By Abdullatif Alshanqiti, ORL-H&N Surgery Resident, Makkah Health Cluster
A pioneering scientific initiative advancing surgical education, international collaboration and the future of ear surgery in the Kingdom.
MAKKAH, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia has marked an important milestone in specialised medical education with the successful organisation of the 1st Saudi Endoscopic Ear Surgery Symposium (Saudi EESS), held on 29–30 October 2026. The first dedicated event of its kind in the Kingdom represents a significant advancement in otolaryngology, bringing together experienced specialists and emerging surgeons to explore modern surgical approaches, exchange expertise and advance the practice of ear surgery.
Leadership Behind a Pioneering Initiative: At the heart of this achievement was the organising board, whose collective vision and commitment established a dedicated platform for advancing endoscopic otology in Saudi Arabia.
Particular recognition goes to Dr Khalid Badr and his fellow board members, including Dr Saeed Abdullah M. Alghamdi, Dr Fares bin Eiddah, Dr Hosam A. Amoodi, Dr Faisal Zawawi, Prof. Essam Saleh and Dr Nawaf Alsolami.
Their initiative highlights the importance of professional leadership in developing specialised medical education, strengthening academic exchange and creating opportunities for the next generation of ENT surgeons to learn from established expertise.
Advancing the Science and Practice of Ear Surgery: The two-day scientific programme explored the principles, anatomy, instrumentation and advanced applications of Endoscopic Ear Surgery, alongside clinical indications, patient selection, surgical techniques and evidence comparing endoscopic and microscopic approaches.
Key subjects included endoscopic tympanoplasty, ossiculoplasty, stapes surgery, cholesteatoma management, paediatric ear surgery and cochlear implantation. Expert-led sessions, case discussions, interactive panels and hands-on learning provided participants with valuable opportunities to engage with evolving surgical techniques and practical clinical knowledge.
A Lasting Contribution to Saudi Healthcare: Beyond its scientific programme, Saudi EESS reflects the broader advancement of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare landscape.
It demonstrates how professional initiatives, specialised training and international collaboration can contribute to developing advanced surgical capabilities and strengthening clinical excellence within the Kingdom.
For ENT residents and young surgeons, such platforms offer valuable exposure to modern surgical techniques and experienced international faculty. For patients, their long-term significance lies in developing clinical expertise, supporting better-informed surgical decisions and expanding the possibilities of modern ear care.
The first Saudi Endoscopic Ear Surgery Symposium is more than a scientific gathering; it establishes a foundation for continued advancement in otology, stronger professional collaboration and a new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s contribution to the future of ear surgery internationally.
Official symposium website:
https://saudi-eess.com
