcomers feel at home. And with a cost of living that's more affordable than many other major cities, Cleveland presents an enticing opportunity for a year-long adventure filled with new experiences and endless possibilities.

Research fellows will begin in June or July 2025 and we ask for a minimum 10-month commitment. Recent fellows have completed their research fellowships after relocating to Cleveland for the year, however in extenuating situations, a virtual experience may be offered/coordinated based on the fellow’s need. Applications for the 2025-2026 fellowship will be accepted in Spring 2025, with interviews to be held starting in late February. Students who are unsuccessful in the NRMP matching process in 2025 will have an opportunity to interview after the closure of the SOAP. Specific dates and deadlines will be announced in January 2025 on this website.

Applications consist of a personal statement, current CV, and a letter of recommendation. Please see ‘How to Apply’ section for more information.

Program Goals:

1. Provide medical students and aspiring otolaryngologists with clinical research skills in preparation for a career that includes clinical and translational research.
2. Develop competency in several key areas as delineated in each fellow's personalized research plan. This includes several areas such as:
   • General Medical and Scientific Knowledge
   • Clinical Research Skills- including research study development and design, biostatistics, writing skills, publication, and authorship standards.
   • Communication and Organizational skills-function as a lead member as part of an inter-professional research team.
   • Professionalism- including education in the responsible conduct of research as part of Institutional Review Board standards.
3. Build upon the fellow's skills and academic credentials to improve their likelihood of matching at a US Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery training program. The research fellow will be involved in various stages of clinical research projects from day one. All projects have the goal of obtaining peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international meetings.
4. Participate in the end-of-the-year ENT Institute Research Symposium to showcase one of the clinical research projects performed over the course of the fellowship.