A period of renewal, connection and progress

Written By Richard Cooper

Kia ora koutou,

The past few months have marked an exciting period of change for the New Zealand Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.

A significant amount of work has been taking place across the Society to strengthen how we support members, trainees, fellows, committees and the wider profession. While some of this work has occurred behind the scenes, members will increasingly see the benefits through improved communication, a more useful website, clearer professional resources and new opportunities to connect with the work of NZSOHNS.

We are pleased to share some of the progress made so far.

A refreshed and more useful NZSOHNS website

One of our most visible areas of work has been the continued improvement of the NZSOHNS website.

Our aim is to create a website that is not simply a source of organisational information, but a practical professional resource for members throughout their careers.

Recent and upcoming improvements include:

A new events section

The new events section will provide a central place for members to find relevant meetings, courses, conferences, workshops, webinars and professional activities.

Members and affiliated groups will also be able to submit suitable upcoming events for consideration, helping us promote opportunities taking place throughout New Zealand and internationally.

This will make it easier to:

  • discover upcoming professional events;

  • promote regional and national educational opportunities;

  • share courses and meetings with colleagues;

  • support greater participation across the specialty; and

  • keep important dates in one accessible location.

Further information about submitting an event will be shared with members shortly.

A new continuing professional development section

A dedicated Continuing Professional Development — CPD section is also being developed.

This section will bring together information and resources that support members to maintain, record and strengthen their ongoing professional development.

Over time, it is intended to include:

  • CPD information and guidance;

  • links to relevant professional requirements;

  • educational resources;

  • webinars and recorded learning opportunities;

  • conference and course information;

  • professional standards material; and

  • resources supporting reflective practice and lifelong learning.

The CPD section will continue to grow as further resources become available.

Clearer pathways for specialist international medical graduates

Work has also progressed on a dedicated website pathway for specialist international medical graduates interested in practising Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery in New Zealand.

The proposed section will help visitors better understand:

  • Medical Council of New Zealand pathways;

  • relevant RACS processes;

  • employment and hospital information;

  • NZSOHNS membership;

  • professional contacts; and

  • where to seek further advice.

This is intended to provide a clearer, more welcoming and more accurate entry point for international colleagues considering work in New Zealand.

Improved website information and navigation

Existing website content has also been reviewed to identify outdated information, broken links and areas where members need clearer guidance.

The goal is a website that is easier to navigate, more regularly updated and better aligned with the needs of members, trainees, prospective members and the public.

The recent Full Member and Trainee Member surveys have provided valuable insight into what members value and where they would like the Society to focus its attention.

Feedback highlighted the importance of:

  • clearer and more regular communication;

  • stronger advocacy;

  • improved trainee support;

  • better visibility of Council activity;

  • workforce planning;

  • support for regional and rural services;

  • improved educational opportunities;

  • clearer professional pathways; and

  • a stronger sense of connection across the specialty.

These findings are now being brought together into a practical organisational strategy with clear priorities, responsibilities and measurable goals.

Importantly, the strategy will focus on using the resources already available to the Society, including Microsoft 365, the NZSOHNS website and the expertise of our members and committees.

Supporting the next generation of specialists

Training and trainee support remain central to the work of NZSOHNS.

Recent discussions have considered:

  • governance arrangements for New Zealand training;

  • clearer responsibilities between NZSOHNS, TEAC, RACS and associated training bodies;

  • support for trainees preparing for examinations;

  • greater consistency in local teaching;

  • regional and rural training opportunities;

  • part-time training pathways;

  • supervision arrangements; and

  • the future role of specialist international medical graduates within the training environment.

Feedback from current and recent trainees has been especially valuable in identifying where the Society can provide greater support, particularly during examination preparation and career transitions.

The Society will continue working with training leaders to ensure New Zealand trainees are well supported and that future arrangements are clear, practical and sustainable.

Improving how we communicate

Members have consistently asked for greater visibility of the Society’s work.

In response, NZSOHNS is working toward more regular and accessible communication through:

  • member newsletters;

  • website updates;

  • Council and organisational progress reports;

  • announcements about events and professional opportunities;

  • educational content;

  • clearer information about Society initiatives; and

  • more consistent communication following important decisions.

The intention is to ensure members can easily see what is happening, what is being developed and how they can contribute.

Recognising excellence and contribution

Work has also progressed on strengthening how NZSOHNS recognises professional contribution, leadership, service and excellence within the specialty.

This has included reviewing approaches to:

  • awards and honours;

  • Life Membership;

  • nominations;

  • selection criteria;

  • transparency;

  • representation; and

  • recognition of education, service, equity, advocacy and professional leadership.

NZSOHNS has also continued to support members being considered for prestigious professional awards, including the preparation of formal nomination and endorsement material.

The Society is fortunate to have members who make extraordinary contributions to surgical education, training, patient care, research, cultural safety and professional leadership. We want to ensure those contributions are appropriately recognised.

A stronger commitment to representation

NZSOHNS has continued developing practical guidance to support greater diversity and representation across:

  • committees;

  • speaker programmes;

  • conference panels;

  • leadership roles;

  • awards;

  • educational activities; and

  • Society decision-making.

This work maintains a strong commitment to Māori representation and cultural safety while also recognising the importance of participation by women, Pacific peoples, diverse ethnic communities, trainees, regional members and early-career specialists.

The objective is not simply to produce written guidance, but to support visible and meaningful change throughout the Society’s activities.

Preparing for the future

The Society has also made significant progress in strengthening its organisational foundations.

This includes completing the constitutional changes approved by members, improving financial and administrative systems, reviewing insurance arrangements, modernising record management and developing clearer ways of supporting Council and committee work.

Although much of this activity occurs behind the scenes, it is essential to ensuring that NZSOHNS can operate effectively, responsibly and sustainably.

These improvements will allow the Society to devote more attention to the areas that matter most to members:

  • professional support;

  • training and education;

  • workforce advocacy;

  • standards of care;

  • member engagement;

  • recognition of excellence; and

  • the future of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery in New Zealand.

Looking ahead to upcoming meetings and events

Planning continues for upcoming NZSOHNS meetings and professional activities, including the Annual General Meeting and future scientific meetings.

The Society is also considering new ways to promote:

  • trainee presentations;

  • regional educational activity;

  • webinars;

  • collaborative meetings;

  • international engagement;

  • subspecialty events; and

  • opportunities for members to share their work.

The new website events section will play an important role in bringing these opportunities together.

Members are encouraged to keep an eye on the website and future Society communications as new events, resources and updates are added.

Thank you

The progress made over the past few months has only been possible through the contribution of Council members, committee members, trainees, fellows, volunteers and members who have shared their ideas and feedback.

This is an important period of renewal for NZSOHNS.

The Society is becoming more connected, more visible and better equipped to support its members and advocate for the specialty.

There is still much to do, but the momentum is strong, and we look forward to continuing this work together.

Ngā mihi nui,

Associate Professor Murali Mahadevan
President

Richard Cooper
Chief Executive Officer

New Zealand Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Incorporated

Richard Cooper
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NZSOHNS at the RACS convocation ceremony