Teresa Gonzalez Otero is the Head of Section at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, at La Paz University Hospital in Madrid, Spain. She is founder member of the Facial Paralysis Unit at La Paz University Hospital, which has been active for 25 years. She is Clinical teaching collaborator in the Department of Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid. Dr. Gonzalez Otero has published several papers in national and international journals and has been invited to participate in over 100 national and international meetings, primarily focusing on facial paralysis.

Dr. Rodriguez is is the Head of the Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery at Uppsala University Hospital and an Associate Professor at Uppsala Univerity, Sweden. Dr. Rodriguez completed his medical education, postgraduate Ph.D. studies, and plastic surgery residency in Spain, followed by two-year microvascular fellowships at the Canniesburn Plastic Surgery Unit in Glasgow and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan. He has worked in Uppsala, Sweden, since 2010, leading one of the most active microsurgical centers in Scandinavia. He is the program director of the International Fellowship Program in Microsurgery at Uppsala University. He focuses his clinical and research activity on head and neck reconstruction, free tissue transfer, and facial paralysis. He has written over 80 peer-reviewed publications, 23 book chapters, and the book “ Facial Palsy: Techniques for Reanimation of the Paralyzed Face.” He is a member of the Editorial Boards of several journals in plastic surgery. He was awarded several awards, such as the 2021 Hans Anderl Award of the European Association of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Rodriguez is the co-director of the biannual courses “ Facial Palsy: A hands on Course” in Vienna, Austria and “ Nordic Facial Nerve Meeting” in Uppsala, Sweden.

Associate Professor of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery - University of Bologna, Italy. Head of the Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department of Ravenna, Italy.

"William H. Slattery III, M.D., is a private practitioner, researcher and President of the House Clinic in Los Angeles, California. As a highly respected neurotologist and skull base surgeon, he directs both the UCLA Neurotology Fellowship Program and the Center for Facial Nerve Function at the House Ear Institute. Dr. Slattery received his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Following an otolaryngology residency at the University of Florida he completed his fellowship at the House Clinic in 1994 where he has remained for the entirety of his career. Dr. Slattery is board certified in Otolaryngology and Neurotology and is a fellow of the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He also currently serves on the executive board of the American Otology Society. As an associate editor for several scientific journals, Dr. Slattery has published over 135 peer-reviewed articles and is the co-author of The Facial Nerve, a premier surgical training resource now published in multiple languages. Quoted in numerous lay publications including Business Week, Prevention Magazine, Newsweek, Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times he has also been featured on television programing including the Discovery Health Channel and Oprah. As the recipient of over 14 million dollars in federal grant funding, Dr. Slattery continues to demonstrate his commitment to research that will accelerate the development of treatment for patients with acoustic neuroma; NF2, hearing loss and a variety of facial nerve disorders. He currently serves as a study section advisor to the NIH providing recommendations on the quality and feasibility of research proposals submitted for funding. A former executive committee member of the America Neurotology Society and section editor for the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Journal, he is also a past president of the LA Society of Otolaryngology. The recipient of numerous awards, he has been named among “The Best Doctors in America” annually since 2003. A sought after speaker at medical and scientific conferences around the world, Dr. Slattery recently enjoyed his acting debut portraying “The Hearing Doctor” in the Oscar nominated movie, A Star Is Born."

Dr. Tessa Hadlock is a Professor of Otolaryngology at Harvard Medical School, and Director of the Hadlock Center for Facial Plastic Surgery. She is a 1990 graduate of Bowdoin College and a 1994 MD graduate of the joint Harvard Medical School / Massachusetts Institute of Technology HST program. She obtained general surgery internship training at the University of Chicago in 1994/1995, followed by Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery training at Harvard from 1995-2001, during which she also pursued a two year research fellowship in tissue engineering at Children’s Hospital in Boston. She has subspecialty training in microvascular head and neck reconstruction, and from 2002-2023 was on the full time staff at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear infirmary, where she directed the Facial Nerve Center for 20 years before transitioning to the part time faculty, to pursue her own International Center. As a clinician-scientist, she is the author of over 200 original articles, as well as invited writings and non-print materials, and has edited two textbooks. She has served as principal investigator for multiple NIH-funded R-01 grants. She headed the division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at MEEI for 11 years, has trained 21 clinical FPRS fellows, 15 research fellows, and served for 8 years as president of the international facial nerve disorders society, the Sir Charles Bell Society. She is currently Vice President for Education for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Her primary interest is in comprehensive management of the paralyzed face.

"Dr. Beom cho Jun, MD, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea. He has been with the department since 2002, progressing from Clinical Fellow to his current role as a Full Professor since 2014. Dr. Jun's educational background includes a medical degree (B.M.) from The College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, where he also completed his residency in the Department of Otolaryngology-HNS at Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital. He further enhanced his expertise as a Visiting Scholar at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in 2007-2008. His research focuses on anatomical and functional studies using 3D reconstruction images of the head and neck, with a clinical emphasis on facial nerve-related diseases and skull base surgery. Dr. Jun has held significant academic positions, including President of the Facial Nerve Research Group in the Korea Otolaryngology Society (2020-2022) and Vice President of the Korea Skull Base Society (from 2025)."

Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine,Bucheon, Korea
EDUCATION
B.S. degree of Medicine from College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University
M.S. degree of Medicine from Postgraudate School, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine
PhD. degree of Medicine from Postgraduate school, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine
EXPERIENCE/SERVICE
Residency, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Surgery, Soonchunhyang University of College of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea : 2002 – 2006
Clinical Fellow, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea: 2006 – 2007
Research Scholar, Eaton-Peabody laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA; 2014 -2015

My name is Jin KIM, and I am from South Korea. I have a strong passion for Facial nerve surgery(otologic and facial plastic) and neuromuscular retraining therapy for facial synkinesis, which has driven me to pursue various opportunities and experiences in this area. Currently, I am working as a Professor at Facial Nerve center of Hallym University Hospital, where I specialize in various facial nerve disease. I began my career specializing in neuro-otology and have since expanded my research to encompass facial reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation. This extensive expertise allows me to excel across all these domains, making me a hybrid practitioner. I had the honor of serving as the Chair of the Academic Committee at the recent IFNS held in Seoul. In my free time, I absolutely love cooking Spanish cuisine at home. My most delicious dishes are bacalao con miel (honey cod) and Pulpo a la Gallega (Spanish-style octopus). As an ardent lover of Spanish cuisine, I am immensely excited about my upcoming first visit to Spain.

