See also: Young ELS: a fresh voice and community for the next generation of laryngologists
The Young Consultants in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (YCOHNS) was established over 30 years ago by a group of young ENT consultants including Tony Narula, Alan Johnson and others who all went on to become highly influential members of ENT in the UK. The basic premise was that the group wanted to establish a voice for the younger generation of consultants so that decision-making made at a national level could include their views and wishes.
Initially, meetings were held yearly and were informal events where families were invited and discussions were conducted over dinner and drinks to improve ENT practice for younger consultants. The meetings were very popular and grew as the years progressed. The venues for the meetings were often in hotels so that families could stay, and included places like The Belfry Golf Club and Spa in the Midlands.
As the years progressed, many of the discussions changed, but there have been a number of recurring themes that bear relevance to all new ENT consultants. These include contracts, job planning, adapting to life as a new ENT consultant, setting up a new service, development of other interests such as teaching, research and management, the changing NHS landscape and private practice.
There has always been an emphasis on panel discussions and an open forum for discussion rather than traditional didactic lectures. A major component has always been the social aspect of the meetings, where the key benefits of networking with others include forging new relationships and opening doors to different opportunities. Many important discussions and sharing of ideas have occurred during this part of the meeting – potentially changing the face of ENT as we know it now.
YCOHNS ran independently of any other organisation until around 2018, when it was decided that the group would become part of the wider ENT UK group network. This was really to improve membership, better advertise events, widen appeal and improve governance of the organisation. The membership criteria now include all ENT trainees post-CCT and those up to five years after starting a consultant post.
There was a hiatus of meetings during the COVID pandemic. However, YCOHNS returned with a face-to-face relaunch event in November 2023 which was a huge success and re-emphasised how important the meetings are to all new consultants as well as senior trainees. Since then, the group has gained an increasing membership and a new committee. The most recent annual meeting and networking event was held in Birmingham at the end of June 2025, gaining excellent feedback from delegates. Topics from job planning and pensions to taking on wider roles and private practice were covered. There are plans to host further events for members in the coming year, and preparation for the YCOHNS session at BACO International 2026 has already begun.
As a committee, we deeply appreciate the invaluable contributions of YCOHNS members and how their efforts have significantly benefited the ENT community. Our vision is to actively shape ENT careers and experiences, embrace the family community and shape the future. Your participation is vital to our success. We are thrilled to welcome new members and look forward to your ideas and input in future events.
For questions and membership enquiries:
Contact Nina Mistry (nina.mistry@nhs.net)
or Sevina Tzortzis (sevina.tzortzis@nhs.net)
Or visit www.entuk.org/about/groups/ycohns/default.aspx
Declaration of competing interests: None declared.
