NZSOHNS Council

Associate Professor Murali Mahadevan FRACS

President - NZSOHNS

NZ Society of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery

Chairs Council, leads the Society’s governance culture and represents NZSOHNS on high-level matters. Works with the Chief Executive / Executive Officer on Council agendas and matters requiring escalation, supporting collective stewardship and accountability to members.

Read Murali Mahadevan’s professional profile

Associate Professor Philip Bird MB ChB, FRACS

Philip is a Christchurch-based otolaryngologist with specialist training in otology and neurotology. He also works with the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme.

Supports leadership succession and continuity, and undertakes strategic work delegated by Council. Helps prepare for the transition between Presidents so that the Society’s priorities and governance responsibilities continue smoothly.

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Tom Kuruvilla

Supports the Society’s governance by helping maintain meeting notices, minutes and records, supporting constitutional compliance, and providing continuity as Council and office-holders change.

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Mike Bergin

Provides financial governance oversight, advises on budgets and financial reporting, and oversees reserves and audit matters to support responsible stewardship of the Society’s funds.

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Rujuta Cameron

Helps maintain the Society’s website, keeping information clear, current and accessible. Works with Society office-holders and administration to update content and links so members, patients and visitors can find reliable information.

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Rachel Care

The Professional Standards and Fellowship Services Committee (PSFSC) is responsible to Council for providing the policy framework to:

• ensure maintenance of competence of Fellows

• provision of high-quality surgical care to patients.

The PSFSC meets in February, June and October each year.

Read Rachel Care’s professional profile

Graeme van der Meer

The TEAC Chair for a SET (Surgical Education and Training) program refers to the regional or national Chair of the Training, Education, and Examinations Committee (TEAC) within surgical governance, such as in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) under the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS).

Role and Responsibilities

• Oversees trainee progression and assessment within the SET program.

• Manages local and regional training subcommittees.

• Coordinates curriculum delivery, supervision, and clinical placement quality.

• Collaborates with national specialty boards on examination standards and policy.

Read Graeme van der Meer’s professional profile

Associate Professor Jacqueline (Jacqui) Allen

Jacqui is an Auckland laryngologist and Head of the Department of Surgery at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland. After fellowship training in voice and swallowing at the University of California, Davis, she returned to New Zealand in 2010 and established the Auckland Voice and Swallow Centre and the University's Swallowing Research Lab. Her research includes dysphagia, swallowing rehabilitation in head and neck cancer, vocal fold scar and reflux. She is a past President of the Dysphagia Research Society and has published more than 140 journal articles.

As Academic Chair, Jacqui supports research, grants and educational initiatives in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and reports to Council. She also chairs the Linsell Richards Education Foundation (LREF).

Read Jacqui Allen’s professional profile

Chairperson

For current office-holder details, please contact NZSOHNS.

For current role and office-holder details, please contact NZSOHNS.

For current role and office-holder details, please contact NZSOHNS.

LREF Chair

Treasurer

Secretary

President