Program Overview


The Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ORL-HNS) Residency Program at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is a prestigious six-year ACGME-I accredited training program designed to provide comprehensive education and training for future Otolaryngologists. Committed to the well-being and academic excellence of its residents, this program adheres to rigorous educational standards, promotes research, and fosters academic advancement, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for independent practice and specialization.

Our program provides a rich array of educational resources, including weekly tutorials, didactic lectures, journal clubs, and morbidity and mortality presentations, all designed to keep our residents informed about the latest advancements in the ORL-HNS field. We place a strong emphasis on scholarly activities and research, facilitating significant intellectual growth and substantial contributions by our residents to the ORL-HNS discipline. With a distinguished faculty led by respected leaders in the field, our program offers dedicated mentorship to nurture future specialists from diverse backgrounds, enhancing the overall learning experience for our residents.

Upon successful completion of the ACGME-I accredited ORL-HNS Residency program at HMC, our graduates emerge as well-rounded, highly skilled professionals ready to practice independently in a variety of clinical settings. They possess board certifications and have pathways to pursue advanced specialization, thanks to the program's rigorous training, dedication to research, and unwavering mentorship.

Goals and Objectives

The Otolaryngology Residency Program at HMC is committed to providing residents with a comprehensive training experience in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ORL-HNS). Our primary goals and objectives include:

  • In-Depth Knowledge and Advanced Clinical Skills: We equip residents with a profound understanding of ORL-HNS, ensuring they acquire advanced clinical skills necessary for diagnosing, preventing, and treating conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and head-neck structures.
  • Clinical and Academic Excellence: We foster a culture of excellence in both clinical practice and academic research among our residents. Our structured curriculum encompasses didactic sessions, clinical rotations, and research opportunities, enhancing residents' proficiency in the field.
  • Exposure to Diverse Clinical Scenarios: Residents benefit from exposure to a wide range of clinical scenarios, spanning outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, and inpatient settings. This exposure ensures a well-rounded education and encourages the application of knowledge and skills in real-world patient care.
  • Development of Soft Skills: In addition to clinical competence, we place a strong emphasis on cultivating essential soft skills. Residents are encouraged to develop effective communication skills, professionalism, and teamwork. Active participation in patient care, collaboration with colleagues, and the acquisition of leadership skills are actively promoted.
  • Continuous Learning and Self-Improvement: Our program creates an environment that promotes a culture of continuous learning and self-improvement. We instill in residents a commitment to ongoing professional development and the pursuit of excellence in ORL-HNS.
  • Ultimately, our goal is to produce well-rounded, skilled, and compassionate Otolaryngologists who excel in clinical practice, contribute significantly to academic research, and consistently uphold the highest standards of patient care and professionalism.

Clinical Training and Key Rotations

PGY 1:

  • General Surgery - 3 blocks
  • Neurosurgery - 1 block
  • Plastic Surgery - 1 block
  • Emergency Medicine - 1 block
  • Trauma/TICU - 1 block
  • Pediatric Surgery - 1 Block
  • Pediatric ORL-HNS - 1 block
  • General ORL-HNS rotation/Research - 2 blocks

PGY 2:

  • General ORL-HNS - 9.5 blocks
  • Audiology - 0.25 block
  • Research - 0.25 block
  • Pediatric ORL-HNS - 2 blocks

PGY 3:

  • Rhinology - 3 blocks
  • Head and Neck - 3 Blocks
  • Otology - 2.5 Blocks
  • Audiology - 0.25 block
  • Research - 0.25 block
  • Maxillofacial - 1 block
  • Pediatric ORL-HNS - 2 blocks

PGY 4:

  • Rhinology - 4 blocks
  • Head and Neck - 3 Blocks
  • Otology - 3.5 Blocks
  • Audiology - 0.25 block
  • Research - 0.25 block
  • Maxillofacial - 1 block​

PGY 5:

  • Rhinology - 3 blocks
  • Head and Neck - 3 Blocks
  • Otology - 2.5 Blocks
  • Audiology - 0.25 block
  • Research - 0.25 block
  • Maxillofacial - 1 block
  • Head and Neck-International - 2 blocks

PGY 6:

  • Rhinology - 4 blocks
  • Head and Neck - 4 Blocks
  • Otology - 4 Blocks

Contact Information


Program Director:
Dr. Aisha Larem

Associate Program Director(s):​
Dr. Majid Al-Abdulla

Program Coordinator:
Mrs. Akhila Rao

Program Email:
Arao1@hamad.qa

Faculty information


Our Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ORL-HNS) residency program distinguishes itself through the unparalleled support of our esteemed faculty. Led by the Head of the department and a dedicated Program Director, both renowned figures in the field, our faculty serves as mentors, nurturing the growth of future ORL-HNS specialists with invaluable guidance. Not only do they possess exceptional expertise, but they also bring diverse backgrounds and an unwavering commitment to education, enriching our learning environment. This diversity distinguishes our program as a center for thorough and all-rounded training in ORL-HNS, giving residents a diverse perspective and unmatched chances for skill development.

Research highlights/programs


The Otolaryngology residency program at HMC places a strong emphasis on research. Our residents and faculty have a track record of contributing to significant research in the field, resulting in publications and presentations at medical conferences. We provide well-equipped research facilities and mentorship to support residents' scholarly pursuits, fostering academic growth within the program.

Facilities and Resources

  • Resident Office: Our resident office is a dedicated hub for residents, offering workstations, supplies, and medical textbooks for productive administrative work, study, and collaboration.
  • Education Conference Room: Our education conference room is an essential program component, fostering interactive learning with advanced audiovisual equipment for didactic sessions and academic meetings.​
  • Clinical Facilities: Residents have access to diverse clinical settings, including outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, and inpatient facilities, where they gain hands-on experience guided by experienced faculty.
  • Research Support: We are dedicated to supporting residents in their research pursuits with mentors, data analysis tools, and funding opportunities.

These thoughtfully curated facilities and resources collectively cultivate an environment that encourages learning, research, and collaboration. Through these provisions, we empower residents in the Otolaryngology Residency Program at Hamad Medical Corporation to excel in their training, equipping them with the necessary tools to make significant contributions to the dynamic field of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.