Head and Neck Surgery Fellowship

Advanced subspecialty training in head and neck oncological surgery and transoral robotic surgery (TORS), based across the St Vincent’s campus in Sydney. The fellowship offers clinical and operative experience in complex head and neck surgery, with a focus on major ablative surgery, multidisciplinary cancer care and the development of advanced surgical skills.

Fellowship overview

  • Head and neck oncological surgery: major ablative surgery for cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx, salivary glands and neck
  • Transoral robotic surgery (TORS): robotic approaches for selected oropharyngeal and tongue base malignancies
  • Thyroid and salivary gland surgery: benign and malignant thyroid and salivary gland conditions
  • Multidisciplinary cancer care: treatment planning and collaborative care with radiation oncology, medical oncology and allied health

The fellowship emphasises progressive operative responsibility and advanced surgical decision-making under the supervision of experienced head and neck surgeons.

Training environment

Fellows work across the St Vincent’s campus in public and private hospital settings, taking part in outpatient assessment, operative management and post-operative care of patients with complex head and neck conditions. Collaboration with The Kinghorn Cancer Centre provides experience in multidisciplinary oncological management and the integration of surgical and non-surgical treatments.

Duration and intake

Offered for 12 or 24 months depending on the fellow’s training needs and the department’s requirements. Intake is in January or July.

Eligibility and expressions of interest

Applicants must have completed specialist training in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, or an equivalent recognised international training program. Expressions of interest should include a current CV and a one-page letter outlining interest in the fellowship, relevant surgical experience and professional goals, emailed to Dr Brett Leavers at drbrettleavers@gmail.com.

Previous fellows

  • Dr Brett Leavers
  • Dr Peter Floros
  • Dr Ahmed Taha
  • Dr Alfred Addison
  • Dr Nisha Akali

Fellowship supervisors

A/Prof Richard Gallagher OAM, ENT surgeon, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney: head and neck, thyroid and salivary gland surgery

A/Prof Richard Gallagher OAM

Head and neck, thyroid and salivary gland surgery

A/Prof Ron Bova, ENT surgeon, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney: head and neck, thyroid, parathyroid and salivary gland surgery

A/Prof Ron Bova

Head and neck, thyroid, parathyroid and salivary gland surgery

Dr Julia Crawford, ENT surgeon, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney: head and neck surgery, robotic surgery and sleep apnoea surgery

Dr Julia Crawford

Head and neck surgery, robotic surgery and sleep apnoea surgery

Dr Brett Leavers, ENT surgeon, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney: head and neck cancer and thyroid surgery

Dr Brett Leavers

Head and neck cancer and thyroid surgery

Dr Peter Floros, ENT surgeon, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney: head and neck, thyroid and general ENT surgery

Dr Peter Floros

Head and neck, thyroid and general ENT surgery