Otolaryngology is one of the oldest medical specialties that involves the diagnosis and treatment of patients with diseases and conditions of the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck. In the 19th century, doctors discovered that the head and neck have interconnected systems. In an effort to diagnose and treat problems that affect the head and neck, they developed tools and techniques to examine these systems, which eventually formed the medical specialty that is today known as otolaryngology.
35 fellows from 25 different countries gathered at Schloss Arenberg from March 12-18, 2023, for the Salzburg Weill Cornell Seminar in Otolaryngology, to hear the newest updates in the medical field.
Dr. Michael G. Stewart, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, served as the course director this week, teaching at the OMI in Salzburg for the 18th time. He was supported by co-course director Dr. Gerhard Rasp, Professor and Chairman as well as Head of the Department of Otolaryngology at the Paracelsus Private Medical University, who participated in an OMI seminar for the 24th time. US faculty included Dr. Jacqueline E. Jones, Dr. Rita Roure, and Dr. Andrew Tassler. Austrian faculty members Dr. Doris-Maria Denk-Linnert, Dr. Cem Meco, Dr. Sebastian Roesch, and Dr. Dietmar Thurnher came to Schloss Arenberg to share new insights in otolaryngology with the fellows.
Fellos presented clinical cases from their own experience on Tuesday and Thursday, which resulted in fruitful discussions with faculty and colleagues. It is always especially interesting for fellows to hear how similar problems are approached in different ways in other countries. Seven cases were chosen by the faculty to be published on the OMI case library. On Wednesday, faculty and fellows had the opportunity to explore Salzburg’s old town and its surroundings. Faculty visited the Celtic Museum in Hallein, which is one of the largest museums for Celtic history and art in Europe.
On Friday, after taking the post-seminar test, fellows and faculty enjoyed a free, sunny afternoon once again. In the evening, the group reunited at Schloss Arenberg for the farewell reception and graduation dinner, which is always a special occasion for faculty and fellows, and provides the opportunity to look back on a week full of knowledge exchange and to celebrate a new network of international colleagues.
Michael G. Stewart, MD, MPH
OMI Course Director
I am honored to participate in the OMI programs every year. I get to meet amazing colleagues from around the world, and I help them work with the invited American and European faculty to try to advance their careers, and also improve healthcare in their countries.
