To read Prof. Grenman's Christmas 2011 message, please click here.

To read the minutes of the 2011 General Assembly, please click here.

To read Prof. Grenman's Christmas Message, please click here.

During the 1st Meeting of the EAORL-HNS in collaboration with EUFOS, which took place from June 27 – 30, 2009 in Mannheim, Germany, a number of administrative meetings took place, among them the General Assembly of the EAORL-HNS on Saturday, June 27, 2009.

Presidential Welcome

After Klaus Jahnke has welcomed the numerous participants, he adds that in order to strengthen and improve communication in the society, it is important to send updates on their societies’ board members to the EA secretariat in Vienna.

After the Minutes of the General Assembly of the European Academy of ORL-HNS, July 1, 2007 in Vienna, Austria have been approved, Klaus Jahnke continues his Report of the President.

On the topic of the Confederation (Merger with EUFOS), he describes in detail how both the EAORL-HNS and EUFOS General Assemblies voted to start the merging process during the 6th EUFOS Congress in Vienna in 2007. Afterwards, Jan Olofsson and he stayed in Vienna one day longer to set benchmarks. The General Secretaries and Treasurers of both societies, as well Reidar Grenman and Dick Maw continued the work, which was then taken to Brussels. He believes the result to be a good one, adding that fine-tuning may be necessary.

He then asks for a vote on the decision to merge, which is unanimous, which he comments by saying that “this will strengthen our specialty in Europe”.

General Secretary Marc Remacle then presents two logos for the Confederation; the majority of those present votes for logo design #1. Jan Olofsson states that he will present his logo design to the EUFOS General Assembly the next day. That way, one proposal of the EA and one from EUFOS will be voted for at the Confederation GA on Monday, June 29, 2009.

Continuing his report, Klaus Jahnke tells participants that all member societies were asked if they had alternative candidates for the Executive Committee. Only one proposal was received, he continues, namely Karl Hörmann as candidate for the Presidency, a candidature that Karl Hörmann has declined.

The EC thus very clearly and unanimously proposes Reidar Grenman as new President of the EAORL-HNS, and Piero Nicolai as new Treasurer.

On the topic of the Venue of the 2013 Academy Meeting, Klaus Jahnke quotes 12.2. of the byelaws, explaining that like in Cologne in 2006, the EC is qualified to elect the venue for the next Academy meeting. He informs the GA that an unanimous decision was taken at the EC Meeting for Nice as venue for 2013, with Jacques Magnan as Chairman of the Meeting, adding that the applications from Istanbul and Prague were much appreciated.

Jan Olofsson states that in the future, the venue should be addressed in the Confederation GA.

Since no Additional topics for General Assembly were proposed by member societies, Marc Remacle then begins his Report of the General Secretary

First, he addresses the society homepage, informing the GA that the Academy homepage has been adapted into a CMS-based website (Content Management System), allowing for faster updates and more efficient handling. This website is still under construction, but expected to go online in the late summer.

On the topic of Corporate Memberships, he presents how ELS handles corporate memberships. As a matter of course, no access is granted to the member list or the internal member-only part. Klaus Jahnke adds that 6.5. of the byelaws already allow for co-opted memberships. The principle of corporate membership is accepted but the requested amount must be defined.

Klaus Albegger then reports that for the first time, the European Board Exam (written part) will take place on Monday, June 29, 2009. In order to prepare for the oral part, Reidar Grenman states, examiners need to be trained, adding that it is important to find people who are interested in this process and who can take the exams.

Klaus Jahnke reconfirms that the subspecialty societies should be involved, adding that oral exams are usually with the participation of a member of the national societies. David Proops adds that at the next UEMS ORL Section Meeting in Ischia, a whole day will be spent on organising the oral exam. While he feels it is important to receive help and support from the subspecialty societies, he wonders if highly specialised specialists are necessarily the most suitable examiners.

Replying to a question from the audience, David Proops explains that this specialist degree in ORL is offered by UEMS, authorized by Brussels. Many medical societies have already implemented such exams – ENT is following, not leading. Reidar Grenman adds that many countries recognise the European exams as their official exam. However, Milan Profant raises the question that the country representatives in UEMS are not always from the society in charge of organising exams nationally.

Klaus Albegger announces that on Monday at 7 pm, the EBE Exam Advisory Board will have a meeting.

Before the votings, Marc Remacle confirms who the official representatives of each society are, reminding participants that according to the byelaws, the Founding Societies (ELS, ERS, EHNS, EAONO and UEMS ORL Section) have 2 votes, EUFOS has 3, and all other member societies have 1 representative.

Karl Hörmann is unanimously approved as successor to Manuel Bernal-Sprekelsen as new representative for the UEMS ORL Section.

EUFOS is represented by Milan Profant, Reidar Grenman and Jan Olofsson.

Report of the Treasurer

Following this presentation, Manuel Bernal-Sprekelsen reports on the society’s financial status, presenting financial data from 2005 up until the end of the 1^st quarter of 2009. He also reports that until the deadline of June 1, 2009, all societies have paid their fees.

Of the two auditors, only one – Stephan Lang – is present. Stephan Lang, who is also a health economist, has gone through all the papers provided and declares that everything is in order.

Since he can only be present in Mannheim after the General Assembly has taken place, Jaime Marco, the second auditor, has sent an email from Spain stating that he is perfectly content with the files as presented to him.

The books are then officially approved by the General Assembly.

Klaus Jahnke thanks the GA, adding that “this shows we are not only colleagues, but also friends.”

He also thanks Stephan Lang for stepping in at such short notice.

Following Manuel Bernal-Sprekelsen’s report, Klaus Jahnke expresses his gratitude for all of Bernal-Sprekelsen’s work, but also for “his stimulating discussions and emails.”

Klaus Jahnke then addresses the congress, commending Karl Hörmann’s good work with the exhibition despite the financial crisis, which made it possible to offer a low early bird fee.