Prof. Dr. Hak Chang is a distinguished medical professional and plastic surgeon. He graduated in 1989 from the College of Medicine at Seoul National University in Korea and obtained his doctorate in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery from Keio University in Tokyo, Japan, in 2001. Over the course of his career, he has held various prominent positions, ranging from a residency at Keio University Hospital to becoming a professor at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Seoul National University, where he currently serves as a faculty member. His international experience includes clinical and research training at leading institutions in Japan, the United States, and Korea. He holds medical licenses and board certifications in both Korea and Japan and has served as a leader in numerous scientific societies within the field of plastic surgery. He was one of the founding members of Korea Facial Nerve Society and served as 2nd president of the society. He developed a partial LD transfer with split TDN for facial reanimation. His clinical interests focus on reconstructive surgery following head and neck cancer, breast reconstruction, and facial nerve palsy, among others. On the research front, his work delves into the microvascular anatomy of tissues and the potential of adipose-derived stem cells. He has contributed extensively to the advancement of his field with numerous publications in prestigious international journals.

Dr. Hojin Park is a plastic surgeon at Korea University Anam Hospital, specializing in craniofacial surgery. His expertise includes facial palsy treatment, auricular reconstruction, and cleft lip repair, providing comprehensive surgical care to enhance both function and aesthetics.

Orlando Guntinas-Lichius is a full professor at Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Director of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Jena University Hospital, Germany. His research on the facial nerve ranges from basic experimental research to clinical studies. The Facial-Nerve-Center Jena offers a broad diagnostic spectrum, conservative and reconstructive surgery. The current focus in the translation of research into clinical application is on machine learning based methods for objectively classifying the severity of diseases associated with changes in mimic function.

Dr. Myung Chul Yoo, MD, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, South Korea. He obtained his Ph.D. in 2023 and his M.D. from the same university in 2013. He specialized in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, completing his residency and postgraduate training at Kyung Hee University Hospital. He is certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation by the Korean Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (2019), Musculoskeletal Ultrasound by the Korean Society of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (2018), and Geriatric Rehabilitation Medicine by the Korean Society of Geriatric Rehabilitation Medicine (2020). He has received several awards, including the Best Platform Presentation Award from the Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine (2020) and the Korean Society of Facial Nerve (2022). His scientific interests include pain management, osteoporosis, and facial nerve palsy rehabilitation. Additionally, he is a member of The Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine Association, The Korean Society of Geriatric Rehabilitation Medicine, and The Korean Society of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound.

Prof. Federico Biglioli Professore Ordinario di Chirurgia Maxillo-Facciale dell’ Università degli Studi di Milano Direttore del Dipartimento Testa-Collo e dell’ UO Complessa di Chirurgia Maxillo-Facciale dell’ Ospedale San Paolo di Milano Direttore del Centro Regionale di Cura della Paralisi Facciale e delle Lesioni Nervose del Cavo Orale - Ospedale San Paolo di Milano Full Professor of Maxillofacial Surgery - Milan University - Italy Chief of the Head and Neck Department and Maxillofacial Surgical Unit - San Paolo and San Carlo Hospitals - Milan - Italy Head of the State Centre for Facial Palsy and Oral Nerve Lesion treatment - San Paolo Hospital - Milan - Italy

O"Richard Irving MD FRCS FRCSI. Consultant in Otology, Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery and Honorary Professor in Bioengineering. He works at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Children's Hospital in Birmingham UK. He qualified from Kings College Hospital and trained in London, Cambridge and San Francisco. Richard has a broad clinical practice including implantation otology, chronic ear disease, facial nerve, vertigo, lateral skull base and vestibular schwannoma. He is active in research with current ongoing projects covering skull base tumour biology, inner ear regeneration, auditory implant technology and vestibular diagnosis. He has over 150 publications and is heavily involved in postgraduate education and training. Richard is a past President of the British Society of Otology, the RSM Section of Otology and the British Skull Base Society."

"PD Dr. med. habil. Gerd Fabian Volk ENT-Department, Facial-Nerve-Center Jena, Center for Rare Diseases, Jena University Hospital. Germany Fon: +49 3641 9329396 E-mail: fabian.volk@med.uni-jena.de Gerd Fabian Volk is active since 2006 as a physician at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of Jena University Hospital. Since 2012 he has built up and is the Leader of the interdisciplinary Facial-Nerve-Center Jena. His clinical interests are: diagnostic and treatment of facial nerve palsy, telemedicine to improve diagnostic and treatment of rare diseases, application of botulinum toxin and electrostimulation in the head and neck region, functional diagnostics and therapy of peripheral nerve lesions, electrophysiological and imaging techniques, especially ultrasound and MRI, for the evaluation and rehabilitation of the muscles and nerves. Experimental topics: development of new methods of reconstruction of the facial and laryngeal nerve, electrostimulation as diagnostic and therapeutic tool, central changes after brain nerve failure, in particular of the facial and vestibular nerves, telemedicine and health care networks to improve treatment quality."

Associate Professor Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Stanford University Dr. Pepper is a double-board certified surgeon who specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, in particular surgery for the treatment of facial paralysis. He has directed the clinical activities at the Stanford Facial Nerve Center since 2017. He also directs the scientific work of the Stanford Facial Nerve Center and his NIH-funded research seeks new strategies to improve nerve regeneration after injury.

Zdeněk Fík is an associate professor at Charles University in Prague His main interests as otorhinolaryngologist are skull base surgery, especially vestibular schwannoma and facial nerve reconstruction. He is the coordinator of the facial nerve group within the University hospital Motol and a supervisor of postgraduate and other ongoing research projects.

Dr. Matthew Q. Miller graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and went on to complete his Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery residency at the University of Virginia. Motivated by his own experiences as a facial paralysis patient after a bicycling accident in college, he completed a two-year facial reanimation fellowship at Mass Eye and Ear/Harvard in June 2021. During this fellowship he received NIH funding to study gene therapy delivery to transected peripheral nerves. Dr. Miller became the inaugural director of the UNC Facial Nerve Center at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in August 2021, and it has become one of the largest centers for comprehensive facial paralysis treatment in the world. Dr. Miller is widely published and lectures nationally and internationally on cutting-edge treatments for facial paralysis. He has authored the BMJ Best Practice guidelines for Bell’s palsy and Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. Dr. Miller serves as one of two facial paralysis section editors for the journal, Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine.

