Program start: July 2027
Training length: Five years
Primary site: Mercy Hospital Springfield
Pediatric rotation site: Children’s Mercy Kansas City
Program director: Mark Van Ess, DO, MHA
Program coordinator: Tracye Corbin
Contact: tracye.corbin@mercy.net
Otolaryngology Residency Program
The Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Residency at Mercy Hospital Springfield is a five-year surgical training program designed to prepare skilled, independent otolaryngologists. Residents gain broad experience across ENT subspecialties while training at a high-volume regional referral center.
The program emphasizes hands-on surgical experience, increasing responsibility and close faculty mentorship. Graduates are prepared to enter community practice or continue their education through fellowship training.
Preparing Leaders for the Future
Our goal is to prepare practice-ready otolaryngologists who can serve rural and underserved communities while helping explain access to high-quality ENT care.
Why Train at Mercy Springfield
- Surgical experience across ENT subspecialties
- Increasing operative responsibility throughout training
- Close faculty mentorship and direct teaching
- Experience with complex conditions at a regional referral center
- Preparation for rural and community-based practice
- Opportunities in research, quality improvement and leadership
Clinical Experience
Residents train primarily at Mercy Hospital Springfield, an 866-bed regional referral center providing advanced medical and surgical care. Clinical experience includes operating room training across ENT subspecialties, outpatient and subspecialty clinics, inpatient consultations, emergency airway care and trauma management.
Residents become involved in patient care early in training and receive increasing responsibility as their skills and judgement develop.
Curriculum and Rotations
Core training includes:
- General otolaryngology
- Head and neck surgery
- Otology and neurotology
- Rhinology and skull base surgery
- Laryngology
- Facial plastics
- Pediatric ENT
Additional training includes:
- Intensive and critical care
- Anesthesiology and airway management
- Emergency medicine
- Radiology
- Pathology
Residents complete a pediatric otolaryngology rotation at Children's Mercy Kansas City.
Education and Didactics
Residents participate in case-based conferences, morning learning sessions, grand rounds, morbidity and mortality conferences, journal club, simulation, procedural training and board preparation. The curriculum supports the development of surgical skill and sound clinical judgment.
Faculty and Mentorship
Residents work closely with experienced otolaryngologists across multiple subspecialties. Faculty provide direct supervision in clinical and surgical settings, offer regular feedback and support each resident’s professional and career development.
Culture and Learning Environment
Residents train in a collaborative environment where questions, feedback and continuous growth are encouraged. Faculty remain accessible and support residents as they gain confidence, refine their surgical skills and assume greater responsibility.
Quality Improvement and Leadership
Residents participate in quality improvement work, patient safety programs, systems-based practice and multispecialty care coordination. These experiences help prepare them to improve care and lead effectively within surgical teams.
Career Development
Faculty provide mentorship as residents consider community practice, academic medicine or fellowship training. Career guidance continues throughout the program so each resident can prepare the path that fits their professional goals.
