Mel Corbett, ST8, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital Dublin
The internationally acclaimed meeting of the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeons took place at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), beside St Stephen's Green in Dublin.
The event was formally opened by the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Professor Debbie McNamara, President of the RCSI, who welcomed a sell-out audience of attendees from all around the globe. The opening addresses were from Professor James Paul O’Neill of Beaumont Hospital Dublin and RCSI, Dr Jatin Shah of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, and Professor Sandro Porceddu of Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne. 
The scientific programme featured state-of-the-art lectures delivered by leading experts both locally and internationally. There were eight sessions over two days with three lectures per session followed by a panel discussion of challenging clinical scenarios. The calibre of speakers was outstanding.
A small selection of highlights from the broad faculty of international guest speakers included Sarah Prunty from Perth and the evolving work in Australia on Merkel Cell Carcinoma, then Professor Matthew Hanasono from MD Anderson in Texas’ talk on novel reconstructive options for oral cavity cancer. Another standout presentation was from Professor Barabara Wollenberg of Germany, who detailed the latest advancements in care of dysplastic lesions of the larynx. 
The meeting was also well attended by the specialist registrars, who took full advantage of the opportunity to network with senior consultants and international speakers, including a parallel career development session. Many expressed interest in pursuing international fellowship opportunities, with the meeting providing a valuable platform to explore these avenues and gain insight into global training pathways.
Delegates involved in the management of head and neck oncology were treated to a selection of panel discussions. International perspectives in multidisciplinary management provided key learning points with a particularly engaging panel discussion around the management of complex cutaneous malignancies. This included practice changing discussion on resectability of disease and novel uses of immunotherapy. 
Following the conclusion of the two-day academic programme, attendees reconvened for a gala dinner, which included a speech delivered by the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll McNeill and her vision of the future of our healthcare system. The entertainment for the night was outstanding with musical performances from Mundy and Sibeal keeping the attendees singing and dancing into the early hours of the morning. 
Many thanks to the industry sponsors who were on hand during the day to present the latest innovative products available.
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