About ORL

Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) is the specialty which deals with functions and diseases of the Ear, Nose, Throat, skull base, and Head and Neck.  Disorders include trauma, malformations, tumours and other disorders in childhood and in adults; of the ear, temporal bone and lateral skull base, nose, paranasal sinuses and anterior skull base, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, oesophagus, head, neck, thyroid, salivary and lacrimal glands and adjacent structures.  It also includes investigation and treatment of conditions affecting the auditory, vestibular, olfactory and gustatory senses and disorders of the cranial nerves as well as human communication in respect of speech, language and voice disorders.  Some of the conditions diagnosed by otorhinolaryngologists but located in adjacent areas will be treated with close cooperation with these related specialists.

Although defined as ORL in certain European countries according to Annexe V of Directive 2005/36/EC, this specialty is also described in numerous countries as Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery in accordance with the practice in Europe where competencies related to Head and Neck Surgery are part of the training curriculum and clinical practice of ORL surgeons. 

To be eligible for specialty training, the medical trainee should be in possession of a medical degree recognised by the European Union.  It is recommended that this be followed by at least one year of practical training as an intern, house officer or whatever training is demanded by that country to be qualified as a physician.  This practical training should at least comprise training in general surgery and internal medicine.  Adequate documentation of the qualification should be provided. 

It is the recommendation of the UEMS-ORL board that specialty training should be carried out within a specialised accredited ORL training centres in the EU, under supervision of a trainer for a recommended duration of at least five (5) years.  During this period, training may take place in different institutions if they are recognised nationally as a training institution with confirmation by the European Board.  For those training in several centres, the responsibility of completion of training will be borne by the head of training of the last period before certification.  Part of this training may also include experience in various related specialties.