International Visiting Physician Program

The International Visiting Physician Program will provide the opportunity for physicians from around the world to obtain a focused or enhanced sub-specialty experience at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery within the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Perelman School of Medicine. Participants will be able to observe clinical and surgical procedures. Exciting research opportunities in head and neck cancer, hearing sciences, chronic rhinosinusitis, and smell and taste may be offered, subject to availability. Participation in research requires a longer period of commitment and is contingent upon obtaining a J-1 visa.

The Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery provides state of the art diagnosis and treatment for disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and head and neck region. Our sub-specialty expertise includes head and neck and thyroid tumor surgery, skull base surgery, rhinology and sinus surgery, microsurgery of the ear, hearing loss, balance disorders, cochlear implantation and hearing rehabilitation, smell and taste disorders, laryngology and vocal and speech disorders, and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Participants will be able to observe clinical and surgical procedures

The successive chairmen and faculty in our department have been both pioneers and leaders in our field which has led to international recognition for our clinical and scientific programs. Under the leadership of D. Gregory Farwell, MD, Gabriel Tucker Professor and Chairman, our department is one of the world’s premier academic centers. The department is comprised of multiple clinical and scientific divisions as well as designated Centers of Excellence including the Center for Head and Neck Cancer, the Center for Cranial Base Surgery, the Balance Center, the Hearing Sciences Program, the Center for Implantable Hearing Devices, the Center for Voice and Swallowing, and The Smell and Taste Center. Our subspecialty clinical divisions include Rhinology, Otology/Neurotology, Head and Neck Surgery, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Laryngology, Pediatric Otolaryngology, General Otolaryngology, Audiology, and Speech-Language Pathology.

The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania was the first Medical School in the nation, and the Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery was founded in 1870.

The University of Pennsylvania Medical Center is located at 34th and Spruce Streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania is close to the 30th Street AMTRAK Train Station, Philadelphia International Airport, and all major highways. There are many hotels, restaurants and shops in the area and downtown is nearby.

International Visiting Physician Application Requirements

The program is designed for practicing otolaryngologists who have completed their training and wish to focus on a specific area of subspecialization. The period of appointment for a Visiting Physician varies from one month to several months. Physicians who would like to visit our Department/Divisions must write a letter to the Director of our International Visiting Physician Program. Candidates will be required to send their CV and two letters of recommendation. We require one letter from your department head and one from another physician who is familiar with your work and professional objectives.

Considerations for those interested in applying to the program:
  • Visiting Physicians should be able to verbally communicate in English with all staff.
  • A valid visa and cooperation with Penn’s Office of International Programs is necessary for appointment.
  • Participation in department Grand Rounds, seminars, and conferences is expected.
  • Interaction with patients is limited to observation in the clinic and operating room.
  • In most cases, all travel and living costs associated with a visit to our program are the responsibility of the visiting physician or their sponsoring institution.
  • An administrative processing fee will be charged for accepted applicants.
  • International-Visiting-Physician-Program-Brochure-2021
  • InternationalVisitingPhysicianProgramApplication

Contact Information

Robert M. Brody, MD
Director of International Visiting Physician Program
Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery
Perelman School of Medicine
3400 Spruce Street, Ravdin 5
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Email: robert.brody@pennmedicine.upenn.edu