Diploma in Otorhinolaryngology

Diploma in Otorhinolaryngology (DLO) Course Details

Diploma in Otorhinolaryngology [DLO], also known as the Diploma in ENT is a 2 years postgraduate medical diploma study for MBBS graduates who are interested in the specialization dealing with problems and diseases related to ear, nose and throat. Otorhinolaryngology is an important subject as diseases of the ear, nose and throat are found in all age groups and contribute to a large section of OPDs. The prevalence of ENT disorder has been on rise and so has been a demand for trained specialists in ENT, due to increasing pollution and exposure to allergens, as well as increased dependency on the digital world.

The DLO course is tailored to grant a firm understanding on fundamental and advanced areas of ENT. Students also become proficient in diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis, hearing deficit, tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, ear infections, vertigo, laryngeal disease, and head & neck infections. Training also includes emergency ENT care, including foreign body extraction, epistaxis control, airways obstruction, acute otitis media and facial trauma.

The training has strong clinical focus with hands-on experience by way of regular ENT OPD postings, surgical assistance, emergency care management and community health, as well as attending ear nose throat camps/free medical camps. Students gain proficiency in basic diagnostic tests such as otoscopy, rhinoscopy, laryngoscopy, interpretation of audiometry, and tympanometry results; endoscopic evaluation of the upper airway; allergy test administration. This also includes surgeries such as tonsillectomies, adenoidectemies, septoplasties, tympanoplasties, mastoidectomies, and common procedures of minor head and neck surgeries.

ENT Institutions in India, especially in Karnataka, have shown a tremendous increase due to rise in the patient load and advancement of technology. Popular centres include Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysuru and Manipal where advanced systems like imaging modalities and pathology labs along with endoscopic surgery units, allergy clinic rooms and audiology labs have evolved in Karnataka to make it a sought-after place for DLO aspirants.

Diploma in Otorhinolaryngology is suitable for applicants who seek to go into clinical practice early, get hired as consultants in ENT departments or gain some experience before taking up a higher course like Master of Surgery in ENT or Diploma of National Board in ENT. The programme also trains its students in community ENT services, school screening programmes, and neonatal hearing screening and public health-oriented ENT care delivery.

Course Highlights

Diploma in Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) Syllabus