Min Pan, Associate Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University.
Jiao Xia, Consultant, The Center of 
Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University
The 6th ENT MASTERCLASS® CHINA was co-hosted by the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Beijing Friendship Hospital of Capital Medical University and the Audiology Development Foundation of China.
Notably, it was the first time the ENT masterclass took place outside of Beijing since its inception in China. The event attracted leading experts in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery from the UK, Turkey and China, gathering interest from over 200 delegates on-site and more than 4000 participants online, as well as over 9000 viewers watching via live broadcast.
Highlights of academic exchange
The conference opened with presentations by Prof Huang Zhigang (China) and Prof Li Jinrang (China), who discussed advancements in head and neck surgery and laryngology. Prof Xu Wen (China) interpreted the Chinese 2024 Expert Consensus on Voice Function Assessment. Prof Shahed Quraishi (UK) shared protocols for voice preservation in thyroid and parathyroid surgeries. Prof Ahmet Ikiz (Turkey) emphasised standardised intraoperative nerve monitoring in thyroid procedures. Surgical innovations took center stage as Peter Clarke (UK) revisited the midface degloving approach for maxillofacial tumors and shared tips for laryngopharyngectomy. Prof Ahmet Ikiz (Turkey) discussed surgical approaches for parapharyngeal tumors, while Prof Guohua Hu (China) demonstrated endoscopic techniques for non-thyroid neck surgeries. Prof Liangfa Liu (China) detailed reconstructive strategies for hypopharyngeal cancer.
In the field of rhinology, Prof Dehui Wang (China) showcased the endoscopic resection of trigeminal schwannomas. This was complemented by updates from Prof Dongdong Zhu (China) and Prof Yucheng Yang (China) on chronic nasal inflammation. Prof Claire Hopkins (UK) highlighted biologic therapies for chronic rhinosinusitis and management strategies for olfactory dysfunction, while Prof Shahzada Ahmed (UK) illustrated transorbital approaches and contemporary management for skull base tumours. Catherine Rennie (UK) detailed the prevention and management of complications in sinus surgery and emphasised a multidisciplinary approach to sinonasal disease.
The otology sessions covered various insights into vertigo, featuring contributions from Prof Xiulan Ma (China) on paediatric vertigo management, Prof Lisheng Yu (China) on advances in vestibular disorders and Prof Peter Rea (UK) on non-vestibular causes of dizziness. Additionally, Prof Richard Irving (UK) discussed superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome, while Prof Yuhe Liu (China) shared special cases of hearing impairment in children. Prof Dan Jiang (UK) demonstrated stapes surgery and child auditory brainstem implants (CABIP).
Panel discussions addressed three complex head and neck oncology cases, underlining the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork. Experts from Chongqing, Beijing, and the UK presented individual cases, fostering in-depth discussion and debate on tailored therapeutic pathways.
Youth engagement
A highlight of the event was the Trainees' Presentation Session, where ten emerging scholars from six cities across China presented innovative research in English. Dr Jianguo Chen (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University) won the Gold Award for his systematic review on the application of biologics in the treatment of olfactory dysfunction, while Dr Lan Feng (West China Hospital of Sichuan University) secured the Silver Award for her study on HPV-driven oropharyngeal tumors. 
Future directions and global synergy
The closing ceremony underscored the importance of international partnerships. Prof Shahed Quraishi praised the event's role in bridging global expertise and training specialists. The ENT MASTERCLASS® CHINA reaffirmed its mission to foster innovation, inspire young talent and advance otorhinolaryngology into a new era of global collaboration.
