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Otolaryngology Fellowship

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Otolaryngology Fellowship

Program Overview

The Pediatric Otolaryngology fellowship program at the ÎÚÑ»ÊÓÆµ Children’s Hospital, Delaware, in affiliation with Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, trains physicians in advanced skills in pediatric otolaryngology.

Our one-year program, accredited by theÌý, helps the fellow gain proficiency in diagnosing and treating infants and children with a wide array of otolaryngology issues. The fellow receives training from our 8 faculty members from the Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology — board-certified pediatric specialists who treat inpatients and outpatients at ÎÚÑ»ÊÓÆµ Children’s Hospital, Delaware and our satellite locations. Our graduates have pursued careers in academic and private practice settings.

The fellow develops clinical skill by participating in morning rounds, overseeing residents on inpatient and Emergency Department consultations, and taking part in outpatient office hours. Multidisciplinary meetings, such as our monthly radiology and aerodigestive conferences and cochlea implant candidacy meetings, give the fellow the opportunity to present and lead discussions regarding complex patients. In specialty clinics, including Voice Clinic, Vestibular Clinic and Complex Sleep Clinic, the fellow gains additional exposure to the multidisciplinary approach to complex patient care.

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Curriculum

With more than 5,000 surgical cases per year, the fellow receives a robust surgical experience. The surgical experience is broad and covers the areas of otology, airway, rhinology, and head and neck surgery. The fellow also has the opportunity to work with Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at ÎÚÑ»ÊÓÆµ, to gain experience with cleft lip and palate, and facial trauma.Ìý

Teaching experience is provided by oversight of 2ndÌýand 3rdÌýyear residents from Thomas Jefferson University. Research is encouraged and supported.

Research

ÎÚÑ»ÊÓÆµ has excellent research facilities and labs with state-of-the-art equipment. Based on your skill level and inclination, you’ll be encouraged and supported in the use of these resources as you add to your knowledge base through research activities during your fellowship.

Our clinical faculty and research professionals can help you learn the processes and techniques related to clinical studies, basic science research, presentations and publications.Ìý

The division of Pediatric Otolaryngology at ÎÚÑ»ÊÓÆµ has a variety of ongoing research projects. A sampling of current studies includes:

Dr. Patrick Barth, co-director of the airway program and the Voice Center, has an R01 research grant along with Katherine Verdolini PhD of the University of Delaware that is examining the cognitive and physical traits that enhance or diminish children’s response to voice therapy, with the aim of creating a developmental roadmap showing when children are most likely to benefit from voice therapy.

Dr. Jenna Briddell, who leads the tracheostomy care team at ÎÚÑ»ÊÓÆµ, has several research projects related to improving outcomes for children with tracheostomies. A current project includes examining factors associated with decannulation failure. She is investigating the impact of simulation-based tracheostomy training on home caregiver skills and tracheostomy-related complication rates, and is part of a multi-institutional study examining outcomes of tracheostomy in extremely premature infants. With a bioengineering background, Dr. Briddell is also working with Dr. Cathy Fromen at the University of Delaware Department of Chemical Engineering regarding 3D printing of pediatric airways for improved aerosol therapeutics. Additionally, Dr. Briddell is the creator and administrator of the tracheostomy and otology REDCap databases, which are excellent resources for current and future research projects. She is also a subcontractor for a multi-institutional CDC-funded grant studying juvenile onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

Drs. Schmidt and Nardone, with an interest in airway and sleep, are examining the outcomes of transoral robotic surgery for lingual tonsillectomy for children with persistent obstructive sleep apnea after adenotonsillectomy. Several faculty members are examining the impact of Toradol on bleeding after adenotonsillectomy and the long-term outcomes of intracapsular tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

Health literacy and quality improvement projects have included Drs. Aaronson and Nardone examining the impact of using text messaging to relay postoperative information to families regarding commonly encountered symptoms after ear tube insertion and adenotonsillectomy. Dr. Aaronson is also looking at correlating airway findings on dynamic CT with bronchoscopy findings to see if dynamic CT can be used for surveillance in asymptomatic airway patients.

Dr. Parkes, who directs the cochlear implant team, has a focus on outcomes research in pediatric otology, including cholesteatoma surgery, auditory neuropathy and pediatric cochlear implantation. He and Thierry Morlet, PhD, are combining fNIRS and eye-tracking measures to examine dynamic changes in neuroplasticity and language skills in deaf and hard-of-hearing infants. He is also interested in the identification of CMV infection in neonates who fail the newborn hearing screen and CMV-related hearing loss.

Faculty PubMed Bibliography:

Learn More About Research at ÎÚÑ»ÊÓÆµ

Salary & Benefits

Salary

  • PGY 5: $84,139
  • PGY 6: $87,505
  • PGY 7: $91,005

Benefits

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Malpractice insurance
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Four weeks paid vacation
  • Travel stipend

Training at ÎÚÑ»ÊÓÆµ in Delaware Valley

ÎÚÑ»ÊÓÆµ Children’s Hospital, Delaware, sits on a scenic, 300-acre estate in Wilmington’s Brandywine Valley. It’s the largest pediatric training site in our system, big enough to offer nearly every specialty, yet close-knit enough that faculty know their learners well. From the start, you’ll notice a culture built on collaboration, mentorship, and curiosity.

