09-12, 09:30–10:00 (Europe/Istanbul), Young IFOS 2
Description: Fellowships provide an excellent opportunity for young doctors to develop their professional, scientific, and technical skills. However, obtaining a fellowship requires considerable effort, and with so many opportunities available, it can be challenging to find the right one.
Objectives – Aim and Learning Outcomes of this Instructional Course: · To provide an overview of national and international ENT fellowship opportunities across various subspecialties (e.g., rhinology, otology, pediatric ENT, head & neck, facial plastic surgery) · To understand the structure, requirements, and application processes for fellowships in different countries · To share practical insights on preparing a competitive fellowship application (CV, motivation letter, reference letters) · To explore how fellowships contribute to clinical expertise and academic development in an ENT career
This Course is Intended For: · Young ENT colleagues and residents interested in pursuing advanced clinical or research training through fellowships · Senior ENT colleagues seeking guidance to support or mentor junior colleagues in their fellowship planning
What to Expect from this Course: · Comprehensive lectures on fellowship structures in Europe, the UK, the US, and other international programs · Step-by-step guidance through fellowship application processes, timelines, and key requirements · Interactive discussion of real-world experiences from recent fellows · Open Q&A sessions addressing common doubts, barriers, and practical concerns · Peer exchange and network-building among participants interested in similar paths
Structure: Session duration: 30 minutes. Presentation time: 10 minutes per speaker. Discussion: 5 minutes after each talk. One speaker will focus on fellowship opportunities and benefits; the other on practical aspects and how to apply.
Background:
1. Surda P, Fokkens WJ. Novel, Alternative, and Controversial Therapies of Rhinitis. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2016 May;36(2):401-23. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2015.12.014. Epub 2016 Mar 8. PMID: 27083111.
2. Walker A, Surda P. Unsupervised Learning Techniques for the Investigation of Chronic Rhinosinusitis. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2019 Dec;128(12):1170-1176. doi: 10.1177/0003489419863822. Epub 2019 Jul 18. PMID: 31319675.
3. Faulkner J, Naidoo R, Arora A, Jeannon JP, Hopkins C, Surda P. Combined robotic transorbital and transnasal approach to the nasopharynx and anterior skull base: Feasibility study. Clin Otolaryngol. 2020 Jul;45(4):630-633. doi: 10.1111/coa.13550. Epub 2020 May 11. PMID: 32301568.
4. M. Cherkes, P. Pondorfer-Schaefer, J. Pock, S. Spendel, D. Thurnher, Case Report.A toddler with acute, life-threatening airway obstruction due to a retropharyngeal macrocytic lymphatic malformation: successful emergency sclerotherapy., International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, <u>https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2025.112433</u>.
5. Iannella G., Pace A., Greco A., De Virgilio A., Gatti L, Maniaci A., Lechien J., Hervochon R., Faramarzi A., Mat Q., Cherkes M., Koiner-Graupp M, Boscolo-Rizzo P., Vaira LA & Magliulo G. (25 Nov 2024): Endoscopic versus microscopic approach in the treatment of atelectatic otitis media, Acta Oto-Laryngologica, DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2024.2424947
6. Cherkes M., Masna Z., Rudes M., Vasyliv M. Variability of pneumatization of the frontal and maxillary sinus accorded CT scans data. 67th Austrian ENT Congress. September 27th – 30th. 2023. Vienna. Austria. Abstract Book. PN 26. p. 102.
7. Bobyk VP, Raba BM, Cherkes MB et al. Newborn hearing screening: results of the first phase of the pilot program. Experimental and clinical physiology and biochemistry, ECPB 2023, 1/2(96):68–74.
this instructional course proposal is to provide structured, practical guidance for young ENT-professionals considering fellowship training as a pathway to deepen clinical expertise, gain international experience, and expand academic and research competencies. With growing interest in sub-specialization and global mobility within the ENT-community, this course aims to fill an educational gap by offering participants a clear understanding of fellowship opportunities, application strategies, and career development potential. By sharing real-life experiences and offering hands-on advice, the course seeks to empower participants to make informed decisions, navigate the application process, and strategically plan the next steps in their professional journey.
I started ENT Career in Ukraine and was working as an Pediatric ENT in the Children’s Hospital.
Since 2022 I am an ENT Resident at the Medical University of Graz
ENT specialist from the University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany. Special focus at pediatric rhinology, otology and oncology.
Pavol Surda is a Consultant ENT and Rhinology Surgeon and the Clinical Lead for ENT at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, London. His clinical practice covers the full spectrum of nasal and sinus disease, with particular expertise in endoscopic sinus surgery, skull base surgery, and the management of sinonasal tumours.
He completed specialist fellowships in rhinology and facial plastics at St George’s University Hospital in London and anterior skull base surgery at the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam. He also holds a PhD from the University of Amsterdam, with award-winning research focused on “rhinitis in athletes”.
Pavol has a strong academic portfolio, having published over 80 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was among the first to describe anosmia as a presenting symptom and contributed to national tracheostomy service guidelines. His current interests include innovation in minimally invasive rhinology, use of technology in surgical planning, and robotic approaches to the skull base.
He is deeply involved in education and research, regularly teaching on international courses and contributing to national and European guidelines. He co-authored the Scott-Brown Essentials in Rhinology and is part of the SurgTech team, creating high-quality surgical training content.
Pavol is a member of the Executive Board of the European Rhinologic Society, Chair of the Young European ENT Confederation, and Honorary Secretary of the Laryngology & Rhinology Section at the Royal Society of Medicine.
A former elite triathlete, he brings the same discipline and pursuit of excellence to his clinical and academic work.