Otolaryngology Surgeon‐Scientists: The Road Less Traveled

Abstract Objective Surgeon‐Scientists in Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) are critical to advancing clinical care through scientific innovation. However, extended training duration and challenges in research funding acquisition continue to hinder career advancement. Study Design Cross‐sectional cohort study. Setting Analysis of publicly available NIH RePORTER data and national survey of NIH‐funded OHNS faculty across US academic medical institutions. Survey data was collected between October and December 2024. Methods We identified NIH‐funded OHNS faculty as of September 2024 using the NIH RePORTER database. We examined time to initial R01‐equivalent funding and grant diversity by degree types (MD, PhD, or dual‐degree). A survey was administered to the OHNS faculty to evaluate their training experiences, research productivity, and funding mechanisms. Results PhD faculty comprised the largest proportion of NIH‐funded OHNS investigators (52%) and had greater grant diversity than MD and dual‐degree counterparts ( P < .0001). Furthermore, PhDs secured R01‐equivalent grants earlier than MDs and dual‐degree holders (7.5 vs 9.5 years posttraining, P = .04). However, MD and dual‐degree faculty were more likely to obtain K awards and transition to R01 funding ( P < .0001). Participation in T32/R25 residency programs was associated with a 2.5‐year reduction in time to R01‐equivalent grant ( P = .037). Basic science researchers were 4 times more likely to obtain K awards ( P = .04). Conclusion While OHNS PhD faculty attain early and diverse funding, structured training programs and engagement in basic science research significantly enhance MD‐degree faculty funding success. This study highlights institutional and training‐level strategies that reduce the time to research independence and strengthen the OHNS surgeon‐scientist pipeline.