Special thanks are due to Heinz Stammberger, Manuel Bernal-Sprekelsen and Rudolf Häusler for their work in the Pre-Congress Course.

Voting on the Merger with EUFOS

Reidar Grenman proposes that Andrea Balcar, who is the administrative secretary of the EAORL-HNS, take over administration of the Confederation. No one is against this proposal.

The administration of the Confederation will be presently co-financed by EUFOS and the EA as the Confederation doesn’t have any own funds so far.

Votings

Before the GA votes for a new President, Klaus Jahnke briefly describes Reidar Grenman, stating that “I know no one better for this position”. Reidar Grenman is unanimously elected new President and, having left the room with Piero Nicolai, returns to warm applause.

Marc Remacle then introduces Piero Nicolai, adding that he is a reliable, multi-lingual colleague.

Piero Nicolai is unanimously elected new Treasurer, and returns to the room to warm applause.

Following a comment by Klaus Jahnke that “we should not change a winning team”, Jaime Marco and Stephan Lang are unanimously elected Auditors until 2013.

On the topic of Honorary Memberships, Marc Remacle explains that already in Vienna in 2007, it had been voted that Reidar Grenman would receive the Honorary Membership. However, it was decided that he would receive this award in Mannheim.

In addition, the EC has another proposal. After Klaus Jahnke has left the room, Marc Remacle briefly describes his many accomplishments for the Founding of the Academy, and all his work and support in making it strong.

The EC’s decision to make Klaus Jahnke an honorary member is greeted with applause, as Marc Remacle thanks Klaus Jahnke for his contributions, adding that “we owe a lot to you.”

Klaus Jahnke replies that even after having stepped down, he will be ready to help if asked, “otherwise I will disappear into the woods.”

Under Varia, Manuel Bernal-Sprekelsen reports about the preparations for the 2011 congress in Barcelona, saying that the EAORL-HNS will be asked to provide names for Round Tables and panels, adding that it’s important to have a balanced programme. The 10 most popular IC’s in Mannheim will be asked reapply for Barcelona.

Bernal-Sprekelsen explains that it is planned that at least 1/3 of the panelists be young people.

As an additional bonus, participants will be invited to send in manuscripts – three journals will select the best papers, which then get to be keynote lectures.

The congress homepage will go online towards the end of summer.

Klaus Jahnke then thanks all participants and closes the meeting at 17:30.


This article will be published in European Archives, volume 266, number 11, November 2009. For more information, please go to www.springerlink.com.

General Assembly members participating during one of the votes

Reidar Grenman is unanimously elected new President of the EAORL-HNS

The "1st meeting of the European Academy of ORL-HNS in collaboration with EUFOS"  took place from, June 27 - 30, 2009 at Congress Center Rosengarten, Mannheim, Germany, attracting 1450 participants and exhibitors from 75 countries.

Starting with a highlight, a 5-hour live demonstration of anatomical skull dissections by Manuel Bernal-Sprekelsen (Spain), Rudolf Häusler (Switzerland) and Heinz Stammberger (Austria), this 1st Meeting of the European Academy of ORL-HNS focused on the training and continuing education of ENT doctors in different stages of their careers – the European Academy's main task. To learn about the EAORL-HNS and its activities, please visit www.eaorl-hns.org.  

Putting to use the valuable experience gained while devising the scientific programme of 2007's hugely successful "6th EUFOS Congress" in Vienna,  the Mannheim meeting's programme structure was further refined to focus even more on education and lively interaction, following the congress motto, "Training & Research for Europe - from basic to advanced". All 15 member societies were involved in the set-up of the scientific programme, which was divided in 6 main topics: HNS, Laryngology, Rhinology, Facial Plastic Surgery, Otology and Education. A faculty of more than 270 provided their expertise and insights for this meeting presided over by Karl Hörmann.  

With 42 Round Tables and 59 Instructional Courses, it proved to be  the largest meeting of its kind in Europe, offering Doctors-in-training and young specialists of all nations and from all sub-specialities the chance to come together in a relaxed environment, to exchange their ideas, and to learn from masters of their field:  the Instructional Courses dealt with topics ranging from OSAS and reflux disorders to oncology, from modern face lifting techniques and Botox therapy to  vocal fold dysfunction, from auditory implants and stapes surgery to chronic rhinosinusitis and septoplasty.  

More than 400 abstracts and 280 posters were presented. During daily poster tours, the best poster in each discipline was selected by renowned jurors. From these nominated posters, one in each category was awarded the Best Poster Prize by Congress President Karl Hörmann during the Closing Ceremony on June 30, 2009.

Otology: P. Pavlidis et al. for Otoxicity caused by once- and twice-daily administration of Amikain in rabbits  

HNS: C. Piazza et al. for Narrow band imaging (NBI) and high definition television (HDTV) in head and neck (HN) SCC after chemoradiotherapy (CHT-RT)  

Laryngology: M. Lima-Rodrigues et al. for Possible alternative therapies to chronic laryngitis and laryngeal cancer: the use of COX-2 specific inhibitors  

Rhinology: B. Martinez-Vidal et al. for Effects of heated humidification on CPAP-related inflammation: an experimental rat model  

Facial Plastics: S. Turkoglu Babakurban et al. for Temporal branches of the facial nerve and their relationships with the fascial layers  

Additionally, this 1st Meeting of the EAORL-HNS's programme  offered a first itself: on June 29, 2009, the European Board Exam (EBE Exam) took place successfully, with 81 participants. The European Examination Board in Otorhinolaryngology (EBEORL) was created by the UEMS ORL Section and Board in October 2008, in order to harmonize the knowledge achieved by Otorhinolaryngologists throughout Europe. The aim of this independent supra-national (European) Board is to set up a quality standard for all of Europe, in order to facilitate free movement of specialists between member countries. Candidates who passed the exam will be eligible to sit the oral exam next year. To find out more, please visit www.ebeorl-hns.org.  