Dr. Daniel Labbé, M.D. Professional Background: Graduated from the University Paris Descartes. Former resident at Caen University Hospital (ENT Dept / Maxillofacial and Plastic Dept) and Marseille University Hospital (Plastic Surgery Dept). Former plastic surgeon (half time public practice) at Caen University Hospital Maxillofacial Department (1982-2015). Currently in full-time private practice at the Caen Saint-Martin Private Hospital. Areas of Interest: Face and neck lift, facial paralysis (smile reanimation), rhinoplasty, botulinum toxin in facial palsy and aesthetics. Contributions and Activities: Authored 51 articles in specialized journals, wrote 4 book chapters, presented numerous conferences on facial paralysis worldwide, conducted surgical demonstrations in various countries, produced 2 educational DVDs, active member of several national and international scientific societies. Scientific Research: Focused on the anatomy of the head and neck, the temporal muscle, the platysma muscle, osteogenic distraction, and sclerosing agents in angiomas. Educational Courses: Dr. Labbé has participated in several specialized courses, including Face and Neck Lift at Villa Bella, Italy; Short Scar Face Lift in Belgium; Clinical Anatomy of the Face at University Paris Descartes; and Facial Palsy Workshops at Caen University Hospital.

Prof. Dr. K. Serkan Orhan Dr. Orhan graduated from Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine in 1999. He completed his specialization in the ENT Department of the same institution. He was appointed as an Associate Professor in 2012 and became a full Professor in 2018. Throughout his career, he has gained international experience as a visiting doctor at several prestigious institutions, including St Radboud University (Netherlands), The Royal National Ear Nose and Throat Hospital (UK), University of Miami (USA), and House Ear Institute (USA). Dr. Orhan has authored more than 100 articles published in both local and international journals. His h index is 14 of Web of Science, 21 of Google Scolar. He has described five surgical techniques and designed an endoscopic ear surgery set. His primary areas of interest include ear surgery and skull base surgery. Currently, he works full-time in the ENT Department of Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine and serves as a consultant at Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital. He is a member of CORLAS (Collegium Oto-Rhinolaryngologicum Amicitiae Sacrum) and IWGEES (International Working Group on Endoscopic Ear Surgery).

Dr. Johnny Chuieng-Yi Lu is an Associate Professor working in the Division of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH), Linkou, Taiwan. He received his plastic surgery residency training in CGMH, and completed his training in 2013, where he was appointed staff in CGMH. From the years 2013 to 2017, he was trained by Dr. David Chwei-Chin Chuang and Dr. Fu-Chan Wei, working as part of the peripheral nerve team that treats complex nerve injuries and also the reconstructive microsurgery team treating head and neck cancer patients and limb salvage patients. From the years 2017 to 2020, he completed his academic fellowship in peripheral nerve injuries and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) research in Washington University in St. Louis, under the guidance of Dr. Susan Mackinnon, Dr. Alison Snyder-Warwick and Dr. Mathew Wood. Dr. Lu’s accolades include being awarded the Shenaq International Research award at the Plastic Surgery Research Council meeting in 2019 for his work on the NMJ after peripheral nerve injuries, the American Neurological Association Travelling Award in 2019 for relationship of VEGF-A with Terminal Schwann Cells. He was awarded the 2023 Fu-Chan Wei Young Researcher Award from the Taiwanese Society of Reconstructive Surgery (TSRM), and the 2024 Travelling Fellowship by the American Society of Peripheral Nerve (ASPN) for innovation and dedication to nerve and muscle research. He currently is affiliated with the American Society of Peripheral Nerve (ASPN) and the Sir Charles Bell Society, and was most recently the 2025 program chair for ASPN in Hawaii, USA.

Dr. Rachel Baptista is a Brazilian plastic surgeon who completed her medical training, including craniofacial and microsurgery fellowships, at the University of São Paulo. In 2011, she completed a microsurgery fellowship with Dr. Pedro Cavadas in Valencia, Spain. In 2013, she was honored with the Plastic Surgery Foundation Award, allowing her to visit leading U.S. centers specializing in facial reconstruction. She currently runs a private practice in São Paulo, Brazil, dedicated to treating facial palsy.

Samir Mardini, M.D., is Professor of Surgery and Chair of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Mardini is Director of the Facial Paralysis and Reanimation Clinic, Co-Director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic and Surgical Director of the Essam and Dalal Obaid Center for Reconstructive Transplant Surgery. Dr. Mardini completed his Plastic Surgery residency at Georgetown University in Washington DC. He then completed a one year Craniofacial Fellowship, and a two-year Reconstructive Microsurgery Fellowship at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, followed by two years in an academic plastic surgery position in Taiwan before joining the staff at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Mardini’s primary clinical focus is on craniofacial surgery in children and adults with a special interest in facial nerve and facial transplantation. Dr. Mardini’s research interests are in facial nerve, face transplantation, regenerative medicine, cleft and craniofacial diseases and 3-dimentional imaging and virtual surgical planning. He has published over 150 peer reviewed articles, over 30 book chapters and three books. Dr. Mardini is also an editorial board member of Seminars in Plastic Surgery, as well as reviewer for Journal of Surgery Research, Microsurgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seminars in Plastic Surgery, Surgery and Transplantation Journal. Dr. Mardini is active in teaching and mentoring. He served for eight years as program director for Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. He is also a member of multiple Mayo Clinic enterprise committees. He is a founding member of the American Society for Reconstructive Transplantation and the World Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery and holds memberships in many other professional organizations. Dr. Mardini’s most recent honors include Teacher of the Year for surgery and surgical subspecialties at Mayo Clinic, the Ahmad M. Obaid Honored Scholar in Reconstructive Surgery, and the Godina Traveling Fellowship. Dr. Mardini serves as a surgeon for organizations performing volunteer surgeries around the world.

Mariano Socolovsky Chief and Head Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Buenos Aires School of Medicine, Buenos Aires, Argentina Chairman, Peripheral Nerve Committee, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies

Rafael Jaramillo Saffon Otology and Skull Base Surgery Facial Reanimation Surgery Caldas Hospital SES. Colombia

Dr. Daniele Bernardeschi is currently working as a surgeon in the ENT Department of the Otology Unit, Auditory Implant, and Skull Base Surgery at Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, France. He holds an MD from Università di Roma "La Sapienza," obtained in 1999, completed his residency in ENT at the same university in 2003, and earned his PhD in Neurosurgery in 2009. His training includes an Italian residency in ENT from 1999 to 2003, a French residency in ENT from 2003 to 2006, and a PhD in Rome from 2006 to 2009. He worked as an ENT and skull base surgeon at Beaujon Hospital in Paris, France, from 2008 to 2013 and has been serving in the same capacity at Pitié-Salpetriere Hospital in Paris, France, since 2013. Dr. Bernardeschi is a member of several professional organizations, including the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervico-Facial Surgery since 2005, the Italian Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervico-Facial Surgery from 2003 to 2012, the European Academy of Otology and Neuro-Otology since 2003, and the Politzer Society since 2012. Dr. Bernardeschi has published 86 articles indexed in PUBMED.

