18th National Congress on Otorhinolaryngology

Otorhinolaryngology in Bulgaria is developing at a high international level, as demonstrated at the largest ENT forum in the country, which brought together leading specialists from Europe, America, and Asia

From October 18 to 20, the XVIII National Congress of Otorhinolaryngology, organized by the Bulgarian National Association of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, was held at the “Maritim Paradise Blue” Hotel in Albena. The forum brought together over 220 participants from Bulgaria and abroad, who devoted their time and attention to medical science and the development of the ENT specialty. The scientific event was opened with a welcome speech by Prof. Dr. Karen Djambazov, MD – Chairman of the Board of the Association. The official guest at the opening was Mr. Nikolay Angelov, Mayor of Balchik Municipality, who greeted the participants. A congratulatory letter from Dr. Nikolay Branzalov – Chairman of the Bulgarian Medical Association – was read aloud. The opening continued with a dance performance by the “Dobrudzha” Folklore Ensemble, marking the start of the scientific program. During the congress, 66 scientific presentations were delivered, divided into thematic sessions covering the main fields of otorhinolaryngology – rhinology, laryngology, pharynx, otosurgery, audiology and otoneurology, oncology, pediatric ENT, and socially significant ENT issues. International guest speakers included Prof. Ehab Hanna, Prof. Dusan Milisavljevic, Prof. Assen Koichev, Prof. Supinda Chusakul, Prof. Stefano Dallari, and Prof. Marc Remacle. Professors A. Schreiber and Ioannis Konstantinidis also participated via online connection. Renowned Bulgarian ENT specialists contributed to the congress with insightful presentations and discussions, including Prof. Karen Djambazov, Prof. Dilyana Vicheva, Prof. Valentin Stoyanov, Prof. Nikolay Sapundzhiev, Prof. Mario Milkov, Prof. Diana Popova, Assoc. Prof. Galen Shivarov, Assoc. Prof. Doncho Donchev, Assoc. Prof. Todor Popov, Assoc. Prof. Todor Shirov, Assoc. Prof. Daniel Petkov, Assoc. Prof. Hristo Zlatanov, and others. At the closing gala dinner, the Association’s Board awarded the best-performing speakers from the scientific program – members of the BNAOHNS. Dr. Iglika Stancheva, Dr. Mila Assenova, and Dr. Blagovesta Spasova received vouchers for the purchase of ENT instruments. During the annual event, which brings together the largest number of ENT specialists in one place, a General Assembly of the Bulgarian National Association of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery was held, during which members discussed key issues related to the specialty’s development. Following the approved amendments to the bylaws at the previous General Assembly and the adoption of a regulation for financial support for ENT residents and young specialists, a campaign to collect applications was officially launched. Each year, the Association will allocate 40% of the collected membership fees to support the education of its young members. They will be able to use the funds for participating in courses and training to improve their qualifications. Applications are accepted until November 9, after which a commission of the Association will evaluate them according to predefined objective criteria.