The industrial exhibition offered delegates an opportunity to learn about the newest advances, as did several industry-sponsored symposia. During the breaks, participants also found time to catch up with friends and make new ones, as they also did during the Get Together Party on Monday, June 29, 2009, at Mannheim airport's Blue Tower.  

During the European Academy' of ORL-HNS's General Assembly, Reidar Grenman was unanimously elected as new President of the European Academy of ORL-HNS, following Klaus Jahnke, co-founder and first President of the EAORL-HNS.   Both were awarded Honorary Membership of the European Academy of ORL-HNS in recognition of their clinical and scientific contributions in the field of ORL and their accomplishments for the creation of the European Academy of ORL-HNS.

In another sense, this 1st Meeting of the European Academy of ORL-HNS in collaboration with EUFOS was a historically remarkable step forward for the specialty: the General Assemblies of both EUFOS and the European Academy of ORL-HNS established a new  European ORL 'roof organisation', named the Confederation of European ORL-HNS, by voting on its constitution. This is to the benefit of a united, strong and flourishing European ORL-HNS by combining and coordinating the activities of the existing European organisations: EUFOS, EAORL-HNS and UEMS ORL Section. Jan Olofsson, current President of EUFOS, was elected President of the Confederation.  

The 1st Congress of the Confederation of European Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery will take place from July 2 - 6, 2011 in Barcelona, Spain.  

We hope that just like in Mannheim, colleagues from all over Europe and indeed, the world, will meet, share ideas, and forge closer ties with each other then.  

This article will be published in European Archives, volume 266, number 10, October 2009. For more information, please go to www.springerlink.com.

Former EA President Klaus Jahnke receiving the Honoarary Membership certificate from his successor, Reidar Grenman

Jan Olofsson, Klaus Jahnke and Reidar Grenman at the President's Dinner

A view of the Exhibition

Poster Tours were offered daily

Congress President Karl Hörmann

During the "1st meeting of the European Academy of ORL-HNS"  (Congress Center Rosengarten, Mannheim, Germany, June 27 - 30, 2009), the European Board Examination in ORL-HNS will take place for the first time.

The European Examination Board in Otorhinolaryngology (EBEORL) was created by the UEMS ORL Section and Board in October 2008, in order to harmonize the knowledge achieved by Otorhinolaryngologists throughout Europe. The aim of this independent supra-national (European) Board is to set up a quality standard for all of Europe, in order to allow free movement of specialists between member countries. Candidates of any nationality shall be eligible to sit the European exam, provided they have submitted all documents necessary and have been approved by the Board. The application procedure runs from Monday, March 2 until Friday, May 29,2009.  

Candidates who pass the European Board Exam in ORL who are certified specialists in an UEMS member state may call themselves "Fellow of the European Board of Otorhinolaryngology". Other successful candidates will receive a "Diploma of the European Board of Otorhinolaryngology". Details on the exam and the application procedure can be found at www.ebeorl-hns.org.Interest is high in the Mannheim meeting: more than 800 participants from 60+ countries had registered for the congress by February 2009, and more than 400 abstracts were submitted.  

Putting to use the valuable experiences gained while devising the scientific programme of 2007's hugely successful "6th EUFOS Congress" in Vienna, the programme structure for the Mannheim meeting has been further refined to focus even more on education and lively interaction. After all, the main task of the European Academy of ORL-HNS is the training and continuing education of ENT doctors in different stages of their careers (for more information on the EAORL-HNS, please visit www.eaorl-hns.org).  

The meeting –  the largest of its kind in Europe – will present an outstanding opportunity for Otorhinolaryngologists of all nations and from all sub-specialities to come together in a relaxed friendly environment and to exchange their ideas and expertise. With its emphasis on Instructional Courses and Round Tables, it  will offer a wide range of scientific as well as practical education to doctors-in-training and young scientists from all over the world. 

50 Instructional Courses for all fields have already been confirmed, with topics ranging from OSAS and reflux disorders to oncology, from modern face lifting techniques and Botox to  vocal cord dysfunction, from auditory implants and stapes surgery to chronic rhinosinusitis and septoplasty.  

In case you haven't registered yet, we cordially invite you to be part of  this "1st Meeting of the EAORL-HNS". The deadline for regular registration is June 5, 2009. After that date, the on-site fee applies.  

All information on the congress can be found at www.eaorl-hns2009.com.

This article was published in European Archives, volume 266, number 5, Mayy 2009. For more information, please go to www.springerlink.com.

Putting to use the valuable experiences gained while devising the scientific programme of 2007's hugely successful "6th EUFOS Congress" in Vienna, the programme structure for the Mannheim meeting has been further refined to focus even more on education and lively interaction. After all, the main task of the European Academy of ORL-HNS is the training and continuing education of ENT doctors in different stages of their careers (for more information on the EAORL-HNS, please visit www.eaorl-hns.org). 

Congress President Karl Hörmann and the Board of the EAORL-HNS have appointed  an outstanding Programme Committee for the fields H&N Surgery, Laryngology, Rhinology, Facial Plastic Surgery , Otology, Skull Base Surgery and Education. All 15 subspecialty member societies of the EAORL-HNS are involved in the planning and set-up of this meeting  as well, which is expected to attract well over 1500 participants from all over Europe and beyond.

In addition, a world-renowned international faculty has agreed to share their concepts and techniques at the meeting. 

50 Instructional Courses for all fields have already been confirmed, with topics ranging from OSAS and reflux disorders to oncology, from modern face lifting techniques and Botox to  vocal cord dysfunction, from auditory implants and stapes surgery to chronic rhinosinusitis and septoplasty. Please check www.eaorl2009.com on a regular basis for updates on the scientific programme.

Since they play a significant role in facilitating our daily work, state-of-the-art technologies, products and services resulting from the innovative power of  the pharmaceutical industry and – to an even greater extent – the medical device industry, will be presented in an extensive industrial exhibition and with numerous industry-sponsored symposia.

The meeting –  the largest of its kind in Europe – will present an outstanding opportunity for Otorhinolaryngologists of all nations and from all sub-specialities to come together in a relaxed friendly environment and to exchange their ideas and expertise. 