Hospital & Training Environment

Most of your training takes place at our children’s hospital in Wilmington, a nationally recognized destination for complex pediatric care. It’s the state’s only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and home to a Level IV NICU, so you’ll see the full range of high-acuity cases. Families come from across the region, giving you exposure to diverse conditions and hands-on learning in a true referral hub. Take a video tour of the hospital now.Ìý

Along with ÎÚÑ»ÊÓÆµ, you may also spend time at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia and other partner hospitals. These rotations bring variety in community pediatrics, rehabilitation care, and patient populations you won’t see every day in Wilmington.Ìý

Living in Wilmington & Delaware Valley

Wilmington is easy to settle into. It’s affordable, manageable in size, and just a short train ride from Philadelphia. Baltimore and Washington, D.C. are also close by. Need fresh air? The Brandywine Valley has trails, rivers, and historic gardens. Want more energy? Philly has food, arts, and sports at a world-class level. Here, you get the best of both worlds.Ìý

Research Opportunities

Research is part of daily life here. Some trainees work in the lab, others join clinical trials, and many focus on quality improvement. Supported by faculty mentors and dedicated resources, trainees may also present at national meetings or publish in peer-reviewed journals.Ìý

Resident & Fellow Life

Training here isn’t only about rotations and research. It’s also about having the space and support to enjoy the journey.

Group of doctor, nurses, research and staff

Community & CultureÌý|ÌýColleagues quickly become friends. Alumni talk about the camaraderie, the sense that you’re part of something bigger, and the ease of finding mentors who genuinely care.


Wellness & Support |ÌýWellness is built into the experience. From apps and peer networks to professional counseling, resources are there when you need them. There's also a free 24/7 gym on campus and regular wellness programming.


Everyday Perks |ÌýFree parking. Meals at noon conference. On-site child care center. Call rooms and quiet spaces when you need rest. These make a difference in the rhythm of daily training.


Unique Setting |ÌýAs part of theÌý, you can step outside into beautiful gardens and expansive green space. Program-sponsored outings and social traditions add to the sense of balance and community.

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Train With Recognized Leaders

If you’re looking for a rewarding program built on academic excellence and family-centered care, ÎÚÑ»ÊÓÆµ Children's offers outstanding medical, surgical, pharmacy, nursing, therapy and psychology programs. Train with faculty who are respected leaders in their fields, a patient care model that stands apart and access to groundbreaking research.Ìý

Meet Our Leadership Team

Heather Nardone, MD, FAAP

Director, Otolaryngology Fellowship Program

MD – University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Residency – University of Pennsylvania Health System
Fellowship – Boston Children's Hospital

Clinical Focus: management of pediatric airway disorders, sleep disorders


Nina D. Tarabicos-Dowd, BS

Program Coordinator, Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship Program
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Meet Our Program Faculty

Nicole Aaronson, MD,ÌýMBA, FACS, FAAP
Otolaryngologist

MDÌý— New York University School of Medicine
ResidencyÌý— Yale New Haven Hospital
FellowshipÌý— Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

Clinical Focus:Ìývoice disorders, salivary disorders, cost containmentÌý

Ìý

Patrick C. Barth, MD, FACS
Co-Director, Airway Program

MDÌý— Medical College of Pennsylvania/Hahnemann School of Medicine
Residency — Geisinger Medical Center
FellowshipÌý— ÎÚÑ»ÊÓÆµ Children’s Hospital, Delaware

Clinical Focus: voice evaluation and treatment, management of pediatric airway disorders

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Andrew Bluher, MD
Otolaryngologist

MD — University of Maryland School of Medicine
Residency — Eastern Virginia Medical School
Fellowship — Boston Children's Hospital

Clinical Focus: pediatric otology

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Ìý

Jenna Briddell, MD
Otolaryngologist

MDÌý— Drexel University College of Medicine
Residency — Geisinger Medical Center
FellowshipÌý— ÎÚÑ»ÊÓÆµ Children’s Hospital, Delaware

Clinical Focus: pediatric otology

Ìý

William J. Parkes, IV, MD
Director, Otology

MDÌý— Jefferson Medical College
ResidencyÌý— Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
FellowshipÌý— The Hospital for Sick Children

Clinical Focus:Ìýpediatric cochlear implantation, cholesteoma surgery, vestibular disorders, thyroid surgery, skull base surgery

Ìý

Richard J. Schmidt, MD
Interim Chief

MD — University of Maryland School of Medicine
ResidencyÌý— Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
FellowshipÌý— ÎÚÑ»ÊÓÆµ Children’s Hospital, Delaware

Clinical Focus:Ìýmanagement of pediatric airway disorders

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Taylor Teplitzky, MD
Otolaryngologist

MD — University of Maryland School of Medicine
Residency — University of Maryland Medical Center
Fellowship — University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

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Meet Our Participants

Alumni

2004-2005
Richard Schmidt, MD
2006-2007
Patrick Barth, MD
2007-2008
Swapna Chandran, MD
2008-2009
Alyssa Terk, MD
2009-2010
Sri Kiran Chennupati, MD
2010-2011
Chris Grindle, MD
2011-2012
Jessica Levi, MD
2012-2013
Estelle Yoo, MD
2013-2014
David Conrad, MD
2014-2015
Chris Goff, MD
2015-2016
Katie McKee-Cole, MD
2016-2017
Jenna W. Briddell, MD
2017-2018
Christopher Tsang, MD
2018-2019
Nathan Vandjelovic, DO
2019–2020
Caroline Kolb, MD
2020-2021
Conor H. Blanco, DO
2021-2022
Kathleen E. McClain, DO
2022-2023
Punam A. Patel, MD
2023-2024
Christopher E, Jabbour, MD

Apply Today

Application Requirements

Currently Accepting Applications

Deadline: February 28, 2025

Training Begins: July 1, 2026

1.Ìý

2.ÌýCurriculum vitae

3. Personal statement

4. Medical school transcript

5.ÌýUSMLE scores (all 3 levels)

5.ÌýThree letters of recommendation

Questions About Applying?

Heather Nardone, MD
Program Director
heather.nardone@nemours.org


Nina D. Tarabicos-Dowd, BS
Program Coordinator
(302) 651-5159
nina.dowd@nemours.org