During the V National Conference “Innovations in otolaryngology. Challenges — opportunities — perspectives” in Poznań from October 19 to 21, 2023, Prof. Henryk Skarżyński was nominated an honorary member of the Polish Head and Neck Society. This honor was awarded in recognition of his many outstanding contributions to otorhinolaryngology and his kindness and selflessness in daily dealings.

The National Conference “Innovations in otolaryngology” has for years brought together ENT specialists from all over the country, representing different areas of interest within the scope of this specialty. For this year’s Conference, the organizers have also invited prominent medical community representatives from Poland and abroad.

This year, the Institute of Physiology and Pathology was the organizer of the panel entitled “Otological and audiological aspects of hearing loss treatment,” moderated by Prof. Henryk Skarżyński and Prof. Piotr H. Skarżyński, with Prof. Krzysztof Kochanek co-hosting the Expert’s Session. Additionally, the Institute’s representatives gave the following lectures during the Conference:

• “Qualification, surgery, and management of complications in the treatment of otosclerosis” and “Adenotomy and ventilation drainage – indications and options” – Prof. Piotr H. Skarżyński
• “Objective hearing tests in otolaryngology practice” – Prof. Krzysztof Kochanek
• “Current principles of phonosurgical management of unilateral vocal fold paralysis” – Prof. Agata Szkiełkowska
• “Interrelationships in vestibular system measurements – interpretation” – Dr. Grażyna Tacikowska
• “Patient’s condition after radical middle ear surgery – treatment options” – Dr. Andrzej Pastuszak
• “Use of bone conduction implants in the treatment of congenital malformations and various types of hearing loss” – Dr. Katarzyna Cywka
• “Middle ear implants – when and for whom?” – Dr. Anna Ratuszniak.

– Laryngology evolves constantly – said Professor Wojciech Golusinski, Chairman of the Scientific and Organizational Committee of the Conference during the inauguration. – We need to keep up with the progress to provide the best patient care. Therefore, the “Innovations” Conference aims to introduce European recommendations for diagnosing and treating diseases in otorhinolaryngology into everyday medical practice. During the V National Conference, we will present the latest achievements in oncology, audiology, pediatric ENT, rhinology, and snoring and sleep apnea treatment. A novelty is sessions on the use of artificial intelligence in medicine and an international panel from the European Head and Neck Society featuring prominent specialists who are authorities in ENT – head and neck surgery, maxillofacial surgery, clinical oncology, and radiotherapy. – adds Prof. W. Golusiński.

Topics covered during the Conference included the range of services provided in this specialty, their pricing, and new organizational forms expected to improve oncology care. Resident physicians invited to the forum could exchange views on the specialization program, the quality of training in otorhinolaryngology, and the state exam.