Leaving Mannheim,  participants will be able to apply new skills and knowledge gained in the scientific sessions and courses in an effort to fulfil our main mission: improved patient care.

So make sure to be part of  the ENT event of the year by visiting www.eaorl-hns2009.org and registering right away!  

See you in Mannheim in 2009! 

Key Facts at a Glance 

Benefits

• Expert Speakers in Instructional Courses and Round Tables covering recurrent and hot topics
• Live demonstration of anatomic dissections
• Presentation in Joint Round Table Session among renowned experts
• Making the first steps towards the European ORL-HNS Specialist
• The chance to publish in distinguished peer-reviewed ENT Journals
• Extensive travel grants
• Easy accessibility of the host city Mannheim - only 30 min by train from airport Frankfurt

This article was published in European Archives, volume 266, number 2, February 2009. For more information, please go to www.springerlink.com.

To download of the 2nd announcement and call for abstracts, please click here (download 2nd ann.)

To find all information about the congress, submit an abstract or register for the congress, please visit www.eaorl-hns2009.com

IMPORTANT UPDATE: The deadlines for

• Early Bird Registration
• Abstract Submission
• Travel Grants Application

have been extended until Saturday, January 10, 2009

In the past three issues of this journal, seven of the Academy's fifteen affiliated member societies were profiled; these were EAACI, EAFPS, EASM, EAONO, EGFL, ERS and PWG.

In this issue, EHNS and UEP are presented.

The affiliated member societies are:

• EAACI - European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology ENT-Section
• EAFPS - European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery
• EASM - European Academy of Sleep Medicine
• EAONO - European Academy of Otology & Neurootology EFAS - European Federation of Audiological Societies
• EGDG - European Study Group for Globus and Dysphagia
• EGFL - European Study Group of Functional Surgery following Laryngectomy
• EHNS - European Head & Neck Society
• ELS - European Laryngological Society
• ERS - European Rhinologic Society
• ESBS - European Skull Base Society
• ESGS - European Salivary Gland Society
• ESPO - European Society of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
• PWG: Permanent Working Group of European Junior Doctors
• UEP - Union of European Phoniatricians

European Head & Neck Society
A True Multidisciplinary Platform for Head and Neck Oncology

Officially founded in 2006, the EHNS is registered in Belgium as an international non-profit association under Belgian law. The EHNS is composed of individual persons, national and multi-national societies, and associated study groups oriented towards head and neck cancer research, training and treatment throughout Europe. Individuals from elsewhere in the world are also welcome to apply for membership.

This is the final result of a road towards a true European multidisciplinary platform on head and neck tumours. It mirrors North American and other organisations and is endorsed by the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies (IFHNOS).

The intent of the EHNS is to promote exchange of knowl­edge in all aspects of head and neck neoplastic diseases and to promote the highest standards of research, education and training, disease prevention and patient care. It is a multi-disciplinary body bringing together clinicians, basic sci­entists and patients' organisations involved in any aspect of Head and Neck Oncology.

EHNS regularly organizes conferences: in November 2001, the 1st European Conference on Head and Neck Cancer took place in the French city of Lille. Four main topics in the field of Head and Neck Oncology were selected and discussed from a European perspective: epidemiology, oropharyngeal carcinoma, novel diagnostic methods and therapies, and quality-of-life issues. The content, attendance (from 19 different European countries) and facilities were all regarded as highly successful.

Two years later, the equally successful 2nd European Conference on Head and Neck Cancer was hosted, again in Lille, with the subtitle 'towards a European Head and Neck Cancer Society'. During the general assembly it was unanimously voted that an EHNS should be organized and a founding board was elected. The regulatory process started until the official registration of EHNS in 2006.

In 2007 EHNS jointly with ESTRO organized a meeting in Barcelona on Innovative Approaches in Head and Neck Cancer. A similar meeting will be held again in Barcelona in 2009 as a joint venture between EHNS, ESTRO and ESMO.

From May 8 - 10, 2008, the 3rd European Conference on Head and Neck Oncology took place in Zagreb, Croatia. More than 400 participants attended this conference starting with live surgery on minimally invasive head and neck surgery, and 4 sessions on cutaneous malignancies, salivary glands diseases, treatment complications and management of persistent diseases. Additionally there were free papers sessions on reconstructive surgery, oral/oropharyngeal cancer, larynx/hypopharynx cancer, thyroid tumours and chemoradiotherapy.

The 4th European Conference on Head and Neck Cancer is planned in Athens in March 2010.
To learn more about the EHNS, please visit www.ehns.org.

Union of European Phoniatricians
The UEP was founded in Belgrade in October 1971, on the initiative of Peter Biesalski (Germany), Dusan Cvejic (Yugoslavia), Gerhard Kittel (Germany) and Oscar Schindler (Italy).

According to the first bylaws fixed in 1977, the purposes of the Union are to promote the specialty of phoniatrics and the professional conditions of phoniatricians, strengthening scientific relations between its members and putting them into practice for the benefit of medical care by medical doctors working in the public health sector as well as in private practice, thereby improving life and work conditions for its members.
Another issue is the consolidation of solidarity among these medical doctors, and the study of professional, social and ethic problems and search for their solutions, in the interest of the phoniatricians and their patients.

To achieve these goals, the Union uses all means of information and investigation, publishing reports and periodicals/brochures.
The UEP has had a strong impact on the development of the specialty as well as for the training in phoniatrics not only within Europe, but – due to a fruitful cooperation with the International Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (IFOS) – also on a worldwide scope.

UEP recently participated in the hugely successful EUFOS Congress, which took place from June 30 to July 4, 2007 in Vienna. It will also be involved in the scientific programme of the First Meeting of the EAORL-HNS, due to take place from June 27 - 30 in Mannheim, Germany.
UEP's current President is Prof. Andrzej Obrebowski (Poznan/Poland).

