DO-HNS (RCSI) study plan

DO-HNS (RCSI) · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Otology and Neuro-otology & Basic Sciences Relevant to Otolaryngology

Map the otology syllabus into a written checklist of examinable subtopics
Explain the anatomy of the temporal bone, middle ear cleft and ossicular chain from memory
Describe the physiology of cochlear transduction and the mechanics of the travelling wave
Derive the interpretation of a pure-tone audiogram and tympanogram type from first principles

A one-page temporal bone and cochlear physiology summary sheet plus 20 self-written audiogram interpretation flashcards

Week 2

Distinguish the clinical features and audiometric patterns of chronic suppurative otitis media, cholesteatoma and otosclerosis
Outline the indications, contraindications and complications of tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy
Classify vertigo syndromes by timing and triggers and match each to its diagnostic test
Interpret a video-nystagmography and Dix-Hallpike description in a written vignette

A comparison table of five middle-ear pathologies with diagnostic findings, management and complications

Week 3

Describe the anatomy and function of the vestibular end organs and the vestibulo-ocular reflex
Explain the pathophysiology and management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Meniere disease and vestibular schwannoma
Summarise the cranial nerve and vascular anatomy relevant to the cerebellopontine angle
Interpret tuning fork tests and identify their limitations

A timed 30-question self-written otology and neuro-otology quiz scored and reviewed, with errors logged

Week 4

Map the rhinology and facial plastics syllabus into a written checklist of examinable subtopics
Describe the anatomy of the nasal septum, lateral nasal wall, paranasal sinuses and their blood supply
Explain the physiology of nasal airflow, humidification and mucociliary clearance
Outline the workup and medical management of chronic rhinosinusitis with and without polyposis

An annotated lateral nasal wall and sinus anatomy diagram drawn from memory and labelled without reference

Week 5

Compare the indications, techniques and complications of endoscopic sinus surgery and septoplasty
Differentiate causes of epistaxis by anatomical site and outline a stepwise management algorithm
Describe the assessment and classification of nasal trauma and facial fractures
Outline the principles of local flaps and skin closure relevant to facial reconstruction

A written epistaxis and nasal trauma management algorithm plus a table of five local facial flaps with their vascular supply

Week 6

Map the head and neck syllabus into a written checklist of examinable subtopics
Describe the anatomy of the neck triangles, fascial planes and levels of cervical lymphadenopathy
Outline the assessment and staging of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Explain the principles of neck dissection and the management of the unknown primary
Summarise the anatomy and clinical syndromes of the major salivary glands

A completed TNM staging exercise for three written head and neck cancer vignettes with management plans

Week 7

Outline the assessment and management of thyroid and parathyroid surgical disease
Describe the presentation and management of airway obstruction in adults and children
Explain the assessment and management of paediatric hearing loss and otitis media with effusion
Outline the management of paediatric adenotonsillar disease and obstructive sleep apnoea
Describe the assessment of paediatric stridor and the differential by age

A paediatric stridor differential table by age group with first-line investigations and immediate management for each cause

Week 8

Consolidate all domain checklists and identify remaining weak subtopics
Complete a full-length timed mock examination under exam conditions
Review every incorrect answer and write a corrected explanation for each
Rehearse structured verbal answers to high-frequency viva scenarios across all five domains

A full-length mock exam score with a written remediation list of the ten weakest subtopics and a revision action for each

Week 2: Otology checklist fully ticked and 40 otology flashcards reviewed with at least 80% recall on a self-test

Week 4: Otology and neuro-otology self-written quiz scored at or above 70%, with all errors logged and explained

Week 6: Rhinology and facial plastics checklist complete and a written sinus and facial trauma plan reviewed against a standard text

Week 8: Full-length mock exam completed within time; overall score recorded and remediation list written for all domains