[Expert certification in head and neck surgical oncology : On behalf of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and the German Academy of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology].

Abstract

The field of otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery comprises both conservative and surgical domains. Specialist training is often followed by in-depth surgical specialization, in the past reflected by, among other things, continued education in "specialized surgical otorhinolaryngology." This qualification was discontinued, however, by the German Medical Association's reform of the continuing medical education (CME) regulations ([Muster-]Weiterbildungsordnung, MWBO, 2003). Although it is still possible to obtain additional certification in "plastic and esthetic surgery," another advanced surgical qualification in, for example, oncology, otology, or rhinology, is currently not possible within the scope of the WBO of the medical associations. It would not appear possible to implement additional (Sect. C of the WBO) or specialist (Sect. B) CME qualifications in the near future, despite the fact that surgical specialization-in light of the necessity of sustainable quality assurance (e.g., certified cancer centers, cochlear implantation facilities, skull base centers) or the fundamental changes to the healthcare landscape (hospital reform)-seems more important than ever. On the initiative of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (DGHNO-KHC), and the German Academy of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (DAHNO), a concept to enable expert certification is to be developed in collaboration with specialist working groups. This initiative initially addresses "head and neck surgical oncology" as well as perspectives for "oto- and lateral skull base surgery" and "rhino- and anterior skull base surgery." Relevant content is stored in a logbook. The goal is to present the applicants' expertise in "head and neck surgical oncology" analogously to international standards. The certificate can be used as evidence of individual oncosurgical skills, e.g., for other certification procedures. The practical implementation is carried out by an independent certification body (ClarCert GmbH) on behalf of the DGHNO-KHC in collaboration with the DAHNO and the Oncology Working Group. Applications for the expert certificate "head and neck surgical oncology" are now open for members of the DGHNO-KHC and the DAHNO.