Functional endoscopic sinus surgery course

Abstract

The annual Bristol functional endoscopic sinus surgery course is aimed at surgical trainees involved in sinus or skull base surgery. The course is mainly for ear, nose, and throat surgeons in training, but it will also appeal to neurosurgeons and maxillofacial surgeons. This year delegates came from Southampton, London, Manchester, Preston, and Bristol. I went on this course at specialty training year 3 level, although doing it at an early stage would have allowed me to start sinus surgery sooner. Other attendees included specialty trainees years 3 to 6, clinical fellows, and associate specialists. It is not mandatory to go on a sinus surgery course, but consultants are increasingly keen for their junior doctors to attend such a course before doing any type of sinus surgery. Attendance at a course like the functional endoscopic sinus surgery course also helps to form part of the annual review of competence progression and record of in-training assessment that takes place for surgical trainees each year. Aside from the formal reasons for attendance, most importantly this course allows trainees to gain confidence when operating close …