Laura T. Hetzler, MD, MBA, FACS is double board-certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Dr Hetzler is a professor at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery since 2022. Dr Hetzler served as residency program director from 2013 through 2024. Clinically, Dr. Hetzler’s interests include facial reanimation and facial nerve recovery patterns for individuals suffering from facial paralysis. Surgical management of these patients include direct nerve repairs, nerve grafting, cranial nerve transposition techniques as well as free tissue transfer. In 2017, Dr. Hetzler and Dr. Sara MacDowell, DPT founded the Facial Nerve Disorders Multidisciplinary Clinic for minimally invasive management and facial retraining following facial nerve injury and recovery. This has fostered a unique, interprofessional evaluation and management protocol of non-flaccid facial paralysis. Dr. Hetzler’s main practice is based out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, where she manages a variety of facial aesthetic and reconstructive concerns. The majority of Dr. Hetzler’s practice is dedicated to facial nerve injury, reanimation, and recovery. Dr Hetzler also sees patients suffering from cleft lip and palate, patients requesting age related facial rejuvenation surgery such as facelifts, browlifts and blepharoplasty, those requesting minimally invasive procedures including fillers and botulinum toxin, rhinoplasty, and reconstruction for skin cancer of the head and neck, victims of facial trauma, as well as scar revision. Dr. Hetzler’s research interests include facial nerve recovery and reanimation, anatomic considerations in non-flaccid facial paralysis, and cleft repair outcomes to include speech results following cleft surgery.

Henry Martínez Médico Otorrinolaringólogo y Otólogo Hospital San José Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael

Ietske Siemann is a psychologist affiliated with the ENT department of the Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. She studied psychology in Groningen and has been working at Radboudumc since 2010. Ietske specializes in appearance issues: she is a member of the facial expertise team, the cleft team and the microtia team. In addition to patient care, she teaches communication and consultation skills to medical student and doctors. She is currently working on a PhD trajectory around psychosocial consequences of facial palsy.

Carien Beurskens is living in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. She studied physiotherapy at the University of Applied Sciences in Nijmegen and worked from 1976 in the Radboud University Medical Centre. She completed a PhD study between 1999 and mid 2003 entitled: “Mime therapy: rehabilitation of facial expression”, a therapy for patients with a facial palsy. Till her retirement she worked as a clinical and research oral-facial-physiotherapist at the Physiotherapy Department and Dentist Faculty at the Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen and was a member of the ‘facial team’, a multidisciplinary dedicated team for patients with a facial palsy. More than 5000 patient were treated by her. Since 1988 she gives post-graduate courses in mime therapy for physiotherapists and speech therapists in the Netherlands, as well as abroad. She was co-organizer of the International Facial Nerve Congress in Maastricht in 2005 and co-editor of the book “The Facial Palsies, complementary approaches” and has written more than 50 articles concerning facial palsies.

Patrick J. Byrne MD MBA is the Enterprise Chief of the Integrated Surgical Institute for Cleveland Clinic. In this role, Dr. Byrne leads Cleveland Clinic’s efforts to become a world leader in patient care, outcomes, education, safety, innovation and research across the Cleveland Clinic’s surgical specialties global footprint. He also serves as Chair of Cleveland Clinic’s Head and Neck Institute. He is a Professor at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, as well as the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Previously, Dr. Byrne was the Director of the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. There, he directed the Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship program, as well as co-directed the Johns Hopkins Face Transplant Program. He served as a medical director for Johns Hopkins Medicine International for many years. Dr. Byrne continues to serve as the co-Director of the Randolph B Capone Cleft and Palate Program at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. Dr. Byrne graduated from the UC San Diego School of Medicine. He completed a surgical internship at the University of California San Francisco and a residency in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at the UC San Diego School of Medicine. He completed a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Minnesota Medical School /Children’s Minnesota, and a fellowship in Health Care Management at the Advisory Board Company in Washington, DC. Dr. Byrne earned his MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Byrne is and internationally recognized facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, focusing on microsurgical facial reconstruction, skin cancer management, and facial aesthetic surgery. He has over 130 peer reviewed publications in the field. Dr. Byrne is a world-renowned leader in the treatment of facial paralysis, having led and contributed to multiple surgical innovations in this field. He has founded several medical startups and was an early investor/chief medical officer in others. He has a longstanding commitment to service, and leads volunteer teams worldwide, including annual missions providing surgical care to children with facial deformities in Nicaragua and many other developing countries.

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Adel Fattah PhD FRCS(plast) Adel Fattah is a plastic surgeon with a specialist interest in facial palsy and Moebius Syndrome. He has undertaken extensive training in all areas of paediatric plastic surgery with both nationally and internationally recognised experts in the field. He received his clinical schooling at the University of Cambridge with subsequent post-graduate training in London, which included terms at Great Ormond St. Hospital and the St Andrew’s Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, the largest plastic surgery centre in the UK. Adel completed his training by spending two years at ‘SickKids’ in Toronto, the largest paediatric facility in North America. He is now a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Alder Hey where he has established a facial palsy and Moebius multidisciplinary team. Adel has maintained active research interests since his PhD and has won a number of prizes for his work presented at over 40 national and international conferences. He has also published over 35 articles mainly regarding facial palsy, craniofacial reconstruction and Moebius syndrome. He also acts as a reviewer for a number of academic journals. Adel is an avid teacher and has produced teaching videos for a number of surgical procedures and is committed to training the next generation of plastic surgeons.

PhD in Medicine from the Complutense University (Madrid). Head of the Rehabilitation Section at the Ramon y Cajal University Hospital (Madrid). Director of the Facial Paralysis Functional Unit at the Ramón y Cajal University Hospital. Director of the "Rehabilitation in Facial Paralysis" Working Group of the Spanish Society of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine (SERMEF). Director of the Facial Paralysis Unit of the "Pedro Jaén Group."

