A Clear Voice

Do you have a question? Send it hereIn this episode of BLA Connections: A Clear Voice, host Natalie Watson is joined by Professor Elisabeth Sjögren from Leiden, the Netherlands, for a fascinating discussion on the evolving role of laryngologists in laryngeal cancer management. Drawing on her clinical experience and research, Elisabeth explores the importance of combining oncological expertise with a deep understanding of laryngeal function. She discusses the evidence surrounding transoral laser microsurgery versus radiotherapy, challenging traditional assumptions about voice outcomes and highlighting why successful cancer treatment must consider swallowing, breathing and quality of life alongside disease control.The conversation also explores advances in laser technology, including the differences between CO₂ and blue lasers, and the importance of precise tumour staging and complete oncological resection. Elisabeth shares her perspective on choosing the right surgical tools and ensuring patients receive individualised treatment. Finally, she introduces the exciting new European Laryngological Society (ELS) examination, launching in 2027, which aims to establish a recognised standard of specialist knowledge and clinical expertise in laryngology, with applications open to eligible ENT surgeons worldwide.THREE TOP TAKEAWAYS1. Organ preservation must mean functional preservation.Successful laryngeal cancer treatment goes beyond tumour control. Voice, swallowing, airway function and patient quality of life should be central to decisions between surgery and radiotherapy.2. The right laser technique matters more than the technology itself.Both CO₂ and blue lasers can be used for tissue cutting, but accurate staging, surgical precision and complete resection with histological assessment are essential, particularly when cancer extends into the vocal fold muscle.3. A new milestone for specialist laryngology training.The ELS will introduce its new fellowship-level examination in 2027, with an online written assessment in March and an oral examination in Antwerp in May, helping define specialist standards in laryngology internationally.You can watch Elisabeth's keynote in the BLA Education Hub, available in the BLA member area. If you are not a member, you can sign up here: Join The BLA - The British Laryngological AssociationContact InformationVisit www.britishlaryngological.org and our podcast library.Cutting Edge Laryngology 2026 registration is now open: Register hereEmail: [email protected] for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.This show is brought to you by the BLA; you can follow us on  X, Linkedin and Instagram hosted by Natalie Watson @surgeonsinger, produced  and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd and award-winning producer. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; The BLA does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice.

Do you have a question? Send it hereWhat does it take to keep pushing the boundaries of voice care while never losing sight of the person behind the voice?Recorded during this year’s Cutting Edge Laryngology, shortly after his keynote and the presentation of the Isshiki Award, this special episode of BLA Connections: A Clear Voice sees our very own Natalie Watson sit down with Professor Markus Hess to reflect on his career, his approach to voice care, and the people and ideas that have shaped his practice.The award came as a complete surprise to Markus, who reflects on the enormous influence of Isshiki and what receiving an award bearing his name means to him: “If you’re mentioned in the same sentence with such a person [Isshiki], that is more than an honour… I truly feel that this is the best honour somebody can get.”Natalie and Markus explore the value of truly multidisciplinary voice care and the development of the Medical Voice Center in Hamburg, as well as innovation and precision in office-based laryngology and Markus’s experience with the blue laser. Their conversation also goes beyond techniques and technology, touching on the importance of empathy and communication with patients, the influence of mentors throughout a career, and the value of continuing to learn from colleagues and openly sharing experiences – including the occasions when things don’t go to plan.Key takeawaysThe power of multidisciplinary care: why bringing together different areas of expertise can transform the care of people with voice problems.Innovation in office-based laryngology: Markus discusses precision, technical skill and the continual refinement of techniques, including his experience with the blue laser.The person behind the voice: why empathy, communication, and understanding the patient experience are just as important as technical expertise.The importance of mentorship: Markus reflects on the people who have influenced him and why learning directly from colleagues remains invaluable throughout a career.Learning when things don’t go to plan: echoing the theme of his Cutting Edge keynote, Markus discusses the value of honesty, sharing experiences and learning from challenges as well as successes.Contact InformationVisit www.britishlaryngological.org and our podcast library.Cutting Edge Laryngology 2026 registration is now open: Register hereEmail: [email protected] for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.This show is brought to you by the BLA; you can follow us on  X, Linkedin and Instagram hosted by Natalie Watson @surgeonsinger, produced  and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd and award-winning producer. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; The BLA does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice.