This article was published in European Archives, volume 265, number 8, August 2008. For more information, please go to www.springerlink.com.

Since its founding in  January 2005 at a meeting of the EUFOS Standing Committee of Training and Continuing Medical Education held at the ORL-HNS Department, University of Marburg, Germany, the EAORL-HNS has steadily grown in number.
Currently, the EAORL-HNS has 15 affiliated member societies and 2  partner societies, EUFOS and UEMS.

In past issues, EAACI, EAFPS, EGFL, ERS and PWG were be profiled. In this issue, EASM  and EAONO are presented.

The affiliated member societies are:

• EAACI - European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology ENT-Section
• EAFPS - European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery
• EASM - European Academy of Sleep Medicine
• EAONO - European Academy of Otology & Neurootology EFAS - European Federation of Audiological Societies
• EGDG - European Study Group for Globus and Dysphagia
• EGFL - European Study Group of Functional Surgery following Laryngectomy
• EHNS - European Head & Neck Society
• ELS - European Laryngological Society
• ERS - European Rhinologic Society
• ESBS - European Skull Base Society
• ESGS - European Salivary Gland Society
• ESPO - European Society of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
• PWG: Permanent Working Group of European Junior Doctors
• UEP - Union of European Phoniatricians

European Academy of Sleep Medicine

Founded in 2005 in Mannheim, Germany, the European Academy of Sleep Medicine (EASM) is a non-profit society dedicated to impart knowledge concerning the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders among physicians of all specialties involved in sleep medicine.

To achieve its goals, the society will offer training courses, organise conferences and build networks between universities and private practices as well as between in-patient and outpatient care.

EASM President and Head of  the ORL/HNS Dept. of Mannheim University, Karl Hörmann, is organizing several courses in 2008: after the German-language "14. Mannheimer Schlafapnoe-Kurs" which took place from April 4 - 5 and 11 - 13, 2008, the "15th International Course on Surgical Treatment of Sleep Related Breathing Disorders" will take place from September 19 - 20, 2008, both at the ORL/HNS Dept. of Mannheim University, Germany. Other (German-language) courses include "Minimal-invasive Chirurgie bei schlafbezogenen Atmungsstörungen – Workshop Radiofrequenzchirurgie" on October 29, 2008, and "Minimal-invasive Chirurgie bei schlafbezogenen Atmungsstörungen – Workshop Weichgaumenimplantate" on November 12, 2008.

Karl Hörmann has also been appointed  Congress President for the "1st European Academy ORL-HNS Meeting", due to take place from June 27 - 30, 2009 in Mannheim, Germany.
The scientific programme will offer a great variety of Instructional Courses and state-of-the-art Round Tables.

To read more about EASM, please visit www.easm.de.

European Academy of Otology and Neuro-Otology
EAONO, founded in April 1999, among many other things aims to bring together groups and experts in Otology, Neuro-otology or Skull base surgery from all over Europe, to stimulate basic and clinical research relating to these systems and disorders, encourage education, high quality training programmes and to promote new technologies in those fields.

EAONO also supports the foundation of  a working group called "Neuro-Otology" within the speciality otorhinolaryngology/cervico-facial surgery following the charter on training of medical specialists in the European community (UEMS).

EAONO will carry out a pilot project within the Socrates programme entitled : "European Curriculum  Development Project In Neuro-Otology : Harmonising knowledge and Teaching", which will create a transnational and multicentric teaching programme over a period of two years, contributing to the development of student and teacher mobility activities, and to the use of e-Learning and video conferencing techniques.

President Erwin Offeciers also represents Europe as Regional Secretary in IFOS, the International Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies.

Current projects include the "4th EAONO Instructional Workshop" due to take place in Palma de Mallorca from November 13- 16 , 2008. For more information, please visit www.eaono.org/workshop/.

This article was published in European Archives, volume 265, number 6, June 2008. For more information, please go to www.springerlink.com.

Currently, the EAORL-HNS has 15 affiliated member societies and 2  partner societies, EUFOS and UEMS.

In the past issue, after a brief history of the EAORL-HNS, two of its affiliated members, namely EAACI and EAFPS, were introduced. For this issue, EGFL, ERS and PWG will be profiled.

The affiliated member societies a

• EAACI - European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology ENT-Section
• EAFPS - European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery
• EASM - European Academy of Sleep Medicine
• EAONO - European Academy of Otology & Neurootology EFAS - European Federation of Audiological Societies
• EGDG - European Study Group for Globus and Dysphagia
• EGFL - European Study Group of Functional Surgery following Laryngectomy
• EHNS - European Head & Neck Society
• ELS - European Laryngological Society
• ERS - European Rhinologic Society
• ESBS - European Skull Base Society
• ESGS - European Salivary Gland Society
• ESPO - European Society of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
• PWG: Permanent Working Group of European Junior Doctors
• UEP - Union of European Phoniatricians

EGFL

Founded in 1991, the European Study Group for Rehabilitation and Functional Surgery following Laryngectomy (EGFL) among other things aims to encourage research and clinical networks and to promote cultural and scientific exchange at a European level between researchers in this field. For that, EGFL has been organising European conferences every other year, most recently in June 2007 in Rome.
The next conference is planned for 2009 and will take place in Lisbon.

Cooperating closely with other international and national organisations relevant in this field, in the case of  the European Laryngological Society (ELS) this has resulted in a synchronisation of their congresses and participation in each others conferences. 

A new co-operation was started with ESEM, the European Society for Engineering and Medicine (founded in 1992 and aiming to establish a platform of cooperation between medicine and engineering on a European basis), which manifested itself in ESEM's participation in the EGFL-congress in Groningen in 2005.

EGFL's efforts to create European research networks have led to several European projects, among them the PEGASUS project (Biomed Concerted Action Project No. BMH1-CT94-1611), its goal being to make an inventory of surgical and rehabilitati­on strategies for cancers involving the la­rynx, to categorise them and to make relations between cultural and socio-economical aspects and treatment modalities.
Others include two Eureka-projects, namely ‘Artificial Larynx’, aimed at the development of an artificial larynx as reconstruction option, and ‘Newvoice’, aimed at the development of new prostheses and devices (e.g. a  voice-producing prosthesis, new prosthetic fixation methods and new, biofilm-resistant materials), in order to improve the rehabilitation process. 

