From February 2-8, 2025, Schloss Arenberg hosted a full house of otolaryngology residents and specialists from all corners of the globe united by a common sentiment: The eagerness to develop the medical care of their patients, institutions, and countries. The OMI proudly shares this sentiment, and we strive to support each one of these inspiring journeys to ultimately have a positive impact on healthcare worldwide.
OMI’s 29th Salzburg seminar in Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) was indeed a global event. 37 fellows from 27 countries, 30 of them participating for the very first time, came together for this week’s state-of-the-art program combining core areas of the field divided into allergy and rhinology, sleep apnea, pediatric otolaryngology, and general otolaryngology.
Beyond the importance of welcoming inspired and qualified newcomers, we were fortunate to have representatives from countries such as Ethiopia, Greece, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Nepal, and Zambia. According to a study led by healthcare professionals from three countries in Africa from the Biochemistry Research International published at the American National Library of Medicine (Lukama; Kalinda; Kuhn; Aldous, 2020), in Zambia and many other middle- to low-income countries, ENT services are a cause for concern. Otolaryngology care in these countries is characterized by poor funding and an urgent need for medical professionals.
In support of our ambitious goals, this week’s course was led by an OMI veteran and world-leading ENT specialist, Michael G. Stewart. Dr. Stewart is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, Senior Associate Dean for International Affairs and Affiliations of the Medical College, Otolaryngologist-in-Chief at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/ Weill Cornell Medical Center, and also currently the Interim Senior Associate Dean of Education at Weill Cornell. The course marked his 20th participation at the OMI in Salzburg. Apart from core areas of ENT, the Otolaryngology seminar addressed “[…] both medical and surgical management of several conditions, including recent advances,” quotes Dr. Stewart.
Also from Weill Cornell, we were joined by Dr. Vikash Modi, Dr. Abtin Tabaee, and Dr. William Reisacher. Sharing his personal experience at our seminars, Dr. Reisacher beautifully conveys a common understanding of faculty and fellows associated with the OMI: “It is truly inspiring to meet people from so many different countries and cultures, all learning from one another in peace, united by the spirit of kindness and the love of the healing arts.”
From Austria, we welcomed Dr. Gerhard Rasp as the course’s co-director, who served the program (ENT and Otology and Temporal Bone Surgery) for 28 times, Dr. Doris-Maria Denk-Linnert, and Dr. Dietmar Thurnher, representing three important Austrian institutions: the General Hospital of Salzburg, the Medical University of Vienna, and the Medical University of Graz. In addition, long-time OMI faculty member Dr. Cem Meco from Ankara University Medical School brought in his expertise.
It is safe to say that the course was marked by diversity, from faculty to fellows, in a common sentiment of, in the words of Dr. Reisacher, “the spirit of kindness and the love of the healing arts.” We conclude this week thankful for yet another successful seminar!
Taonga Shonga, MD
OMI fellow from Zambia
“The case presentation session was the highlight of the day for me. The fellows presented a variety of cases, each bringing unique challenges and lessons. This provided me with insights into how my colleagues in different countries are practicing.”
Cristina Maria Blebea, MD
OMI fellow from Romania
“I had a wonderful opportunity to discuss the details of a challenging clinical case with Dr. Stewart. He provided insightful guidance and unwavering encouragement, offering valuable advice that broadened my perspective on the situation.”
Bisrat Getachew, MD
OMI fellow from Ethiopia
“Dr. Tabaee’s lecture on endoscopic sinus surgery was incredibly insightful and filled with valuable information. His extensive hands-on experience emphasized the importance of understanding the anatomical details of the sinuses before surgery and highlighted the significance of patient-centered decision-making.”
