Assistant Professor Giulio Cesare Passali (left), Catholic University, Rome, Italy, and Professor Hesham Negm (right), Cairo University, Egypt.
In the heart of Naples, a city renowned for its history, culture and scientific advancement, the 46th Congress of the Societas ORL Latina was a pivotal gathering of the global otolaryngology community. Spearheaded by Professor Gaetano Motta as Congress President and Professor Desiderio Passali as Honorary President, it drew participants from 32 nations. A melting pot of ideas, innovations and shared visions, it celebrated the dedication of more than 500 physicians towards advancing medical practice.
In the opening ceremony, Prof Passali described the nearly 100-year history of the Societas ORL Latina and set the stage for a congress enriched with scientific discovery and international collaboration. It offered a comprehensive scientific programme, live surgical sessions, dissection courses and, in true Neapolitan spirit, an invitation to enjoy the famous local art of cooking.
The diversity of the faculty and participants – including the Secretary General of IFOS Professor Angel Ramos-Macias – highlighted the congress's international character, with contributions from Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Congo, Egypt, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Spain, Turkey, Venezuela and more. It was a crucible for cross-cultural exchange.
Above right: Profs Gendeh, Ramos, Negm, Passali, Vicente and Rodrigues.
A testament to the event's significance was the participation of Professor Amarilis Melendez from Panama, President of the Societas ORL Latina, who, alongside a distinguished organising committee and an expansive faculty list, contributed to a rich, varied and in-depth exploration of otolaryngological sciences. The congress's scientific sessions, workshops, round tables and keynote lectures covered a broad spectrum of topics, from the management of chronic vestibular disorders and the latest in auditory implant technology to multidisciplinary approaches to cranio-maxillofacial malformations and the cutting-edge of rhinoplasty techniques.
In an era where international collaboration is more crucial than ever, the congress was a beacon of progress. It not only honored the legacy of those who have paved the way in the field of otolaryngology but also laid down a marker for the future, where collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to improving patient care continue to drive the discipline forward.
Above left: Profs Passali, Negm and Gendeh at the opening ceremony.