For further information on EGFL and its activities, please get in touch with Secretary-General Bart Verkerke at the University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands.

ERS

The European Rhinologic Society (ERS) was founded 1963 by van Dishoeck in Leiden (The Netherlands). It provides a forum for the exchange of experience among specialists, interested in rhinology, allergology, related facial plastic surgery and other fields. This goal is achieved by biannual congresses, by accredited courses, fellowships and awards for clinical and basic research. ERS gives access to the highest professional standards and contributes to the development of international consensus reports.

ERS-Fellowships support the participation in accredited courses on septorhinoplasty and endonasal sinus surgery in Ulm (Germany), Graz (Austria), Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Nijmegen (The Netherlands) and London (United Kingdom). Biannual congresses of ERS are organized in cooperation with ISIAN (International Symposium on Infection and Allergy of the Nose) in different European countries. The congress in 2008 will be held in Crete (Greece) from June 15-19. For further details visit the website www.ers2008isian.com.

The European Rhinologic Society is a founding member of the European Academy of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. It is also a member of the International Rhinologic Society (IRS).

Informations on the society, accredited courses and congresses under ERS auspices as well as application forms for fellowships and research prizes are found at www.europeanrhinologicsociety.org.

Gerhard Rettinger, Ulm (Germany)
General Secretary ERS

PWG

Formally created in Bad-Nauheim, Germany, on May 29, 1976, the Permanent Working Group of European Junior Doctors (PWG) has grown steadily since and now represents the junior doctors of 23 countries in Europe.
The PWG’s main objectives include safeguarding the interests of  junior doctors in Europe, improving relations between its member organisations, and narrowing the gap between junior doctors of the European Union and those of other European countries.  Major topics of interest to junior doctors, and the PWG, have been the status of the medical workforce, temporary migration for educational purposes, postgraduate training and continuing medical education as well as future medical work and working conditions.

Striving to develop and maintainproductive relations with various European medical organisations and authorities, the PWG has had formal relations with the Standing Committee of European Doctors (CP) since 1983 and was granted consultative status in the Council of Europe in 1986.  The PWG also cooperates with the Regional Office of the World Health Organisation, the European Parliament and the European Commission, and has regular meetings with the most important European medical as well as medical students’ organisations to coordinate activities and increase efficacy.
During the first 25 years of its existence, the PWG has organised numerous plenary assemblies all over Europe and the rotation of meetings has ensured mutual understanding and the exchange of information.

To find out more about the PWG, please visit www.juniordoctors.eu.

This article was published in European Archives, volume 265, number 5, May 2008. For more information, please go to www.springerlink.com.

April 16 is World Voice Day

Alexandria, Va. - During this election season, the significance of a candidate’s voice is both literal and figurative. The race for the White House reminds us that one single voice can influence a nation and change the course of history. It is with this spirit that the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) celebrates World Voice Day on April 16 with the theme of “Let Your Voice Be Heard.”

The human voice is a powerful symbol of the right to communicate opinions and beliefs, but it is also a very physical part of everyday life. As candidates stump the campaign trail delivering speeches, talking one-on-one with voters, and giving countless interviews, they realize how critical it is to maintain proper vocal health.

Unfortunately, it is estimated that up to 7 million Americans suffer from some form of voice disorder, which can greatly impact their lives and ability to express themselves.

World Voice Day gives vocal health experts the opportunity to highlight the magnitude of vocal health to the general public and to professionals who have built careers around their voices. The 2008 theme, “Let Your Voice Be Heard,” is the perfect opportunity to remind our political leaders to conserve their indispensable voices.

As AAO-HNS celebrates the seventh year of the observance, ENT doctors offer some tips to keep the candidates in tip-top vocal shape:

• Drink plenty of water. Moisture is good for your voice. Hydration helps to keep thin secretions flowing to lubricate your vocal cords.
• Try not to scream or yell. These are abusive practices for your voice, and put great strain on the lining of the vocal cords.
• Warm up your voice before heavy use. Warm-ups can be simple, such as gently gliding from low to high tones on different vowel sounds, doing lip trills (like the motorboat sound that kids make), or tongue trills.
• Use good breath support. Breath flow is the power for voice. Take time to fill your lungs before starting to talk, and don’t wait until you are almost out of air before taking another breath to power your voice.
• Use a microphone. When giving a speech or presentation, consider using a microphone to lessen the strain on your voice.
• Listen to your voice when it is complaining to you. Know that you need to modify and decrease your voice use if you become hoarse to allow your vocal cords to recover. Pushing your voice when it’s already gruff can lead to significant problems. If your voice is hoarse frequently, or for an extended period of time, you should be evaluated by an otolaryngologist, a physician trained to treat disorders of the ears, nose, and throat.

In addition to these suggestions, new tools created for the 2008 observance include: “How the Voice Works” fact sheet; World Voice Day public service announcement; and a World Voice Day podcast.

Find out more here.

This realization was the driving force behind forming the European Academy of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (EAORL-HNS), to bring together all of the European sub-speciality organisations in collaboration with EUFOS and UEMS, to provide harmonisation and rationalisation of courses, congresses, instructional sessions and teaching programmes within Europe. In addition, the need to provide a framework for instruction of trainee otorhinolaryngologists at an affordable price was addressed.

Thus, the principles of the EAORL-HNS were agreed upon and the EAORL-HNS was formally founded in January 2005, at a meeting of the EUFOS Standing Committee of Training and Continuing Medical Education held at the ORL-HNS Department, University of Marburg, Germany.

