Dr. Thomas provides several levels of training opportunity for those wishing to learn more about diagnosing and treating voice disorders — from a single-patient visit to a full clinical fellowship. Patients always have the final say on whether an observer is allowed into the exam room; most welcome the opportunity to contribute to education.
Clinical Observation
Duration: Part of a day up to one month
Who: Medical students, residents in otolaryngology, speech therapists and speech therapy students, voice teachers, and physicians from the United States or abroad
Requirements: Advance permission from Dr. Thomas
The most flexible option. Speech therapists and voice teachers frequently visit for a day or several days to observe examinations directly relevant to their work.
Single Patient Observation
Duration: A single patient visit
Who: Referring physicians, speech therapists, and voice teachers wishing to observe their own patient’s examination
Requirements: Advance permission from Dr. Thomas and the patient
An efficient way for a referring clinician to understand the examination findings firsthand and discuss the case in real time.
Laryngology Fellowship
Duration: One full year (July 2026 start)
Who: Physicians who have completed an otolaryngology residency. International physicians welcome — training is observational but no less valuable.
Salary: $90,000–$95,000/year (Oregon-licensed fellows). Includes health insurance, retirement matching, malpractice coverage, conference travel, and 4 weeks of external fellowship observation.
Applications: Now open for July 2026
Former Fellows
Since 2002: 44 physicians and voice specialists from 19 countries
See where Dr. Thomas’s former fellows and observers practice today, the papers they published with him, and what they say about their time in Portland.
Before You Apply
Prospective observers and fellows are encouraged to review the clinical content on this site — particularly the sections on diagnosis, voice disorders, and treatment and surgery — to gain a working familiarity with the practice before arriving.
To inquire about any of the above opportunities, use the contact form or reach Dr. Thomas directly at thomas@voicedoctor.net.