Insights from ACOMS 2026: What Senior Surgeons want Trainees to know
by Jason Lok, BAOMS JTG Representative
At ACOMS 2026 in Hong Kong, I had the opportunity to speak with many highly respected figures in the field of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. I asked each of them what drew them to the specialty, what separates an exceptional trainee from the rest, and what advice they would give to juniors. Their reflections were practical, honest, and surprisingly consistent across continents.
Why Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery?
Many surgeons traced their interest back to early training experiences, describing surgery as the perfect blend of complex anatomy, technical artistry, and profound human impact.
Prof Rui Fernandes (IAOMS President, University of Florida) described complex surgery as a lifelong art:
“It’s the art of complicated surgery that keeps me in this specialty.”
Prof Sydney Ch’ng (Professor of Surgery, University of Sydney) told me her fascination began in residency:
“The complexity of head and neck anatomy just fascinates me”
Dr Lydia Lim (Head of OMFS, Westmead Hospital Sydney) described a love for the aesthetics and hands-on nature of surgery:
“I love surgery, I love helping people. OMFS brings it all together.”
What Makes an Exceptional Trainee?
Across the board, the answer was clear: attitude.
Prof Mike Leung (HKAOMS President, Hong Kong University) and A/Prof Syed Nabil (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) highlighted humility and consistency:
“Love what you do. Don’t be overconfident – always be willing to learn from everyone.”
Prof Gabriele Millesi (Immediate Past President of IAOMS, Medical University of Vienna) noted that while some trainees are naturally gifted, attitude and curiosity are what propel most forward:
“Talent helps, but attitude gets you there.”
One line from Prof Fernandes particularly stuck with me:
“Build a strong foundation first. It’s a long career. Do not rush anything. You want to be the one doing the surgery, not wishing you were.”
What Still Excites Them About Surgery?
Despite long careers, all the surgeons spoke with genuine enthusiasm about the future.
Prof Millesi spoke with passion when describing surgery as a handcraft that can always be refined.
Mr Leo Cheng (Consultant OMFS, King’s College Hospital London; Mercy Ships volunteer surgeon) captured the spirit best:
“I’m 65 this year but my mind is 18. I’m still learning - from other consultants, registrars, even SHOs.”
The Value of International Experience
Every consultant emphasised its importance.
Dr Lim and Prof Millesi encouraged juniors to attend local and overseas conferences and simply make themselves known.
Prof Leung and A/Prof Nabil explained that their units regularly host visitors from overseas and encouraged trainees to reach out for shadowing opportunities.
Advice for trainees
Both Prof Kathleen Fan and Mr Cheng stressed the value of seeking out opportunities through your local trust with Mr Cheng reminding trainees that
“Every small thing will add up and will guide you through training.”
Final Takeaways
Across continents and career stages, the advice was consistent:
Be patient and build strong fundamentals.
Stay humble and keep learning from everyone.
Turn ideas into action - papers, posters, audits.
Engage with your local unit.
As Prof Kathleen Fan reminded: “Careers rarely follow a straight line especially in OMFS. Enjoy the journey.
