Triologic Society

The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc., aka The Triological Society, was founded in 1895 in New York, New York. In the more than 100 years since its founding, the Triological Society has attracted the best and brightest in academic and clinical otolaryngology. Membership in the Triological Society brings the distinction of being elected to the most prestigious society in otolaryngology. Active Fellowship is achieved by presenting a thesis in the field of otolaryngology considered acceptable to a panel of peers. For those entering the field of otolaryngology, the Society provides role models. For those who are committed to research and related scholarly activity, the Society offers fellowship with like-minded peers who share common values, interests, and concerns.

The Society disseminates scientific information by presenting the latest basic science and clinical information at scientific meetings and through publication of its scientific journal, The Laryngoscope. The Society promotes research into the causes of and treatments for otolaryngic diseases by attracting promising physicians to scholarly otolaryngology research and supporting their development, providing financial support for the research efforts of young scientists, and promoting the highest standards in the field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.

Fellowship

All head and neck/ facial plastic surgeons are physicians who have undergone many years of education and training including college and medical school. After 20 years of education the physician applies for a "residency" in a particular subject. A "resident" is a licensed physician who is pursuing further post-graduate training after receiving a doctor's degree from medical school.

Most head and neck/ facial plastic surgeons do their residency training in Otolaryngology-Head-and-Neck Surgery.

Such residents have succeeded in a very competitive and selective process. Most come from the upper 25% of their medical school class. Residency begins with one to two years of general surgical training. The resident then begins specialty training in Otolaryngology-Head-and-Neck Surgery, which lasts 5 to 6 years.

In the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery residency, the physician studies anatomy, physiology, illness and surgical treatment for head and neck.

After completing that residency, the surgeon then sits for the two-day certification examination in the specialty of Otolaryngology-Head-and-Neck Surgery. If the surgeon passed that examination, the surgeon becomes 'board certified' in Otolaryngology. For those surgeons who seek a higher level of mastery and expertise within a particular area of their subspecialty they may go on to complete a fellowship. Fellowships in Head and Neck Surgery include the subspecialties of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology (Dr. Osborne) and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (Dr. Hamilton), among others. These fellowships are not simply extensions of the resident training, they are completely separate entities which lead to their own individual certification. General Otolaryngologists who say they are comfortable performing surgical oncology and facial plastics procedures do not possess the equivalent training nor expertise to perform these procedures.

Board Certification

Medical specialty certification in the United States is a voluntary process. While medical licensure sets the minimum competency requirements to diagnose and treat patients, it is not specialty specific. Board certification—and the Gold Star—demonstrate a physician's exceptional expertise in a particular specialty and/or subspecialty of medical practice.

The Gold Star signals a board certified physician's commitment and expertise in consistently achieving superior clinical outcomes in a responsive, patient-focused setting. Patients, physicians, healthcare providers, insurers and quality organizations look for the Gold Star as the best measure of a physician's knowledge, experience and skills to provide quality healthcare within a given specialty.

Certification Process:

Certification by an ABMS Member Board involves a rigorous process of testing and peer evaluation that is designed and administered by specialists in the specific area of medicine. Learn more about how a physician becomes board certified.

At one time, physicians were awarded certificates that were not time-limited and therefore did not have to be renewed. Later, a program of periodic re-certification (every six to 10 years) was initiated to ensure physicians engaged in continuing education and examination to keep current in their specialty.

In 2006, ABMS' 24 Member Boards adopted a new gold standard for re-certification with a continuous ABMS Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program for all specialties. MOC uses evidence-based guidelines and national standards and best practices in combination with customized continuing education so physicians demonstrate their leadership in the national movement for healthcare quality. MOC also requires proof of continuing education and experience in between testing for re-certification.

Learn more about MOC. Consumers can also learn more about The Importance of Board Certification and verifying physician certification. Hospitals, healthcare organizations, insurers and other professional organizations can find out more about ABMS certification products and services.