Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist

Ear, nose and throat specialists (ENTs) investigate and treat problems or diseases of the ear, nose and throat. They are also known as otorhinolaryngologists.

As qualified medical doctors, they can prescribe medicine, treat and examine patients and perform operations. ENT specialists treat conditions such as deafness, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing noises in the ears) or hearing impairments. They can repair a torn eardrum and even control excessive snoring by means of implants.

They also prescribe hearing aids, do cochlear implants (implanting of electrodes in the inner ear to stimulate nerves which conduct hearing), treat nasal polyps (growths), treat sinusitis and remove tonsils, perform rhinoplasty (an operation to change the shape of a nose) and deal with various other conditions and complaints. Patients make appointments to consult them, and they visit others in hospital and perform surgery.

They normally work in well-equipped, nicely furnished well-lit consulting rooms, and in hospitals.

Personal Requirements

a fondness for people
emotionally balanced
patient and sincere
able to work with all kinds of people
able to reassure patients
a good communicator
have sound judgement
responsible and ethical

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Science
Recommended subjects: Life Sciences
Additional:

Pass matric with a Bachelor's pass
Meet the admission requirements (APS) set by the university
All applications for admission to MBChB and Medical degrees are subject to selection.
Due to the limited number of spaces available, only a small percentage of applicants are admitted.

What to Study

MBChB degree at UP, UCT, UFS, Wits, US, UL, UKZN:

Theoretical training: 6 years
Student internship: 1 year
Practical work at a hospital: 1 year (also known as the house doctor year).

Post-graduate study for specialisation as an ENT specialist: 4 years.

Additional Requirements: before commencing post-graduate study for specialisation as an ENT specialist, the candidate must:

be in possession of a MBChB degree for 2 years
be registered as a medical doctor with the Interim Medical and Dental Council (IMDC) of South Africa for 1 year.

Registration: on successful completion of the examination to qualify as a specialist, the candidate must register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an ENT specialist.

Employment

private practice
hospitals and other health care facilities
medical schools
clinics

Further Information

Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
(553) of Hamilton and
Madiba Streets,
Arcadia, Pretoria
Tel: (012) 338-9300
www.hpcsa.co.za

Getting Started

do voluntary work for a health care facility
try to obtain part-time or voluntary work at a general hospital or other health care facility
do first aid courses with such organisations as St John’s Ambulance
make an appointment to speak to an ear, nose and throat specialist about this type of career

Programmes by Study Institutions

University of Pretoria

Premier

University of the Free State

Premier

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