24th National Conference of the Foundation for Head Neck Oncology

• Date: 18 October, 2024 - 20 October, 2024
• Venue: The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, Mumbai
• Contact:https://fhno2024.com/

The 24th National Conference of the Foundation for Head and Neck Oncology (FHNO 2024) was held at The Westin Powai Lake in Mumbai from October 18th to 20th, 2024. This premier event provided a comprehensive platform for professionals across multiple disciplines, including surgeons, radiation and medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, speech-language pathologists, and students, all united in their commitment to advancing the field of head and neck oncology. The conference was organized under the auspices of the Foundation for Head and Neck Oncology, with Tata Medical Hospital offering invaluable support.

Multidisciplinary Approach and Organizing Committee

The organizing committee ensured that the conference covered all aspects of head and neck cancer management in a truly multidisciplinary manner. Dr. Gouri Pantvaidya, the Organizing Chairperson, along with Dr. Deepa Nair, Dr. Sarbani Laskar Ghosh, and Mr. Arun Balaji, played pivotal roles in orchestrating the event. The conference also featured eight pre-conference workshops, designed to offer hands-on surgical skill training while promoting a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of head and neck cancer. These workshops were held on October 17th, 2024, across several renowned hospitals in Mumbai, and were led by Dr. Anuja Deshmukh, the Preconference Workshop Chairperson. Eminent clinicians and surgeons from across India contributed to the Organizing and Scientific Committees, ensuring a scientifically rigorous and well-rounded program.

International and National Faculty

The conference was honored to welcome a distinguished panel of international faculty, including Dr. Barbara Burtness, Dr. Ralph Tufano, Dr. Sydney Ch’ng, Dr. Justin Roe, Dr. Ronald Ghossein, and Dr. Marco Ferrari, among many others. Their presence enriched the scientific discussions and provided valuable insights into the latest trends in head and neck oncology. In addition to the international experts, numerous eminent national faculty members contributed significantly to the program with their expert deliberations on key topics.

Inauguration and Opening Ceremony

The inaugural session of FHNO 2024, held on October 18th, was a glittering affair, beginning with a soulful classical performance that set a cultural tone for the event. This was followed by the felicitation of dignitaries and a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony, which honored individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of head and neck oncology.

Scientific Program and Workshops

The conference’s scientific program was a rich and intellectually stimulating collection of sessions curated by the Chairs of the Scientific Committee. Over the course of three days, the conference featured state-of-the-art orations, keynote addresses, and lectures on contemporary topics in head and neck oncology. Topics covered included early oral cancers, rare tumors, interdisciplinary collaboration in palliative care, thyroid cancer, and interventional radiology in head and neck cancer and much more. Special instructional courses, aimed at both basic and advanced topics, delved into cutting-edge surgical techniques and treatment strategies.

In addition to the academic sessions, hands-on skill-based workshops were conducted in parallel, sponsored by leading industry partners. These included an exclusive interventional radiology (IR) workshop, providing valuable practical training. The conference also featured dedicated sessions for trainees, including mock exams and specialized HN trainee sessions to support the next generation of clinicians and surgeons in the field.

Delegate Participation and Industry Support

FHNO 2024 saw a remarkable turnout, with over 600 delegates attending from across India. A total of 250 esteemed faculty members shared their expertise, further enriching the event’s academic environment. Each pre-conference workshop hosted 40 to 50 participants, with 10 to 12 faculty members leading and guiding the discussions and demonstrations. Additionally, the conference received robust support from over 25 trade partners, whose contributions helped enhance the quality of the event and the pre-conference workshops.

Conclusion

The 24th National Conference of FHNO 2024 proved to be an outstanding meeting, characterized by high-quality academic content and engaging discussions. The event fostered a dynamic learning environment, bringing together professionals from various disciplines to share knowledge, collaborate, and deepen their understanding of head and neck oncology. The active participation of delegates and faculty, along with the extensive support from industry partners, made FHNO 2024 an exceptional success, further solidifying its position as a leading event in the field of head and neck cancer care in India.