The rhinology laboratory.

Objectives: This study seeks to develop a rhinology lab model and to assess its effectiveness for physicians-in-training.

Study Design: We established a rhinology lab at our institution with simple and affordable modifications to our temporal bone lab. Residents attended a seven-part lecture series and received a list of endoscopic and open procedures to perform on computed tomography (CT)-scanned, vessel-injected cadaver heads.

Methods: After 2 years we asked participating residents to rate their lab experience on a 1-to-10 (disagree-agree) scale.

Results: Cumulative scores indicated that residents enthusiastically perceived this additional training as worthwhile (micro=10), while increasing their efficiency (micro=9.5), safety (micro=9.875), and anatomic knowledge (micro=9.875). The lab has opened opportunities for rhinology research, as evidence by one resident publication and another project in progress. Survey feedback has helped develop guidelines for instructor participation in the lab as well as for assigned reading and independent study.

Conclusions: Based on our preliminary experience, we recommend the rhinology lab to all residency programs as an important yet cost-effective means of maintaining education in step with rapidly changing technologies.