"Dr. Yang-Sun Cho, M.D., Ph.D. Title: Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea Contact: yangsun.cho@gmail.com Education & Academic Appointments:M.D., Seoul National University (1988). Residency, Seoul National University Hospital (1992-1996). Professor, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine (since 2009) Visiting Professor: University of Iowa (2001-2003), University of Washington (2009) Leadership Roles:President, Korean Otological Society (2016-2018). President, Korean Facial Nerve Society (2019-2021). Chairman, Board of Directors, Korean Society of ORL-HNS (2020-2021). President, The 14th International Facial Nerve Symposium (2022). President, Korean Skull Base Society (2022-2023). President-elect, The 10th Quadrennial Conference on Vestibular Schwannoma and Other CPA Tumors (2027) Professional Memberships:International member, American Academy of ORL-HNS. Board Member, Sir Charles Bell Society (since 2017). Member, IFOS Executive Committee (since 2023) Publications & Innovations:188 peer-reviewed journal articles (72 as first or corresponding author). 15 book chapters. 6 patents"

PROF. MOHAN KAMESWARAN, MS, FRCS, FICS,FAMS, DSC, DLO Senior Consultant and Managing Director of Madras ENT Research Foundation. Honorary Distinguished Professor, The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University. Padma Shri awardee 2006, Dr. B. C. Roy award 2008. Pioneering Cochlear Implant Surgeon in India and South Asia with personal series of over 4,000 Cochlear Implants. First ENT Surgeon to do Auditory Brain Stem Implants in South & South East Asia and has a personal series of nearly 100 Auditory Brain Stem Implants, one of the largest in the world. Has over 200 publications in major national &international journals and has attended & presented papers in almost 450 National and International conferences and has been an invited lecturer in several of them. He has conducted & attended over 325 workshops on Temporal Bone Surgery, Skull Base Surgery, Live Laser surgery and Audiology for Surgeons etc. Indo – Australian award 2006. National Award of Excellence Sri Lanka 2007. Doctor of Science (Honoris Cause) The Tamil Nadu, Dr. M.G. R. Medical University. Visiting Professor, EDGE HILL University, U.K. Honorary Professor, Department of ENT, SRM Medical College Hospitals & Research Center, Chennai. Former Member executive council, National Academy of Medical Sciences, India. Regional secretary for Asia of International Federation of Otolaryngological Societies. Past President, Asia-Pacific Symposium on Cochlear Implants and related sciences. Visiting Professor of Otology, Royal Society of Medicine, London, 2015.

Prof. Giovanni Danesi DIrector Neurosciences Department. Chief ENT and Skull base Microsurgery Dept. at Pope Joannes XXII University Hospital, Bergamo. Skull base surgery Consultant at the Besta Neurological Institute Milano. Past General Secretary of the WFSBS ( World federation of Skull Base Societies) Past President of the ESBS ( European skull base Society) 2021. Past President of the Italian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck surgery 2023 Member of the Executive Committee of the ESBS to date. He refined his specialization in the field of otological and neuro-otological microsurgery focused to middle ear microsurgery, benign and malignant oncological microsurgery of the skull base and posterior cranial fossa. He developed the anterior trans-facial approaches to malignant tumors of the facial skeleton and anterior skull base with an endoscopic microsurgical technique. For more than ten years, he has devoted himself to perfecting the reconstructive techniques of the cranial nerves by means of neuro grafts and microsurgical anastomoses. He has carried out fellowships at prestigious international institutions to study otological and neuro-otological problems: Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix (AZ) with Prof. Robert Spetzler 1993 and 1996; ENT Clinic University of Zurich with Prof Ugo Fisch 1991, at the Center of Skull Base Surgery of Charlottesville, Virginia 1991

Jacob K. Dey, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a double board-certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, USA. His clinical practice focuses on comprehensive facial reanimation for patients with facial paralysis. Dr. Dey’s research efforts include using eye-tracking technology to objectively measure the impact of facial paralysis and outcomes of facial reanimation surgery, 3D anatomy, facial reanimation technique advancement, and regenerative medicine.

Dr. Jennifer Kim is an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at Harvard Medical School and the Division Chief of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Massachusetts Eye and Ear. She obtained residency training at Harvard from 1995-2000 and then remained for a fellowship in facial plastics and microvascular reconstruction 2000-2001. She established a facial nerve program at the University of Michigan Department of Otolaryngology where she was a professor on faculty for 23 years. Dr. Kim is also a recognized leader in the field, with significant involvement in international medical education and surgical missions. She has served on multiple national and international committees, including the Symposium Organizing Committee for the 12th International Facial Nerve Symposium and as a faculty member for the 13th International Facial Nerve Symposium. Her research and clinical work have focused on advancing treatments for facial paralysis and microtia. She has trained 13 AAFPRS fellows and is deeply committed educating future surgeons globally through hands-on training and workshops.

Karen Young is an Advanced Specialist Facial Therapist and has been working at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, UK since 2017 as well as private rehabilitation with the Facial Rehabilitation Centre UK. She has worked for many years in the field of neurology and neurological rehabilitation prior to her career in facial rehabilitation. Karen is the Deputy CEO of Facial Therapy Specialist International (FTSI) and a member of the Education Committee who seek to ensure the delivery of education and resources for members of FTSI, or those keen to learn more about facial palsy. She is actively involved in the ongoing development of clinical services through research and development within the National Health Service . Karen is also a member of the Medical Advisory Board for the charity Facial Palsy UK.

Otology, Neurotology, Skull Base Surgery, Endoscopic Surgery of the Paranasal Sinuses . Dr. Lorenzo Lauda specialized in Otolaryngology and Cervico-Facial Surgery at the University of Parma in 2006 and has been practicing as a specialist ever since. He is author of more than 80 publications in scientific journals, co-author of more than 10 books and author of several chapters in specialized publications and journals. A speaker and Member of the Organizing Committee for Gruppo Otologico Conferences, he has participated in more than 40 international and 40 Italian conferences. He has accumulated extensive experience as an instructor in training courses having served as a lecturer in 80 dissection courses organized by the Gruppo Otologico

Head ENT Department Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón Madrid. Director of Arístegui Grupo ORL. Associate Profesor ENT Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Fellowship Otology, Otoneurosurgery and Skull Base Surgery Gruppo Otologico Piacenza Italy ExGeneral Secretary of SEORL (Sociedad Española de ORL). ExVicepresident SEORL. ExPresident of SEBAC (Sociedad Española de Base de Craneo) Member of the Executive Committee ESBS (European Skull Base Society). Member of the Educational Committee of the EAONO (European Academy of Otology and Neurotology) . Director of more than 100 courses on Temporal Bone Dissection (1994-2025). More than 100 publications. Interest on Otology, Hearing Implants (BCI, CI and ABI), Otoneurosurgery (including Vestibular Schwannoma and meningioma) and Lateral Skull Base surgery.