One of the EAORL-HNS’s recent achievements was the scientific programme for the 6th European Congress of Oto- Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, which took place from 30 June to 4 July 2007 in Vienna, Austria. It was compiled and planned in close collaboration with the member societies and the three programme coordinators: Klaus Jahnke (Germany) for Otology-Neurootology, Jan Olofsson (Norway) for Head and Neck-Laryngology, and Heinz Stammberger (Austria) for Rhinology-Facial Plastic Surgery. With over 3,000 participants from 96 countries, the 6th EUFOS Congress proved to be the largest of its kind in Europe.

The Academy’s next project is the “1st European Academy ORL-HNS Meeting”, due to take place from 27–30 June, 2009 in Mannheim, Germany, which will over a great variety of Instructional Courses and state-of-the-art Round Tables. Congress President Karl Hörmann is working in close cooperation with an outstanding scientific committee to Wll the scientiWc programme with life in the months to come!

Currently, the EAORL-HNS has 15 affiliated member societies, a co-opted member society, namely the Mediterranean Society of Otology and Audiology (MSOA), and two partner societies, EUFOS and UEMS ORL Section.

In order to better acquaint the readers of this journal with the EAORL-HNS (www.eaorl-hns.org), its members and activities, each member society will be brieXy introduced in forthcoming issues.

The afilliated member societies are:

• EAACI: European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology ENT-Section
• EAFPS: European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery
• EASM: European Academy of Sleep Medicine
• EAONO: European Academy of Otology & Neurootology
• EFAS: European Federation of Audiological Societies
• EGDG: European Study Group for Globus and Dysphagia
• EGFL: European Study Group of Functional Surgery following Laryngectomy
• EHNS: European Head and Neck Society
• ELS: European Laryngological Society
• ERS: European Rhinologic Society
• ESBS: European Skull Base Society
• ESGS: European Salivary Gland Society
• ESPO: European Society of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
• PWG: Permanent Working Group of European Junior Doctors
• UEP: Union of European Phoniatricians

Forty-nine countries are represented in the EAACI ENT-section, which is growing steadily and currently has more than 300 members.

The EAACI ENT-section works in close collaboration with GA²LEN, the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network, a consortium of leading European research centres specialized in allergic diseases, which includes asthma.

Some of the topics investigated are upper-lower airways interactions, viral infection and upper-lower airways hyper- reactivity, bacterial superantigens and non-allergic rhinitis, to name but a few.

A special task force is working on the European position paper (EPOS) on rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps, the current version is available for download at this link.

Another task force is currently investigating “Tools and methods in the diagnosis and investigation of rhinitis and rhinosinusitis”.

From 7–11 June, 2008 the XXVII Congress of the Euro- pean Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology will take place in Barcelona, Spain, dedicated to “Clinical Features of Allergy: from Pediatric to Geriatric”. Of special interest to Rhinologists is the Symposium on Experimental Rhinology and Immunology of the Nose ( SERIN ) to be held in Dubrovnik in November 2008.

To find out more about EAACI and the EAACI ENT section, please visit www.eaaci.net.

Formerly known as The Joseph Society and as the European Academy of Facial Surgery, the EAFPS was founded in 1977. Its objectives are to stimulate training, research and scientiWc advancement in the Weld of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Members are drawn from all interested specialities with expertise in facial surgery both within Europe and further aWeld, and currently number more than 700.

Each year high quality courses and meetings are convened by the Academy. There is a Fellowship Programme which places successful candidates in centres of excellence throughout Europe. Following this the Fellows sit the exam of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This is the only validated exam in facial plastic surgery anywhere in the world. The exam is reviewed annually and administered in accordance with “Standards for Education and Psychological Testing” prepared jointly by the American Education Research Association, the American Psychological Association and the National Council on Measurement in Education.

The European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery is affiliated to the International Federation of Facial Plastic Surgery Societies.

The Annual Conference in the 31st Year of The European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery will take place from September 24–28, 2008 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Information on the EAFPS and its activities can be found at www.eafps.org, and the congress homepage at www.eafps-due2008.eu.

This article was first published in the 265/4 issue of the European Archives of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, website.

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But also our charming Austrian hosts Klaus Albegger and Heinz Stammberger did outstanding work, the Mondial Group perfectly organized the meeting and the impressive Hofburg provided an optimal ambience.The Vienna Congress will be a historical landmark for us. During the Closing Session,we defined the aims, objectives and strategies to create a strong and effective united European ORL-HNS organization by way of a friendly merger. During the Congress, it was already decided to offer the Academy's secretariat to all EUFOS activities. Our Society Manager, Ms. Andrea Balcar, can be reached at ++43 1 58804 800 or society@eaorl-hns.org.

Finally in Vienna, the main steps of the merging process of EUFOS and the Academy were defined together with Jan Olofsson, EUFOS' new President, who did perfect work.

Since then, the General Secretaries and Treasurers of both EUFOS and the Academy, together with Reidar Grenman and Richard Maw (both ORL-section of UEMS) have created an excellent constitution of the Confederation, which will now have to be accredited by the General Assemblies of EUFOS and the Academy. It will be distributed within the next few weeks.

For the next 18 months, we should continue to fill our aims and objectives with life. One example would be a timetable for the development of a European Board Certification of ORL-HNS.

Another example would be to encourage some subspecialty societies to develop programmes of subspecialty training. This we should discuss in Barcelona in May 2008. The greatest challenge for the near future, I believe, is to perfectly prepare the Mannheim Meeting, presided by Karl Hörmann.

More than in Vienna, it will be the duty of the subspecialty societies - in co-operation with Karl Hörmann and his group - to send proposals for Instructional Courses and State-of-the-Art Round Tables. For that purpose, we invite each subspecialty society to elect one representative responsible for this task, and to inform Karl Hörmann of their decision until the end of January 2008.

One of Karl's duties will be to offer special time schedules for each subspecialty.

We all want the 1st Academy Meeting - which will be organized in close co-operation with EUFOS - to be a great success!

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and with my very best personal regards,

Yours Sincerely,

Klaus

To read the entire article, please click on this link

You may consult the minutes by clicking here.

