Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Emergency Training in Undergraduate Medical Education: Global Status, Gaps, and Curriculum Reform Priorities

Abstract

Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) emergencies, such as airway obstruction, severe epistaxis, and foreign body aspiration, are frequent and potentially life-threatening conditions commonly encountered in clinical practice. Despite their prevalence, emergency training in ENT remains insufficient in undergraduate medical education worldwide. This study explores the current status of ENT emergency education, highlighting key gaps and proposing strategies for curriculum reform. Evidence indicates that medical students often graduate with limited competence in managing acute ENT presentations due to short clinical rotations, lack of simulation-based practice, and minimal assessment of procedural skills. These deficiencies are particularly pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, where limited resources and inadequate faculty development further hinder learning outcomes. Given that ENT emergencies account for a significant proportion of emergency department visits globally, improving undergraduate preparedness is essential to ensure safe and effective patient care. Integrating simulation-based learning, standardised national curricula, and e-learning platforms can enhance both theoretical understanding and practical competence. Developing competency-based frameworks and faculty training programs will further ensure sustainability and equity in education. This paper emphasises the need for coordinated global efforts to reform ENT emergency teaching, promoting a generation of doctors capable of responding confidently and effectively to critical otolaryngologic emergencies.