Prof. Dr. Sampath Chandra Prasad Rao is a renowned Consultant Otolaryngologist and Head & Neck Surgeon, specializing in Skull Base Surgery and Hearing Implantology. He completed his Master's in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India, affiliated with Manipal University, where he was recognized as the best outgoing student. Dr. Rao has earned numerous prestigious fellowships, including the Fellowship of the European Academy of Otology & Neurotology (EAONO) and the Fellowship of the European Board of Examinations in Otolaryngology. He has also been awarded the British Annual Congress in Otolaryngology (BACO) Fellowship twice, along with the Birla Smarak Kosh Fellowship and the GSE Fellowship of Rotary International. He underwent advanced training in Skull Base Surgery, Implantology, and Otology at Casa Di Cura Piacenza in Italy, one of the leading centers in the world for these disciplines. Dr. Rao has been actively involved in teaching and has been invited as a faculty member at international conferences and courses, including those organized by the World Federation of Skull Base Societies and the European Skull Base Congress. Dr. Rao's contributions to the field have been recognized with several honors, including orations at national and international conferences. His expertise and dedication have made him a prominent figure in the field of otolaryngology and skull base surgery

Seiji Kakehata, M.D., Ph.D. is best known for his work in pioneering endoscopic ear surgery in his home country of Japan and around the world. He served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine until March of 2023 after which he became Professor Emeritus. In May of 2023, he opened the Endoscopic Ear Surgery Center in the Ota General Hospital in Kawasaki Japan to make TEES more accessible to the wider public. He is also the immediate past Chair of Board of Directors, Japan Otological Society. He is a director of the Japanese Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. In addition, he is a founding board member of the International Working Group on Endoscopic Ear Surgery (IWGEES) and its president as well as the president of the Pan-Asia Working Group on Endoscopic Ear Surgery (PAWGEES). Dr. Kakehata’s clinical interests include minimally invasive endoscopic ear surgery, conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, and facial nerve palsy. Dr. Kakehata’s research has focused on cochlear hair cell physiology and hearing regeneration. His funded research includes the study of outer hair cell motility, effects of cholesterol alterations on outer hair cells, regeneration of the facial nerve, and regeneration of auditory nerve fiber growth and synapse formation after ear injury. Dr. Kakehata held the 4th World Congress on Endoscopic Ear Surgery in 2022. He organized and held the first courses in endoscopic ear surgery in Asia and has held an annual hands-on course since 2012. He has presented at numerous regional and national meetings in Japan as well as international meetings and courses especially on the subject of endoscopic ear surgery.

Director of the ENT Department - Hospital CUF Porto Coordinator of the Facial Unit . Coordinator of the Auditory Implant Unit. Ex- Hospital Medical Director

Prof Vijayendra Honnurappa is the Director of Vijaya ENT Care Centre, Bangalore, India. He is an honorary visiting professor at BLDE University, Vijayapura ; KLE University, Belagavi, India ,and University of Illinois, Chicago, USA. Prof Vijayendra is a past president of the Indian Society of Otology. His hospital, Vijaya ENT Care centre is a major training site for the Ethio-American otology fellowship program . His annual live surgical otology conferences are attended by more than 1000 delegates every year from across the world. He is the author of two otology books “A colour atlas of temporal bone dissection” and “Otology demystified” He specialises in otology surgeries including cholesteatoma, facial nerve surgeries, otosclerosis and tympanosclerosis surgeries

Prof. Dr. Andreas Kehrer is a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and microsurgery. He has been predominately trained at Level I-Trauma Centers and University Hospitals. Prof. Kehrer holds both the German specialist title ""Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery"" and the European specialist title ""Fellow of the European Board of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery"" (FEBOPRAS) and works in Bavaria/Germany. A Master’s degree program in Health Business Administration (MHBA) was completed parallel to his clinical work. He has published over 65 peer-reviewed articles in the field of plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Prof. Kehrer was trained at major centers and university hospitals nationally and internationally and has been working in surgery for over 18 years without interruption. Special fellowships lasting several months at world-renowned surgical clinics in Rotterdam/Holland, London/UK, Taipei/Taiwan and Seoul/Korea were valuable stages in gaining holistic further training in the broad field of complex reconstructive surgery, aesthetics and facial plastic surgery. Alongside breast surgery, facial aesthetics is a particular focus of Prof. Kehrer's treatment. It harmonizes perfectly with his number one specialty, the surgical treatment of facial paralysis. Prof. Kehrer has wide-ranging clinical interests. His intensive research into the anatomy of the face and his experience of countless reconstructive procedures allow him to perform even complex aesthetic procedures, such as the extended deep plane facelift, safely and quickly. He regularly attends special congresses and further training courses that focus exclusively on facial aesthetic surgery and conservative treatment (botulinum toxin/filler/laser). Prof. Kehrer is a frequent speaker at international and national specialist congresses, a sought-after expert in court for expert opinions and a regular reviewer of scientific articles in renowned specialist journals.

Prof. Dr. Chieh-Han John TZOU completed his medical education and plastic surgery residency at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, followed by a one-and-a-half-year microvascular fellowship at the Chang Gung Memorial University Hospital in Taiwan. Currently, he is the director of the Plastic Reconstructive Surgery Clinic of the Hospital of the Divine Savior and TZOU MEDICAL, Facial Palsy and Lymphedema Center, and is affiliated as an Associate Professor for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Medical Faculty of the Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria. His focus in clinical work and research is microsurgical and supermicrosurgical reconstruction in facial paralysis, lymphedema, nerve, and tumor patients. He is the co-director of the biennial course "Facial Palsy: A hands-on Course – www.facialpalsy.eu" in Vienna, Austria.

Kevin Zuo is a plastic surgeon at University Health Network in Toronto, Canada. His practice comprises hand, wrist and peripheral nerve surgery as well as management of facial nerve dysfunction in adults including facial paralysis and synkinesis.

Dr Narayan Jayashankar Consultant ENT & Skull Base Surgeon Nanavati Max Superspeciality Hospital.P D Hinduja Hospital (Khar) Lilavati Hospital.Mumbai India Well known for his work on otology, neurotology, lateral skull base surgery, paranasal sinuses, endoscopic transnasal skull base surgery and surgery of facial nerve Invited to over 250 workshops in India and abroad as Faculty Published peer reviewed papers in high impact factor Indian and International indexed journals Is a reviewer for various prestigious indexed journals. Has contributed chapters to various textbooks Author of Atlas of Neurotology & Lateral Skull Base Surgery published by Thieme. Author of Atlas of 360 Degree Skull Base Surgery published by Thieme

