The joint North of England Otolaryngology Society and ENT Scotland meeting was held on 9-10 May in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and was a superb example of what can be achieved by two societies working collaboratively together.
The first day kicked off with welcomes from the respective society leaders and the meeting organiser, Mr Steven Powell, followed by a fantastic series of talks from England-Scotland ‘Border Crossers’, including Professor Janet Wilson on why (and how) to embed research into clinical practice, Mr Sean Carrie on how to navigate leading specialty associations, and hints and tips from Mr Haytham Kubba on how to set up new subspecialty services. We then heard fascinating updates on the management of HHT, paediatric thyroidectomy, setting up hearing implant services abroad, and paediatric voice disorders from Mr Richard Green, Mr Iain Nixon, Mr Alex Bennett and Miss Claire McLarnon respectively.
The meeting also offered excellent opportunities to trainees as well as experienced consultants, with time dedicated to a series of fantastic oral presentations and sharing outcomes of projects with poster presentations displayed on environmentally conscious electronic poster boards. Topics were broad covering everything from using artificial intelligence in head and neck cancer imaging through to Hitler’s otology medical notes!
The first day was rounded off with a stimulating panel discussion on decision-making in cochlear implantation, the insightful reflections of Mr Andrew Robson’s lifetime work in ENT and medical education for the eponymous Stell lecture, and good fun with a game of ENT University Challenge to close the day. A brilliant evening was had by all with a society dinner and dance, including musical entertainment from retired ENT surgeons Dave Meikle and John Hill with their band, The Clack!
On day two, we heard updates from the Scottish Trainee Collaborative, and the value of cross-border working in tonsil research from Mr James O’Hara and Miss Catriona Douglas. We also heard cutting-edge updates on chronic rhinosinusitis from Professor Claire Hopkins, the management of olfactory loss from Professor Zara Patel, and management of balance disorders from Professor Peter Rea. The meeting closed with the awarding of prizes which reflected the outstanding achievements brought by a range of speakers.
Andrew Robson, pictured here with NoE ENT President, Emma Stapleton, gave the Stell lecture.
The meeting was an enjoyable and welcoming one. The range and quality of talks was outstanding. The topics covered were interesting and directly applicable to clinical practice. I would highly recommend coming to future North of England and ENT Scotland meetings if you have the opportunity.
Michael Mather, ST4 ENT Registrar, NIHR Clinical Lecturer.
