While rewarding, training to be an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist is a career path that needs relentless dedication, rigorous training, and a perpetual commitment to learning and innovation.
Dr Ramya Bharathi, says it is a choice she has never once regretted, and she is am passionate about her work and the people she serves. In this article, she share insights from her journey, hoping to illuminate the arduous yet rewarding pathway to becoming an ENT specialist.
The Beginning: A Foundation in Medicine
My journey began with a profound interest in medicine and human biology. Medical school was the first significant step. I attended college in New York and medical school in St. Louis, Missouri, and did my surgical training in Boston.
Here, I learned the fundamentals of medical science, from anatomy and physiology to pathology and pharmacology. I was exposed to various fields and specialities in medical school, which led me to realize my desire for a hands-on profession. Rather than working at a computer analyzing data, I was drawn to more practical tasks.
This interest was further solidified during my shadowing experiences with different doctors. Spending a day or two in their routine, particularly in the operating room, I found a deep fascination with surgery.
The coursework and study has been challenging, requiring long hours, and often, sacrifices in my personal life. Yet, every lesson, every late-night study session, was a building block towards my dream.
Choosing a Specialty: Drawn to ENT
I was drawn to otolaryngology’s dynamic and intricate world during my rotations. My specific interest in this specialized field grew from there. Although focusing on the head and neck might seem limited, it’s quite complex. The anatomy of this area is intricate and elegant, presenting a unique set of challenges and opportunities for medical practice.
I was fascinated by the diversity of cases, from pediatric ear infections to complex head and neck cancers. I was particularly captivated by the blend of surgical skill and medical knowledge required in ENT and the direct impact it had on improving patients’ lives.
Residency: The Crucible of Training
Securing a spot in an ENT residency program was my next hurdle. This phase has been the crucible of my training. I have had the privilege of working under the mentorship of experienced surgeons, learning the nuances of diagnosing and treating a wide array of ENT conditions.
I love the wide range of pathologies we treat, from simple issues like nosebleeds to complex cancers. Collaborating with other specialities is also rewarding, and the head and neck region’s role in human expression and communication makes our work impactful on patients’ lives.
The hours are long, the responsibilities immense, and the learning curve steep. However, residency has honed my clinical and surgical skills and taught me resilience, time management, and the importance of teamwork in patient care.
Fellowships and Sub-Specialization
I have had the privilege of working at Boston and Providence, Rhode Island, and I have pursued further specialization through fellowships. This additional training is an opportunity to delve deeper into areas. You have the opportunity to focus on pediatric otolaryngology, otology, or head and neck surgery.
I will be starting my fellowship in 2024, and will be working in the field of reconstructive facial surgery, where precision and artistry converge.
This subspecialty required mastering advanced surgical techniques and understanding the aesthetic and functional aspects of the head and neck region. My goal is to specialize further in facial plastic surgery and eventually open a clinic in India, where I was born, to provide free healthcare.
Board Certification: A Mark of Expertise
Achieving board certification is a critical milestone in any ENT surgeon’s career. I am on course to attain my accreditation after I graduate in 2023. This rigorous process involved passing comprehensive oral and written exams, demonstrating knowledge and skill and commitment to maintaining ENT’s highest standards of care.
Lifelong Learning and Adaptation
Becoming a top ENT surgeon is not just about training and certifications but a lifelong commitment to learning and adaptation. The field of otolaryngology is continually evolving, with new technologies, techniques, and treatments emerging regularly.
Keeping abreast of these advancements through continued education, attending conferences, and engaging in research has been crucial to my practice.
I love the wide range of pathologies I get to treat, from simple issues like nosebleeds to complex cancers. Collaborating with other specialities is also rewarding, and the head and neck region’s role in human expression and communication makes our work impactful on patients’ lives.
I enjoy facial plastics, especially procedures like facial reanimation surgery. It’s rewarding to help patients regain facial expression and communication abilities.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my journey, I am filled with accomplishment and purpose. Becoming an ENT surgeon is challenging, marked by moments of self-doubt, exhaustion, and steep learning curves. Yet, it has been immensely fulfilling. The ability to restore hearing to a child, improve breathing difficulties, or remove a life-threatening tumor, has given my life profound meaning and purpose. And I always strive to be professional, calm, and compassionate, giving each patient’s concerns equal importance.
Working in the field of ENT can test one’s limits and bring unparalleled rewards. I am often reminded of the countless patients whose lives I’ve touched and who, in turn, have touched mine. This journey isn’t just about becoming a surgeon; it’s about becoming a beacon of hope and healing in the lives of those we serve.
About Dr Ramya Bharathi
Dr Ramya Bharathi, an accomplished Resident Physician in the Otolaryngology Department at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, is renowned for her exceptional medical and academic achievements.
Dr Bharathi completed her medical degree at Saint Louis University School of Medicine with distinction, demonstrating early proficiency in medical research. She graduated with honors and Magna Cum Laude from the College of New Rochelle with a Bachelor of Science.
Her career is highlighted by several prestigious grants, including the Medtronic Sinus Dissection Course Grant and the Triological Society Travel Award, showcasing her commitment to excellence in otolaryngology. Dr Bharathi’s tenure at Tufts Medical Center since 2019 is complemented by her prior experience as a Research Assistant at the University of Toronto, Columbia University and New York University.
An active member of key professional organizations, Dr Bharathi contributes to the Massachusetts Society of Otolaryngology and the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Her scholarly work is extensive, with numerous impactful research publications and presentations in the field.
