University of Florida Department of Otolaryngology offers a 1-year research fellowship for medical students interested pursuing residency training in Otolaryngology with special focus in Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery.
The fellowship’s goal is to offer robust clinical research training, grow foundational knowledge, and provide career development and mentorship for the fellows. Additionally, the fellows will have exposure to the UF Otolaryngology residents and didactic lectures. This position will also include ample shadowing opportunities in the OR and clinic, formal and structured mentorship, as well as a career development curriculum. Training in resident interview preparation and opportunities for mock interviews with UF otolaryngology faculty will be provided.
Research topics include medical and surgical treatment outcomes in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), epidemiology and surveillance of sinonasal tumors, olfactory loss, olfactory loss, treatment of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), endoscopic skull base surgery and orbital surgery, among others. Projects will vary yearly and depend on the fellow’s interest and may include a combination of prospective and retrospective clinical research, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and innovation in surgical techniques. The fellow will be supported and expected to present their work at regional and national conferences, as well as publish in peer-reviewed journals.
CORE FELLOWSHIP FACULTY
Fellows will work directly with 3 fellowship-trained rhinologists who are faculty at the University of Florida. Additional opportunities for collaborations with other faculty in the department are available. Dr. Nikita Chapurin currently serves as the fellowship director.
Nikita Chapurin MD, MHS
Jeb M Justice MD
Brian C Lobo MD
Opportunities to collaborate with other faculty may be available depending on fellow interest and availability of research projects:
Jennifer Mulligan, PhD – CRS Immunopathology
Frank Bova, PhD – Neurosurgery, radiosurgery biology laboratory
Peter Dziegielewski, MD – Head and Neck Surgical Oncology
ELIGIBILITY
- The ideal candidates would be a medical student between 3rd & 4th year of medical school who are interested in pursuing Otolaryngology as a career, as well as recent medical school graduates seeking to improve their research experience while preparing to apply to an Otolaryngology residency program.
- Candidates must come from U.S. accredited allopathic and osteopathic medical schools and have valid work authorization.
APPLICATION PROCESS AND BENEFITS
Applicants should submit the following to Dr. Nikita Chapurin:
- Copy of curriculum vitae
- Personal statement describing interest in the position
- 2-3 letters of recommendation
Candidates will receive a $20,000 – $30,000 stipend. Additional information about benefits can be found at https://hr.ufl.edu/benefits. Funds will be provided to attend and present research findings at national conferences.
Application Deadline: February 1st, 2025
Fellowship start date: June or July, 2025
CURRENT FELLOW
Jinelis Santiago-Beniquez
Undergraduate: University of Puerto Rico – Ponce
Medical School: Ponce Health Sciences University – School of Medicine
Why I chose UF Rhinology Fellowship: I chose the UF Rhinology Research Fellowship because I saw it as an incredible opportunity to build on my growing passion for otolaryngology while further developing my research skills. During my first year of medical school, I researched cancer stem cell plasticity in head and neck cancers and knew I wanted to be part of a program where I could continue working alongside experts who are deeply committed to advancing the field. What stood out to me about UF was, not only the depth and variety of research, but also the strong culture of mentorship. The faculty are invested in the success of their fellows beyond just the scope of the fellowship. I am excited to learn from passionate rhinologists, contribute meaningfully to the field, and give back to underserved communities.
ALUMNI:
Avraham (Avi) Adelman (2025) – current medical student at Florida Atlantic University
Anil Patel, BS (2024) – current resident in Internal Medicine at University of Florida
Eunice Im, BS (2024) – current medical student at Michigan State University
Andrew Hess, MD (2023) – current Otolaryngology resident at Dartmouth University Medical Center
PHILANTHROPY
Please consider supporting our scholars and the fellowship. This can be done by contributing to an already existing philanthropy fund listed below or a separate fund may be created by contacting Benjamin Valentine, PhD, Director of Development – UF Health Shands. (valebe@shands.ufl.edu)