Do you have a question? Send it hereIn this special episode of BLA Connections: A Clear Voice, host Natalie Watson is joined by BLA President Nicholas Gibbins and President-Elect Chadwan Al Yaghchi to look ahead to Cutting Edge Laryngology 2026, the BLA’s biggest and most ambitious meeting yet.Nick and Chad explore how Cutting Edge Laryngology has evolved since 2011 and why it offers something traditional conferences and published papers cannot: honest, practical insight into what leading clinicians are doing right now. They also discuss the power of multidisciplinary collaboration, opportunities for emerging researchers and the ideas that can change clinical practice on Monday morning.Why should you attend Cutting Edge?As you listen, Nick and Chad explain why they believe Cutting Edge is an unmissable meeting and here are a few of their thoughts:Hear what leading clinicians and researchers are doing now—not only what has already reached publicationTake home practical insights that could change your clinical practice on Monday morningLearn from more than 70 speakers from the UK and around the worldExplore robotics, AI, laryngeal pacing and emerging treatments for vocal fold scarringDiscover new research through over 60 posters, oral presentations and three free-paper sessionsLearn alongside surgeons, speech and language therapists, trainees, researchers and industry partnersMake valuable connections and become part of a growing multidisciplinary communityExperience the inaugural Hackathon and practical ergonomics workshopContact InformationVisit www.britishlaryngological.org and our podcast library.Cutting Edge Laryngology 2026 registration is now open: Register hereEmail: [email protected] for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.This show is brought to you by the BLA; you can follow us on  X, Linkedin and Instagram hosted by Natalie Watson @surgeonsinger, produced  and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd and award-winning producer. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; The BLA does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice.

Do you have a question? Send it hereThis episode of BLA Connections A Clear Voice, hosted by Natalie Watson, features a follow-up conversation with Jackie Gartner-Schmidt after her keynote presentation at the British Laryngological Association (BLA) Conference 2025. Dr Gartner-Schmidt discusses Conversation Training Therapy (CTT), an approach that begins with everyday conversation rather than traditional vocal drills. The focus is on addressing the vocal behaviours patients experience in daily life, such as hoarseness or vocal fatigue, rather than treating diagnoses in isolation.During the discussion, Dr Gartner-Schmidt explains the research origins of CTT, its links to clear speech and audiology, and why it can lead to faster and more meaningful carryover into real-world communication. She outlines who is most suitable for the approach, when alternative therapies are more appropriate, and highlights the importance of sensory awareness and negative practice in helping patients maintain efficient voice use over time.Three main takeawaysVoice therapy targets behaviours, not labels CTT focuses on changing inefficient vocal behaviours that can occur across different diagnoses.Starting with conversation supports carryover Using real speech from the outset helps patients apply changes more quickly and consistently in daily life.Negative practice strengthens self-management Learning to move between inefficient and efficient voice use improves awareness, confidence, and long-term outcomes.Contact InformationVisit www.britishlaryngological.org and our podcast library.Cutting Edge Laryngology 2026 registration is now open: Register hereEmail: [email protected] for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.This show is brought to you by the BLA; you can follow us on  X, Linkedin and Instagram hosted by Natalie Watson @surgeonsinger, produced  and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd and award-winning producer. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; The BLA does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice.

Do you have a question? Send it hereIn this episode of BLA Connections: A Clear Voice, host Natalie Watson marks the handover of the British Laryngological Association presidency from Mr Declan Costello to Mr Nicholas Gibbins. Declan reflects on his two-year term, highlighting the steady development of the Association’s foundations, including a new website, improved membership systems and strengthened organisational structures. He discusses the importance of collaboration, both within the UK and internationally, noting successful initiatives such as the BLA Congress and the voice clinics study day in Manchester. Declan emphasises that while much of the recent work may not have been highly visible, it has been essential in setting the stage for future growth and innovation.Incoming president Nick Gibbins shares his enthusiasm for building on this foundation, describing laryngology as entering a “golden age” of rapid advancement. He outlines plans to enhance global partnerships, encourage data sharing across institutions, and develop the BLA’s online presence into a central hub for clinical knowledge and training. Nick also stresses the importance of supporting trainees and ensuring that the BLA continues to guide standards in the field. Both he and Declan express optimism for the Association’s future, with shared ambitions to expand membership, foster collaboration, and strengthen the BLA’s role as a leading voice in laryngology both in the UK and internationally.Contact InformationVisit www.britishlaryngological.org and our podcast library.Cutting Edge Laryngology 2026 registration is now open: Register hereEmail: [email protected] for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.This show is brought to you by the BLA; you can follow us on  X, Linkedin and Instagram hosted by Natalie Watson @surgeonsinger, produced  and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd and award-winning producer. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; The BLA does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice.

Do you have a question? Send it hereIn this recording of BLA Connections: A Clear Voice, host Natalie Watson speaks with Dr. Anaïs Rameau from Weill Cornell Medicine, New York during the Cutting Edge Laryngology Conference 2024. They explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in laryngology, introducing concepts like "Audiomics" and "Videomics" to describe the use of AI for analyzing voice and video data. Dr. Rameau discusses AI's potential to improve access to care, standardize clinical assessments, and support monitoring of treatments from home, while also addressing important ethical considerations around privacy and equitable access.The episode highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and patients to ensure responsible AI integration into practice. Dr. Rameau encourages clinicians to stay engaged with AI developments, whether by reviewing research, advocating for patients, or contributing to data standards. For more information, visit the BLA website, where members and conference delegates can access the 2024 presentations on Talking Slides.Contact InformationVisit www.britishlaryngological.org and our podcast library.Cutting Edge Laryngology 2026 registration is now open: Register hereEmail: [email protected] for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.This show is brought to you by the BLA; you can follow us on  X, Linkedin and Instagram hosted by Natalie Watson @surgeonsinger, produced  and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd and award-winning producer. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; The BLA does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice.

