Published: April 26, 2021

Get to Know the #OTOMTG21 International Guests of Honor: Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery

The Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (ASOHNS) is the representative organization for otolaryngology head and neck surgeons in Australia.


AsohnsThe Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (ASOHNS), established in 1950, is the representative organization for otolaryngology head and neck surgeons in Australia.

ASOHNS has 497 member surgeons and administers training for over 75 trainees across Australia. 

Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery is highly advanced in Australia, and members are closely connected with colleagues internationally. On completion of training, a large portion of young fellows travel overseas to complete further advanced training. Australia also welcomes visiting fellowships for overseas-trained surgeons. Australian surgeons are passionate learners, keen researchers, and strong advocates for their patients. 

ASOHNS works in collaboration with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) to train the next generation of OHNS surgeons, one of nine surgical specialties supported by RACS. The training program is competency-based and takes approximately five years to complete. Flexible training allows for interruption or part-time training to pursue personal life choices, including research, parental leave, and overseas aid work.

Continuing professional development for members is supported through an annual scientific meeting with international keynote speakers. ASOHNS members also have access to online education resources on the AAO-HNS education platform.

The ASOHNS’ top strategic priorities include audit registries, addressing hearing health of first nations people, and workforce maldistribution given the geographical size of Australia.

We have been fortunate in Australia with advance warnings internationally on the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and we were able to implement precautions to protect the population. While international travel for Australia is on hold at the writing of this, we hope to connect with colleagues virtually at the Annual Meeting, October 3-6, in Los Angeles, California. 


More from May 2021 – Vol. 40, No. 4