The term ‘the Balkans’ is used to cover various states in the region, including Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Moldova and Hungary. Italy also has a small territory on the Balkan Peninsula. The ENT societies of the Balkan countries established the Balkan ORL Association.
The term ‘Central Asia’ includes the countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Azerbaycan is also considered a part of the West Central Asian Area. These countries came together and established Central Asian ORL Societies.
Both the Balkan ORL and Central Asian ORL Societies have many similarities and problems. The aim of the societies is to support ENT departments in having modern medical and diagnostic equipment and tools as far as is possible. The education systems need revision, and the training should be done more effectively. More regular exchange of knowledge and skills of ENT specialists between departments and countries, and through advanced courses, should be organised. Both associations are very willing to work to this purpose by bringing the teachers, residents and fellows together to share knowledge and information.
Latest Contribution
Prof Metin Önerci – ENT in Central Asia
Our Global Ambassador covering the Eurasia region is Prof Metin Önerci. We wanted him to shed some light on ENT in the countries of Central Asia – this is an area of the world that we in the west hear...
IFOS 2026 bid cities
As Dubai prepares to host IFOS 2023, the next IFOS congress in 2026 is already being planned. The competition to host the meeting is certain to be fierce – we hear from the organisers around the world bidding to bring...
In conversation with Prof Metin Önerci
Prof Valerie Lund caught up with friend and colleague, Prof Dr Metin Önerci, to discuss his various positions in rhinology, the FOAM programme with which he is involved, and rhinology in Turkey and the Balkan and the Central Asian region....
