Editorial introductions

Abstract

Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery was launched in 1993. It is one of a successful series of review journals whose unique format is designed to provide a systematic and critical assessment of the literature as presented in the many primary journals. The fields of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery are divided into 11 sections that are reviewed once a year. Each section is assigned a Section Editor, a leading authority in the area, who identifies the most important topics at that time. Here we are pleased to introduce the Journal's Section Editors for this issue. SECTION EDITORS H. Fiona RobinsonH. Fiona RobinsonMiss Robinson qualified as a Speech Therapist from Birmingham Polytechnic in 1980, and in 2004 she was awarded Master of Science (Merit) (Advanced practice – Voice) from the University of Newcastle, UK, with a study into the efficacy of voice therapy for vocal fold paralysis. In recognition of her contribution to the speech and language therapy profession in the UK, Miss Robinson was elected to the Fellowship of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) in 2006. She has completed a post-graduate certificate in Medical Education at the University of Nottingham, UK, with a particular interest in the development of E-learning. Her clinical interests include the diagnosis and rehabilitation of speech and swallowing disorders related to head and neck cancer, including surgical voice restoration, and the management of dysphonia. Currently she is working within the NHS as an Advanced SLT Practitioner at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, and with Severn Healthcare Technologies as a freelance clinical SLT specialist adviser and trainer in laryngectomy rehabilitation. Fiona is a founding member and past-Chair of the national Clinical Expert Network (RCSLT) in Head and Neck Oncology. As a RCSLT clinical adviser, she contributes widely to the SLT profession in the UK in the development of national policies and guidelines, and represents RCSLT on the BACO Academic committee. Jo PattersonJo PattersonDr Patterson qualified from City University, UK, in 1991 and specialises in head and neck cancer rehabilitation. She completed her Masters in Advanced Dysphagia in 2004 at Newcastle University, UK. She was awarded a NIHR doctoral fellowship in 2005 and completed her PhD on swallowing outcomes in head and neck cancer following chemoradiotherapy in 2010. She has completed a NIHR funded post-doctoral fellowship and continues to balance her time between clinical and academic work. Her research portfolio includes a number of funded feasibility and pilot studies investigating eating and drinking interventions in head and neck cancer. She is a co-applicant on a number of multi-centre randomized control trials related to dysphagia, funded by NIHR and CRUK. Jo has published several peer-reviewed papers and book chapters. She is a Fellow and Professional Advisor for the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists, represents Speech & Language Therapy on the ENT national specialty group and is a council member for British Association Head and Neck Oncologists. Muaaz TarabichiMuaaz TarabichiDr Tarabichi is the cofounder of the TSESI: Tarabichi Stammberger Ear and Sinus Institute which is focused on research and education to advance the art and science of endoscopic ear and sinus surgery. He is the pioneer of endoscopic ear surgery and has published and lectured extensively on the subject. He also maintains an active interest in issues of hearing health in emerging countries and in issues of access to hearing devices for the poor across the globe. He chaired the 1st and 2nd world congress on CI in emerging countries and sat on the steering committee for GCIAN: Global CI Access Network: www.ciforall.com. Dr Tarabichi sits on the editorial board of multiple peer reviewed journals in Otolaryngology. Johannes J. FaganJohannes J. FaganJohannes J. Fagan is Professor and Chairman of Otorhinolaryngology at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. He has authored 200 peer reviewed articles and book chapters, and also self-publishes two free open access textbooks, The Open Access Atlas of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Operative Surgery and the Open Access Guide to Audiology and Hearing Aids. One of his major interests has been to advance head and neck surgery in Africa and the Developing World. To this end, Professor Fagan established the Karl Storz Fellowship in Advanced Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Cape Town and has trained 12 African Head and Neck surgeons.