Nominees for Conference Sec post 2022

There are three candidates for the post of Conference Secretary:

Miss Ekpemi Irune

Consultant Laryngology, Head & Neck Surgeon - Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Proposer: Professor Kevin Harrington Seconder: Professor Terry Jones

Looking Outwards: The COVID-19 pandemic, despite its difficulties, provided healthcare providers pause for thought, evaluating the culture and highlighting the challenges we face in the workplace. In the last year, certain organisations have made a conscious effort within the medical profession to foster a more inclusive and equitable workforce. Adopting the ethos of diversity in leadership opens opportunities to promote new ideas and ideals. This adds depth and a broader insight into the way we practice medicine, directly influencing the care we provide to our patients whom are very much diverse.

The role and prominence of the woman in the workplace is also due an overhaul, requiring dedicated efforts to leverage the ingenuity and capabilities of female Allied Healthcare Professionals, physicians and surgeons that serve the Head & Neck cancer agenda.

In addition, the implementation of technology in clinical care, including Augmented and Virtual Reality, is being rapidly adopted around the world. From remote consultations to live surgery collaborations and proctorship, one can educate, upskill, improve outcomes and empower healthcare professionals regardless of where they are in the world. There is no doubt that while it is important to drive cutting edge treatments, the medium and tools with which we deliver said care and its ultimate reach is even more valuable. Furthermore, the role of Artificial Intelligence in cancer epidemiology, improving diagnostic capabilities and enhancing translational research cannot be overstated.

I am a Head & Neck Surgeon with a complex, tertiary oncology practice with leadership experience in the development and advocacy of all of the above. I am also a grant holder for projects relating to technology in medicine, the most recent for the sum of £250,000. A vote for me is a vote for an agenda based on inclusivity, the adoption of technology and extensive collaboration to ensure BAHNO takes its place on the world stage as a ‘global’ organisation. One capable of interacting with myriad categories of healthcare providers, embracing atypical contributors, bridging the divides of privilege and thus, democratising access to high quality education, research and clinical care. Indeed, the practice of ‘looking outwards’ is the fuel that will drive innovation and evolution in a post-pandemic society.

Dr Mehmet Sen

Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Leeds Cancer Centre

Proposer: Professor Hisham Mehanna Seconder: Dr Claire Paterson

My name is Mehmet Sen and I am a Consultant Clinical Oncologist working for the past 30 years with a special interest in in head and neck cancers. I have worked in a number of centres in the UK and Turkey and have been a consultant at the Leeds Cancer Centre since 2004. I am also a BAHNO council member representing clinical oncology.

Throughout my career I have recognised and embraced the multidisciplinary nature of head and neck cancer management and the key importance of education and research in improving outcomes and quality of life for our patients.

I have experience of national and international collaborative research with prominent positions in the EORTC and NCRI Head and Neck Groups. Through these groups I have extensive experience working with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and specialities.

I have extensive experience of teaching and organising educational meetings/conferences. I am the chair of the organising committee for York Annual Head and Neck Oncology meeting since 2014, a multi-disciplinary meeting aimed primarily for the nonsurgical oncology community. I would like to expand the size and scope of the BAHNO annual scientific meeting and have a strong track record of attracting industry partners and associated funding to support educational events

If elected I would work closely with all the users and representatives of head and neck cancer community to expand the scope and reach of BAHNO through education and closer collaboration.

Professor Stuart Winter

Consultant Ear Nose and Throat, Head and Neck Surgeon Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust

Proposer: Mr Ceri Hughes Seconder: Mr Priy Silva

I have been attending BAHNO conferences since a trainee. I have more recently had the privilege to sit on council. During this I have chaired the guidelines committee and helped produce the updated BAHNO standards, published in 2020.

I believe I have the best interests of the profession at heart. I also feel that conferences will need to adapt to the post-covid world and ensure that they represent the entirety of our members.

If elected I look forward to rising to this challenge.

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Please return your vote via the form sent by email to eligible members.

Any queries, please contact Laura in the Secretariat secretariat@bahno.org.uk