The human ear is a marvel of biological engineering. Otology focuses on diagnosing and treating disorders of the ear and its intricate structures. One of the most challenging and fascinating procedures in this medical area is temporal bone surgery, which demands deep anatomical knowledge and exceptional surgical skills. Seven surgeons who are true professionals in the field chose to share their expertise during the annual Otology and Temporal Bone Surgery course that took place from November 9 to 15, 2025. 34 participants from 25 countries were eager to learn as much as possible from both the fascinating didactic lectures and the hands-on lab.
The seminar was led by the power duo of course director Dr. Nikolas H. Blevins and co-course director Dr. Gerhard Rasp. Dr. Blevins is the Chief of the Division of Otology and Neurotology and is the Director of the Stanford Cochlear Implant Center. Dr. Rasp is the Chairman of the Otolaryngology Department at the General Hospital of Salzburg. The remainder of the stellar faculty cohort consisted of Dr. Walter Kutz (University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center), Dr. Kristen Yancey (Weill Cornell Medicine), Dr. Christoph Arnoldner (Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology of the Medical University of Vienna), Dr. Jan Boucek (Deputy Head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at the First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Czech Republic), and Dr. Sebastian Roesch (University Hospital Regensburg). The mastermind behind this special endeavor, Dr. Samuel H. Selesnick (Weill Cornell Medicine), kicked off the course week remotely.
“The seminar provided an overview of surgical anatomy and decision-making crucial to providing safe and effective otologic care. The course combined didactic lectures, covering the full spectrum of surgical otology, with hands-on experience to provide participants with the opportunity to explore temporal bone anatomy in the surgical laboratory. The format was highly interactive, allowing fellows direct access to work with experienced faculty to address particular areas of interest relevant to each participant’s needs,” summarized Dr. Blevins. Some of the topics covered in the lectures were tympanoplasty, canal wall intact mastoidectomy, cochlear implantation, BAHA and powered ear surgery, and petrous bone cholesteatoma.
Dr. Kristen Yancey is a neurotologist in the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine. This is her second time teaching at the OMI. She explained in a heartfelt statement why she dedicates her time to continuously support our educational programs: “I am happy and grateful to be back in Salzburg for a second time for the OMI’s Otology and Temporal Bone Surgery seminar. As faculty, it is a wonderful opportunity to be able to share knowledge in a field I am passionate about, as well as learn from the fellows who bring unique perspectives from all over the world.”
Participants were thrilled that a full day was dedicated to a dissection lab at the Paracelsus Medical University (PMU), where they had the unique opportunity to master their surgical skills using specimens under the guidance of expert faculty and vendors from MED-EL and Medtronic. The fellows could immediately apply the techniques that they learned about during the lectures in hands-on situations in small groups. They eagerly practiced their expertise at mastoidectomy, stapedectomy, and facial recess, amongst other procedures.
We would like to thank Medtronic and MED-EL for their support and top-tier equipment that once more made the lab a resounding success!
Arturs Barščevskis, MD
OMI fellow from Latvia
“The highlight of the seminar was the temporal bone lab. We got the chance to apply all the theoretical knowledge in a practical, hands-on environment under expert supervision using top-notch equipment. It was an outstanding experience that combined anatomy, surgical skills, and precision in a way that no lecture can fully convey.”
Mateja Đenović, MD
OMI fellow from Croatia
“When the fellows presented their cases and shared their own clinical experience, the faculty provided constructive feedback. The audience was engaged, and I found this exchange particularly valuable as it reminded me how much there is to learn from peers as well as from the experts.”
Taonga Shonga, MD
OMI fellow from Zambia
“Dr. Nikolas H. Blevins gave a comprehensive talk on temporal bone anatomy. He highlighted the intricate structures of the temporal bone by looking at the anatomy in 3D, which was truly unique. I can never get enough of anatomy, and this knowledge is a must-know, especially for an ear surgeon.”
Doan Thu An Ta, MD
OMI fellow from Viet Nam
“It was an honor to meet Dr. Gerhard Rasp here in Salzburg and listen to his talk on cochlear implantation. He is one of the most renowned experts in the field, and hearing him speak on the topic was very educational and inspiring.”