The Austrian Society of ORL, HNS and the European Academy of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and its member societies all actively contributed to the scientific programme, which was compiled and planned in close cooperation with the three programme coordinators, Klaus Jahnke (Germany) for Otology — Neurootology, Jan Olofsson (Norway) for Head and Neck—Laryngology and Heinz Stammberger (Austria) for Rhinology—Facial Plastic Surgery. 

At the opening ceremony, Heinz Stammberger surprised the audience with a take on ‘The Third Man’, and reminded everyone that ‘Vienna always was at a crossroads...’, while the Wild Ensemble gave a musical tour de force of all that Vienna has to offer. Opening lectures by Benoıˆt Lengele´ (Belgium) about the first human face transplant and Hartmut Neumann (Germany) about the European Paraganglioma Network gave the audience a first glimpse of what else to expect.

Up to 12 sessions ran parallel in the stately rooms of the former Habsburg residence at any given time, presenting the very latest in clinical practice and research.

Within the framework of Instructional Courses, 37 live dissection operations were performed, offering delegates the opportunity to get acquainted with new procedures and techniques. With a total of 55 scientific sessions, 30 keynote lectures, 79 instructional courses, 89 round tables and 3133 participants from 96 countries, the EUFOS congress proved beyond doubt to be the largest of its kind in Europe. In addition, more than 80 participating companies made this one of the largest commercial exhibitions ever at a European ENT congress.

On the final day, some of the field’s leading minds gathered in a special round table to discuss "European ENT—quo vadis? The Final Round....Table", to share ideas and discuss current topics and controversies in the field, providing a suitable ending to this multi-day event.

The panel included:

• Desiderio Passali, President of IFOS (Italy)
• Peter Clement, Former President of EUFOS (Belgium)
• Klaus Jahnke, President of the EAORL-HNS (Germany)
• Reidar Grenman, President of UEMS-ENT-Section (Finland)
• Erwin Offeciers, IFOS Regional Secretary for Europe (Belgium)
• Jan Olofsson, newly elected President of EUFOS (Norway)
• Klaus Albegger (Austria) and Heinz Stammberger (Austria), Congress Presidents

A summary of their statements will be published in the next issue. In his words of farewell to the audience, Klaus Albegger expressed his wish that everyone take the ‘spirit of Vienna’ home with them.

All in all, the outstanding success of this 6th EUFOS Congress proved that ENT is a very lively community, with strong ties in Europe and far beyond.

Text and photos: Andrea Balcar, Society Manager EAORL-HNS

Peter Clement addresses the audience

Klaus Jahnke during the Final Round Table

The location for the meeting will be announced at the registration desk.
Lunch-boxes will be served.

Antwerp, a marvellous metropolis of culture and trade, owes its prosperity not only to a gigantic port along the river Scheldt, a worldrenowned diamond centre and a delightful inner city, but it also holds an impressive cultural heritage. Indeed, amongst a wide variety of wonderful aspects, Antwerp stands for Rubens, van Dyck, Jordaens, Bruegel, Plantyn and centuries of fine architecture, music and artistic crafts, and so it was an excellent locale for the International Academy of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery to host its meeting.

This was the first meeting of the Academy in Western Europe. The title ‘East Meets West’ was chosen by Prof Bert Schmelzer, Conference President, with the goal of bringing Eastern European, Central-Asian, American, African and Western European colleagues together in an amicable atmosphere to learn from one another and to set an example for their younger colleagues. The venue was the prestigious Thirteenth Century ‘Elzenveld’, first built as a hospital and then renovated into a lovely conference centre in the late 80s. Its chapel is from 1236, and there is still a hospital building on the site of the conference centre.

The Guests of Honour at the meeting were: Marius Pluzhnikov (Russia), President of the IAO-HNS, Fred Stucker (USA), Rais Tulebaev (Kazakhstan), George Feigin (Kirkizstan), Peter Clement (Belgium), EUFOS President, and Vasant Oswal (UK). Prof Vasant Oswal was awarded the NP Simanovskii Golden Medal for his contribution to the pedagogical activities of the IAOHNS. Prof Bert Schmelzer was awarded with a diploma as Professor of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences. Prof Marius Plouzhnikov was awarded the Memorial Medal of Collegium Amicititae Sacrum.

A large number of guest speakers were invited to give excellent lectures, including: K Jahnke, President of the European Academy, V Jahnke and J Werner (Germany), V Ananian (USA), H Negm (Egypt), V Bykova, G Tavartkiladze and V Linkov (Russia), G Cingi (Turkey), R Rozenson (Kazakhstan), K Albegger (Austria), M Romanitan (Sweden), D Zabolotny (Ukrain), E Vitte (France), P VanDeHeyning, FE Offeciers, M Jorissen, J Claes, J Daele, I Dhooge, V Vander Poorten, S Vlaminck and J Watelet (Belgium), and others.

The lectures covered a wide spectrum of topics in all fields of otorhinolaryngology, from FESS to stapes surgery and from cochlear implantation to head and neck tumours. N Daikhis (Russia) and K Albegger (Austria) received their documents as new members of the IAO-HNS. Prof K Albegger, President of the upcoming EUFOS Congress, invited Academy members to attend the EUFOS Conference next June in Vienna where an Academy meeting will also take place.

A wonderful concert was conducted by Prof Ananian (Violin) and Mr Donald (Piano) inside the old chapel in a legendary atmosphere. The beautiful weather made the pre-conference tour to Ghent and Bruges unforgettable. Bruges, a city that has remained undamaged since the early 14th Century, was perhaps the nicest stay because of its complete renovation. Peter Clement invited all foreign guests to partake of this wonderful trip. Guests also enjoyed the wonderful tastes of Belgian food and drinks at the welcoming party, an exclusive gala dinner in the superb main hall and an elegant farewell dinner in the old opera house. All events were joyful and unforgettable to all.

--source ENT News, Vol. 15, No. 6, Jan/Feb 2007