"DR FEDERICO BOLOGNESI . MD, PhD, FEBOMFS Dr Federico Bolognesi is a Maxillofacial Surgeon, Attending at Maxillofacial Surgery Unit and Facial Palsy Center, Head and Neck Department, San Paolo University Hospital in Milan (head: Prof. Federico Biglioli), Italy. After the residency in Maxillo-Facial Surgery at the University of Bologna he completed the PhD program in nerve reconstruction at the Head and Neck Department of Sant’Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital in Bologna. He was a former AOCMF - Head and Neck Oncology fellow at the Head and Neck Department of Mazumdar-Shaw Cancer Center of Bangalore, India, in 2019. He is Professor at Maxillofacial Surgery School of the University of Milan and member of several national and international societies such as the Sir Charles Bell Society, the Indian Foundation of Head and Neck Oncology (FHNO), the European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery, the AOCMF, the Italian Society of Skull Base Surgery and the Italian Society of Microsurgery. He is also a Honorary Member of Indian Society for Facial Trauma, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery of Otorhinolaryngologists (ISFARO). His major fields of interest are head and neck oncology and microsurgical reconstructions, specially focused on the surgical treatment of facial paralysis and trigeminal nerve injuries, included corneal neurotization for neurotrophic keratitis and lacrimal gland neurotization for dry eye disease as well as the development of new technology in nerve reconstruction such as acellular nerve allograft."

"Dr. Bernardo Bianchi completed his specialization in Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Parma, Parma, under the direction of Prof. E. Sesenna. He graduated in October 2001 with top honors (Grade: 50/50 with honors). His thesis focused on ""Post-oncological Mid-facial Reconstruction with Microvascular Flaps."" Professional Experience:Dr. Bianchi has a distinguished career in maxillofacial surgery, with roles including: Chief of the Maxillofacial Surgery and Odontostomatology Unit at IRCCS San Martino Hospital, Genoa, since January 17, 2022. Medical Assistant in Maxillofacial Surgery at Parma Hospital Authority, under the direction of Prof. E. Sesenna, from December 31, 2004, to January 17, 2022. Assistant Physician in Training at the Division of Maxillofacial Surgery, Parma Hospital Authority, between 1996 and 2001. Dr. Bianchi has also served as an Observing Physician in prestigious international institutions: Department of Otolaryngology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York (February 1997 - May 1997), under Dr. Mark Urken. Sick Children's Hospital, Toronto (September 2002). Department of ORL and Cervico-Facial Surgery, Gustave Roussy Institute, Paris (March 1999 - November 1999), under Prof. Luboinski. Publications and Presentations Dr. Bianchi is the author of approximately 150 scientific publications and has been a speaker at numerous national and international congresses, demonstrating his dedication to advancing knowledge in his field."

Prof. Filippo di Lella, MD-PhD is an italian board-certified Otorhinolaryngologist with a major focus on lateral skull base and temporal bone surgery. He serves as an Associate Professor of Otorhinolaryngology at the University of Parma, Italy and as a consultant at the Otolaryngology and Otoneurosurgery Department in Parma University Hospital. Prof. Di Lella’s clinical and academic expertise encompasses micro-surgical techniques for facial nerve preservation and rehabilitation, as well as interdisciplinary approaches to complex lateral cranial base pathologies. He has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters on otologic and neurotologic pathology and surgery. He is member of various scientific societies, actively sharing his experience in major national and international conferences.

"From june 2009 Ent medical doctor Gregorio Marañón Hospital Madrid (SPAIN) -Degree in medicine and surgery from the university of Salamanca 2004 -Medical doctor in medicine and surgery from the university Complutense of Madrid 2012. -Ent mir program at Gregorio Marañon hospital Madrid from may 2005 to may 2009 training in course of all the fields of the expeciality. -Observership program at Memorial hospital New York September October 2008 -Observership program at instituto otologico piacenza (prof m. sanna) September 2010 and November December 2012 -Director of course of facial palsy surgery at Gregorio Marañon hospital Madrid in seven editions (first 2014-last 2024) -Profesor of disecction course of temporal bone 3 times per year from 2009 -More than 70 ENT peer review articles (national and international) and 20 book chapters. -Experience in otology, lateral skull base and facial palsy surgery and reanimation."

"Dr. Heather Baltzer currently serves as both the Division Head for Plastic Surgery and the Director of the Hand Program in the Sprott Department of Surgery at the University Health Network in Toronto. Dr. Baltzer holds the Dr. Ajay Virmani Chair in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the Don and Nita Reed Professorship in Hand Surgery. She joined the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Toronto in 2015. She is currently an Associate Professor. Dr. Baltzer completed her medical school and Plastic Surgery residency at the University of Toronto and then spent a year at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota in a Hand and Peripheral Nerve Fellowship. She then completed a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research through the Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto. Her clinical practice focuses on peripheral nerve surgery in the upper and lower extremities and facial reanimation. She established the Adult Facial Nerve Program in Toronto in collaboration with Dr. Ronald Zuker in 2016. Her research program aligns with her clinical practice having a focus on upper extremity trauma, peripheral nerve injury and facial reanimation. She is an active member of the American Societies for Surgery of the Hand and Peripheral Nerve. She is the Past President of the Canadian Society for Surgery of the Hand."

Pierre Guerreschi pierre.guerreschi@chu-lille.fr MD, PhD Professor.Hospital Surgeon Plastic Surgery Head of Plastic Surgery Department Chief of Center of Competence for Clefts and Facial Malformations University Hospital of Lille. FRANCE Member of SOFCPRE (Société de Chirurgie Plastique Reconstructrice et Esthétique) Member of AFFF (Association Francophone des Fentes Faciales) Member of French Plastic Surgery College Associated member of ESCFS (European Society CranioFacial Surgery) EBOPRAS Fellow (2009)

"Professor Shakeel R. Saeed MBBS(Lon), FRCS(Ed), FRCS(Eng), MD(Man), FRCS(ORL,Eng) Emeritus Professor of Otology / Neuro-otology University College London, Ear Institute. Consultant ENT and Skullbase Surgeon, Royal National Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London Honorary Consultant Guy’s St Thomas’ and King’s College Hospital, London Email: shakeel.saeed@ucl.ac.uk Website: www.prof4ears.co.uk Professor Saeed is a distinguished ENT and skullbase surgeon with extensive expertise in lateral skullbase surgery and implantation otology. Over his career, he has performed over 3,000 complex ear surgeries, 500 cochlear implant surgeries, and numerous vestibular schwannoma, skullbase, and auditory brainstem implant procedures. He graduated from King’s College, London in 1985 and earned his doctorate in 2003. Following his tenure as a consultant surgeon in Manchester, he held a professorial appointment in London from 2008 to 2023 and became Emeritus Professor in September 2023. Professor Saeed has held prestigious positions, including President of the European Academy of Otology and Neurotology, British Skullbase Society, and the British Society of Academic Otorhinolaryngology. He is also an honorary member of the Spanish ENT Society. Active in research and clinical trials, he has published over 180 peer-reviewed articles and delivered more than 350 scientific presentations globally. He continues to lead as a renowned surgeon and researcher managing patients both within the UK and internationally."

