“It is very gratifying to see evidence of improved healthcare education and delivery in so many countries.” It is with the inspiring words of Dr. Michael G. Stewart that we successfully conclude our second Otolaryngology seminar by OMI this year – this time in Salzburg. Dr. Stewart’s words are beyond inspiring; they are also a testament to our progressive global impact one seminar at a time. After each event, our faculty notices fellows’ educational development – and that drives us forward! Outside the limits of nationality, we create an environment that fosters intensive learning, worldwide networking opportunities and, most importantly, impactful universal medical knowledge – all the characteristics of a truly global program. This week’s event was marked by a blend of 33 nationalities among 39 attendees at Schloss Arenberg. From Armenia and Kyrgyzstan, to Ethiopia, Mongolia, Morocco, and Vietnam. As Dr. Stewart remarked, “the fellows at the 2024 seminar represent more countries than any previous Otolaryngology seminar, and the quality of their participation along with their case presentations continues to improve year by year”. This week marked Dr. Stewart’s 19th participation in the Salzburg seminars, and second time this year after our OMI MEX Otolaryngology seminar in Mexico City last September. Along with Dr. Stewart, OMI veterans Dr. Gerhard Rasp (General Hospital of Salzburg), co-course director, and Dr. Cem Meco (Ankara University Medical School) joined us for the 27th and 30th time this year, respectively. From Weill Cornell, we welcomed Dr. David I. Kutler and Dr. Lucian Sulica back for the 5th year. Also from Cornell, Dr. David J. Phillips joined us in Salzburg for the first time after his first OMI experience in Mexico City. Forming our Austrian/ European faculty component along with Dr. Rasp and Dr. Meco, Dr. Doris-Maria Denk-Linnert (Medical University of Vienna) and Dr. Dietmar Thurnher (Medical University of Graz) completed our exceptional board of lecturers this week. Highlighting the course’s key topics, Dr. Stewart states: “We are addressing both medical and surgical management of several conditions, including recent advances”. He further shares that this year’s program “includes Head and Neck Oncology, Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery, Laryngology and Airway Management, and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery”. The course therefore marks a comprehensive schedule by joining world-leading otolaryngologists who spread their knowledge to each corner of the globe.
Huy Bui Khang, MD
OMI fellow from Viet Nam
“In his lecture, Dr. Stewart emphasized the importance of quality of life and how to assess it, which made me realize the true meaning of being a physician. Our role goes beyond treating patients physically. We must also strive to support their mental and social well-being as much as possible.”
Assaye Alebachew, MD
OMI fellow from Ethiopia
“This course has greatly benefited me by updating my knowledge and introducing me to new concepts and surgical techniques. My colleagues back home will gain a lot from what I have learned.”
Dina Kussainova, MD
OMI fellow from Kazakhstan
“The lectures of Dr. Sulica and Dr. Kutler were brilliant. I realized that many hospitals in my country lack important equipment, such as stroboscopes. This, among others, leads to the misdiagnosis of patients.“
Our enduring joint effort with leading American and European institutions makes the continuing medical development witnessed by Dr. Stewart possible. For that and so much more, we dedicate this post to our committed partners!
