Organized by the Clinic for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Head and Neck Surgery of the University Clinical Center Tuzla (UKC Tuzla) , in collaboration with the Association of Tracheotomized Persons Tuzla, the 29th Tuzla ENT School was successfully held. This renowned professional event continues to be one of the most significant gatherings in the region dedicated to developments in otolaryngology.
This year’s theme, “Audiology and Phoniatrics Today,” highlighted the latest advances in hearing and voice disorders, with a special focus on the rehabilitation of patients following total laryngectomy—an area of growing clinical importance.
Prim. Dr. Nedžad Salkić, Acting Head of the Clinic for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Head and Neck Surgery at UKC Tuzla, emphasized the value of continuous professional development and regional collaboration:
“Organizing events like the Tuzla ENT School is of exceptional importance for our field. They provide a platform to share knowledge, discuss clinical experiences, and foster collaboration with colleagues from across Europe. Our Clinic remains committed to advancing education and subspecialty training. With ongoing investment in modern equipment and improved working conditions, we aim to further elevate the standards of otolaryngology care in Tuzla,” said Dr. Salkić.
Prof. Dr. Fuad Brkić, ENT specialist and subspecialist in audiology, and President of the Organizing Committee of the 29th Tuzla ENT School, emphasized the educational significance of the event:
“The Tuzla ENT School has become a vital platform for the continuous professional development of healthcare staff involved in otolaryngology. This year’s program includes two scientific sessions featuring ten expert lectures followed by panel discussions. On the first day, we are also organizing a dedicated workshop for patients who have undergone total laryngectomy. We are honored to welcome internationally recognized professors whose participation will enrich the program and facilitate a high-level exchange of knowledge and experience in the ENT field.”
One of the key segments of this year’s ENT School was the workshop titled “Physiotherapy After Total Laryngectomy,” led by Anja Karić, MSc in Physiotherapy, from the Clinic for Rheumatic Diseases and Rehabilitation at the Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb. The workshop was specifically designed to support the rehabilitation of laryngectomized patients and highlighted the importance of physiotherapy in their recovery process. The workshop dedicated to the rehabilitation of patients following total laryngectomy brought together members of the Association of Tracheotomized Persons Tuzla, the League Against Cancer of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, and the Croatian Society of Laryngectomees.
Dr. Lejla Tokić, specialist in otolaryngology and President of the Association of Tracheotomized Persons Tuzla, spoke about the Association’s ongoing activities and future plans, particularly highlighting the need for timely rehabilitation:
“Following a total laryngectomy, patients are left without their primary voice-producing organ. It is crucial to begin rehabilitation as early as possible, as individuals who lose their ability to speak often withdraw, leading to social isolation and emotional distress. Our Association is committed to helping these patients reintegrate into everyday life by showing them that laryngectomized individuals can lead active, fulfilling lives. They can socialize, swim, sing, and we demonstrated all of this during our workshop and throughout the professional program of the ENT School,” said Dr. Tokić.
Prof. Dr. Šekib Umihanić, Director of the University Clinical Center Tuzla, emphasized the growing significance of the Tuzla ENT School on the international stage:
“Each year, the Tuzla ENT School grows in quality and international recognition. Events like this play a crucial role in strengthening the position of UKC Tuzla as a leading center for medical education and the implementation of modern therapeutic approaches. We place great value on fostering inter-institutional cooperation and building networks with colleagues both nationally and internationally, as these relationships are key to enhancing the quality of healthcare services. I am particularly pleased that this year’s focus is on hearing and speech quality. Restoring voice, enabling communication, and supporting individuals who have lost their ability to speak are among the most humane and meaningful aspects of our profession’s mission.”