"Scott J Stephan, MD Associate Professor and Carol & John Odess Endowed Chair in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Nashville TN USA Director of the Facial Plastic Surgery Fellowship Program at Vanderbilt. Specializing in comprehensive care of patients with flaccid and non-flaccid facial paralysis and aberrant facial reinnervation syndrome -- including dynamic/static reanimation surgeries as well as in-office medical therapies. Director of the Vanderbilt Microtia-Atresia Center of Excellence"

"Abraham Zavala, MD, MSc Staff at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Lima, Peru. Double-fellowship trained in Microsurgery/Peripheral Nerve Surgery at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital - Linkou, Taipei (Taiwan) and in Oncologic Reconstruction at the University of Toronto (Canada). Has authored numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and is actively engaged in multiple scientific societies. Special focus on facial reanimation and complex microvascular reconstruction"

"Dr. Marco Bonali obtained his medical degree in 2009 at the University of Brescia. ENT specialist from 2016. He discussed a thesis about anatomical variations of the tympanic cavity, evaluated through endoscopic transcanal approach. Consultant at the Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery department, University Hospital of Modena, Italy, from September 2016. Author of scientific papers on national and international journals and co-author of book chapters regarding otorhinolaryngology. Tutor in national and international dissection courses about endoscopic ear surgery. Main surgeon in several endoscopic ear surgery and facial nerve reanimation procedures. His main interests in the field of otorhinolaryngology are related to ear surgery, to the development of the endoscopic approach for otologic surgery and to the management of facial nerve palsies."

"Dr. Hassan Diab Deputy Director for International Affairs, National Medical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngology, Moscow, Russia Dr. Hassan Diab is a highly accomplished otolaryngologist with over 25 years of experience specializing in hearing restoration and complex ear surgeries. Renowned for performing over 5,000 cochlear implantations, he has pioneered innovative surgical techniques, including simultaneous external auditory canal and ear reconstruction using porous polyethylene implants. He has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed articles, holds 20 patents in ear pathology, and currently serves as Deputy Director for International Affairs and Professor at the National Medical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngology. In this role, he mentors over 14 dissertation candidates while advancing global otolaryngology research and practice. Dr. Diab is an active participant in international scientific conferences, contributes to global collaborations in otolaryngology, and holds memberships in prestigious organizations such as EAONO, IFOS, and GCIAN."

Michael J. Klebuc M.D. Associate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery & Neurosurgery Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas & Weill Cornell Medical College, & Adjunct Professor Texas A&M School of Medicine Eva Lynn & John S. Dunn Jr. New Century Chair in Reconstructive & Plastic Surgery Director of the Center for Facial Paralysis Surgery & Functional Restoration, Houston Methodist Hospital

Dr. Borschel is the James Harbaugh, Jr., Professor and Chief of Plastic Surgery at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. His practice focuses on nerve injuries, corneal neurotization, facial paralysis, congenital hand surgery, and microvascular reconstruction. Dr. Borschel graduated from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1997 and completed a residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Michigan in 2005. He completed a two-year postdoctoral research fellowship in Neuromuscular Regenerative Medicine at the University of Michigan, and a fellowship in Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. He has developed and popularized new surgical operations in corneal neurotization, a treatment for neurotrophic keratopathy, a rare cause of blindness caused by lack of nerve supply to the cornea, and new ways of improving nerve regeneration. His research laboratory focuses on ways to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration, including drug and growth factor delivery, electrical stimulation, and the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing neurotrophic keratopathy and corneal neurotization. He has published 176 original peer-reviewed publications, four textbooks in Plastic Surgery, and dozens of book chapters. He has served as primary supervisor for several graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in nerve regeneration research. These students have won dozens of international, national and local awards, fellowships, competitions and prizes for their research in nerve regeneration. His research sponsors have included the US Department of Defense, Canadian Institutes for Health Research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Moebius Syndrome Foundation, and the Foundation for Fighting Blindness.

Elisabetta Zanoletti is an Associate Professor at the University of Padova and Director of the Postgraduate School of Otorhinolaryngology at the same institution. She holds a degree in Medicine and Surgery (1998) and completed her specialization in Otorhinolaryngology at the University of Pavia (2002). Her professional training includes several prestigious fellowships: at the Institut Gustave Roussy (IGR) in Paris (2001), the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan (2002), and the Gruppo Otologico in Piacenza (2003). She began her clinical career as a Medical Assistant at Ospedali Riuniti in Bergamo (2004), and later at the University Hospital of Padova (2011). Prof. Zanoletti has developed a high level of specialization in Otoneurosurgery and Skull Base Surgery, working within the Section of Otoneurology and Skull Base Surgery at Padova Hospital. Her areas of specific training include Head and Neck Surgery, Otology, Otosurgery, and Lateral Skull Base Surgery. Since 2023, she has been the Director of five editions of the 2nd-level University Master in Lateral Skull Base Surgery. Her academic and clinical work reflects a strong commitment to advancing surgical techniques and education in the field of otorhinolaryngology.

Otorhinolaryngologist at the Coimbra Local Health Unit (Portugal), and Coordinator of the Cochlear Implant Reference Center. Coordinator of the Otorhinolaryngology Department at CUF Coimbra Hospital, Portugal. Current Vice President of the Portuguese Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SPORL-CCP).

Professor Gunesh Rajan trained as an otolaryngologist at the Department of Otolaryngology at the University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland and completed fellowships in Head and Neck Surgery and Otology/Head and Neck Surgery in Barcelona, Spain and Perth, Australia. He then worked as a Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor at the University of Western Australia in Perth, Australia. In 2008, he was appointed Full Professor and Head of the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Western Australia. In 2018 he returned to Switzerland as Co-Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery LUKS and Director of the Central Swiss Head and Neck Tumor Centre. He is a visiting professor at the ENT University Hospital in Kuala Lumpur, University of Malaysia, the Mazumdar-Shaw Cancer Centre in Bangalore, India and the AIIMS University Hospital in Cochin, India. Prof Rajan is internationally recognised for his clinical expertise and research in the treatment of tumours of the head & neck and skull base and for his pioneering work in the cochlear and hearing implant space. Prof Rajan has published over 100 papers in peer-reviewed journals and has received over $ 4 million AUD in research and external funding. As a supervisor, examiner and medical leader, Prof Rajan is heavily involved in the medical education of undergraduates, residents and postgraduates.