The necessity of a specialized training program for head and neck surgeon: what should be done to become an extraordinary head and neck surgeon / 中国癌症杂志

ABSTRACT

Head and neck cancers contain a wide range of diseases which put threats to public health. Training of specialized head and neck surgeon is a must for the development of the specialty. Surgical treatment of head and neck cancers can easily compromise normal appearance and function of patients owing to the complicated anatomical structures of the area. Therefore, treatments often demand multidisciplinary involvement led by surgeons. Attentions should be paid to diverse cancers, multiple techniques, distinct surgeries, complex anatomy and function protection when training a specialized head and neck surgeon. A specialized surgeon must be devoted to basic research, have a full picture of the disease, be involved in multidisciplinary treatment and focus on specialized surgical maneuvers. To become a specialized head and neck surgeon, one should go through basic knowledge of the area, read extensively, keep up with the literature and never stops practicing. The undisputed factor is that an extraordinary head and neck surgeon can not only benefit patients but also promote the profession.