Do you have a question? Send it hereIn this episode, host Natalie Watson speaks with keynote speaker Prof Nupur Nerurkar, who joined the Cutting Edge Laryngology Conference 2024 in London. Nupur shares her expertise on vocal fold cysts, sulci, and mucosal bridges, detailing insights from her research and clinical practice. She discusses advancements in diagnosing and treating these challenging conditions, including her laser-assisted techniques and classifications that aim to improve outcomes for patients.Prof Nerurkar also highlights the role of hydration in preventing vocal fold cysts, the importance of tailored surgical techniques, and the significance of involving speech therapists in post-surgical care. The conversation concludes with a look at mucosal bridges, their complexities, and opportunities for future research.Contact InformationVisit www.britishlaryngological.org and our podcast library.Cutting Edge Laryngology 2026 registration is now open: Register hereEmail: [email protected] for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.This show is brought to you by the BLA; you can follow us on  X, Linkedin and Instagram hosted by Natalie Watson @surgeonsinger, produced  and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd and award-winning producer. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; The BLA does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice.

Do you have a question? Send it hereIn this episode of BLA Connections: A Clear Voice, host Natalie Watson interviews Prof Marc Remacle, reflecting on his 30-year career in laryngology. The discussion explores advancements in diagnostic and surgical techniques, including CO2 lasers, low-power lasers, and improvements in video endoscopy. Prof Remacle highlights the evolution from open cancer surgeries to transoral approaches and the growing role of in-office procedures facilitated by enhanced tools such as blue lasers and anterior injection laryngoplasty. He also discusses the future potential of high-speed video over stroboscopy for improved diagnostic accuracy and the development of exoscopes for simpler and more effective surgical workflows.During the Cutting Edge Laryngology 2024 conference Prof Remacle Contact InformationVisit www.britishlaryngological.org and our podcast library.Cutting Edge Laryngology 2026 registration is now open: Register hereEmail: [email protected] for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.This show is brought to you by the BLA; you can follow us on  X, Linkedin and Instagram hosted by Natalie Watson @surgeonsinger, produced  and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd and award-winning producer. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; The BLA does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice.

Do you have a question? Send it hereIn the BLA Connections: A Clear Voice episode, host Natalie Watson interviews Professor David Howard, the founding president of the British Laryngological Association (BLA). The conversation reflects on the history and development of the BLA and the vital role of laryngology in speech and language therapy. Professor Howard shares insights into his career, from his early interest in physiology and surgical innovations to his current work on a negative pressure ventilator designed to improve respiratory support globally. He highlights the challenges and opportunities of innovation in medicine, including the slow process of gaining widespread adoption.Professor Howard also discusses his continued involvement in teaching, training, and international work. Prof Howard reflects on his experiences with the Everest medical research team, his collaboration with engineers and clinicians, and the importance of bridging disciplines to address global health challenges. Contact InformationVisit www.britishlaryngological.org and our podcast library.Cutting Edge Laryngology 2026 registration is now open: Register hereEmail: [email protected] for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.This show is brought to you by the BLA; you can follow us on  X, Linkedin and Instagram hosted by Natalie Watson @surgeonsinger, produced  and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd and award-winning producer. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; The BLA does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice.

Do you have a question? Send it hereThe final episodes of BLA Connections: A Clear Voice, current series provides an overview of highlights from the Cutting Edge Laryngology 2024 conference in London. Host Natalie Watson introduces keynote speakers, including Prof Marc Remacle, reflecting on 30 years of work in laryngology; Dr Anais Rameau, discussing the role of artificial intelligence in the future of the field; and Dr Nupur Nerurkar, covering vocal fold cysts, sulci, and mucosal bridges. Additional contributions include Prof Martin Birchall discussing soft robotics and Prof David Howard reflecting on his career and advancements in laryngology, how far we have come and where we are going.  Conference talks are also available on Talking Slides for BLA members and delegates.In the episode, Profs Remacale and Birchall focus on the use of soft and hard robotics in medicine. Hard robotics, commonly used in surgeries, have limitations in laryngology due to size and access challenges. Soft robotics, inspired by biological systems, offer potential for flexible applications such as dynamic vocal cord implants and adaptable surgical tools, though further development is required. Both professors highlight the importance of combining artificial intelligence with robotics to improve precision and outcomes. The podcast provides an informative summary of recent advancements and ongoing innovations in laryngology.Contact InformationVisit www.britishlaryngological.org and our podcast library.Cutting Edge Laryngology 2026 registration is now open: Register hereEmail: [email protected] for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.This show is brought to you by the BLA; you can follow us on  X, Linkedin and Instagram hosted by Natalie Watson @surgeonsinger, produced  and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd and award-winning producer. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; The BLA does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice.