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 RobinsonFiona 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, Newcastle, UK, with study into the efficacy of voice therapy for vocal fold paralysis. In 2006, 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). She has completed a post-graduate certificate in Medical Education at the University of Nottingham, 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 founder 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. Joanne PattersonJoanne PattersonJo qualified from City, University of London, UK, in 1991 and specialises in head and neck cancer rehabilitation. She completed her Masters in Advanced Dysphagia in 2004 at Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK. She was awarded a NIHR doctoral fellowship in 2005 and completed her PhD researching 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. Karen H. CalhounKaren H. CalhounKaren H. Calhoun is a professor of Otolaryngology Head and neck Surgery at the Ohio State University Wexner School of Medicine, USA. She has a focused interest in the intersection of allergy with the practice of otolaryngology. She attended medical school at University of Louisville, USA, completed a Head and Neck Surgical Oncology fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch, USA, and has since been practicing and teaching at the University of Texas, University of Missouri, and now at Ohio State. She has served in a number of leadership positions in national professional organizations, has made many presentations and published numerous journal articles and book chapters as well as editing several books.