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A fundamental element of our work in Nepal is to support the education and development of Nepali surgical colleagues and this year Ear Aid Nepal supported three junior Nepali Consultants to attend the  ISOCON (Indian Society of Otology Conference). All the surgeons reported gaining a great deal from the conference and wrote very thorough reports, one of which is presented here.

Visit Report: ISOCON 2026, Amritsar, India

7–12 October 2026

Dr Sabin Adhikari
ENT Department
College of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (COMSTH)
Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal

1. Introduction and Acknowledgement

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Ear Aid Nepal for providing me with the bursary support to attend ISOCON 2026, held in Amritsar, India, from 9 to 11 October 2026. This opportunity enabled me to participate in an important academic event, attend a pre-conference workshop, update my clinical knowledge, and interact with medical professionals from different institutions.

The visit was a valuable experience for my professional development as an ENT doctor. In addition to the scientific programme, I had the opportunity to explore the cultural and historical significance of Amritsar.

I am thankful to Ear Aid Nepal for its continued support of professional development and international academic exposure, which can contribute to strengthening clinical practice and healthcare services in Nepal.

2. Pre-conference Workshop on Skin Prick Testing — 8 October 2026

On 8 October, I attended the pre-conference workshop on skin prick testing, an important diagnostic tool used in the evaluation of allergic diseases.

The workshop highlighted the role of allergy testing in the assessment of patients with allergic conditions, particularly allergic rhinitis, which is commonly encountered in ENT outpatient departments. Skin prick testing helps identify sensitization to specific allergens and can support clinical decision-making when interpreted alongside the patient’s history, symptoms, and examination findings. The important learning points included the significance of appropriate patient selection, the use of standardized testing techniques, correct interpretation of results, and the need to correlate test findings with clinical symptoms. A positive test indicates sensitization and does not necessarily establish that the allergen is responsible for the patient’s symptoms.

The workshop also reinforced the importance of patient safety, appropriate supervision, and preparedness to manage potential adverse reactions during allergy testing. This learning was particularly relevant to my clinical practice in Nepal, where allergic rhinitis and other allergic nasal conditions are frequently encountered. A systematic approach to allergy assessment can help improve diagnostic accuracy, patient counselling, and the selection of appropriate treatment strategies. Where suitable facilities and trained personnel are available, allergy testing may also help identify patients who could benefit from further specialist assessment and consideration of allergen immunotherapy.

Overall, the workshop provided useful insights into the practical importance of allergy evaluation and encouraged me to explore opportunities to strengthen the assessment and management of allergic conditions in our institution.

3. Participation in ISOCON– 11 October 2026

I attended the main scientific programs of ISOCON 2026 from 9 to 11 October. The conference provided a platform for academic learning, professional interaction, and the exchange of clinical experiences among delegates.

Throughout the conference, I attended the scheduled scientific presentations and sessions. These activities offered opportunities to update my knowledge, reflect on current clinical practices, and appreciate the importance of evidence-based approaches in patient management. Participation in professional conferences is particularly valuable for doctors working in resource-limited settings. Exposure to new knowledge, clinical experiences, and approaches used by other institutions can help identify practical improvements that may be adapted to local healthcare needs.

The conference also provided an opportunity to interact with fellow delegates and establish professional connections. Such interactions are important for sharing experiences, encouraging collaboration, and supporting continuing medical education. I received my certificate of participation on the final day of the conference. Overall, attending ISOCON 2026 was a worthwhile academic experience that reinforced the importance of lifelong learning and professional development.

4. Cultural and Social Activities

Alongside the scientific program, the conference organizers arranged opportunities to experience the cultural and historical attractions of Amritsar.

On 9 October, I visited the Wagah Border as part of the organized program. The visit offered an opportunity to appreciate an important landmark associated with the history and national identity of India. In the evening, I attended the welcome dinner at Lilly Resort. It was a pleasant opportunity to meet other delegates, interact with colleagues, and enjoy the hospitality of the organizers.

On 10 October, I attended the scientific sessions during the day. In the evening, I explored the local market, experienced the local culture, and tasted regional cuisine. I later attended the gala dinner at Lilly Resort, which included a live concert. These activities provided an enjoyable opportunity to interact informally with fellow participants and made the conference experience more memorable.

On 11 October, after completing the conference program, I visited the Golden Temple, one of the most important religious and cultural landmarks in Amritsar.

The visit was a memorable experience. I explored the temple complex and had the opportunity to participate in the langar, the community kitchen where free meals are served to visitors irrespective of their background. The experience reflected the values of equality, service, compassion, and community participation.

I also explored the surrounding market, purchased souvenirs, and took photographs to remember the visit. These cultural experiences complemented the academic program and provided a broader appreciation of the city’s heritage and hospitality.

5. Return to Nepal

After completing the conference and cultural activities, I departed Amritsar early on 12 October and travelled via New Delhi to Gorakhpur. From Gorakhpur, I continued by road towards Nepal and arrived home late that night.

The return journey marked the completion of a productive visit that combined academic learning, professional networking, and cultural exposure.

6. Key Learning Outcomes and Relevance to Clinical Practice

The visit to ISOCON 2026 provided several important opportunities for professional development.

First, the skin prick testing workshop strengthened my understanding of the role of allergy assessment in patients presenting with allergic rhinitis and related conditions. The knowledge gained can support a more systematic approach to patient evaluation and counselling in the ENT outpatient department.

Second, participation in the scientific program provided an opportunity to update my knowledge and reflect on the importance of evidence-based clinical practice. Continuing medical education is essential for maintaining professional competence and improving patient care.

Third, professional interaction with other delegates highlighted the value of academic networking and the exchange of clinical experiences. Such connections may support future learning opportunities and collaboration between institutions.

Finally, the visit reinforced the importance of applying acquired knowledge to local clinical practice. The benefits of international academic exposure are greatest when relevant learning is shared with colleagues and trainees and adapted to the available resources and needs of our healthcare setting.

I hope to share the relevant knowledge gained during the workshop and conference with colleagues in the ENT department at COMSTH and incorporate appropriate learning into my clinical practice. I also hope to explore opportunities to improve allergy assessment services in our institution, subject to the availability of facilities, trained personnel, and institutional support.

7. Conclusion and Appreciation

Overall, attending ISOCON 2026 in Amritsar was a rewarding and enriching experience. The pre-conference workshop on skin prick testing, participation in the scientific sessions, and interaction with fellow delegates contributed to my academic and professional development.

The visit also provided an opportunity to experience the cultural heritage of Amritsar through visits to the Wagah Border and Golden Temple. These experiences made the trip memorable beyond its academic value.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ear Aid Nepal for awarding me the bursary and supporting my participation in ISOCON 2026. I am also thankful to the conference organizers and everyone who contributed to making the event informative and successful.

I hope to apply the relevant knowledge gained during this visit to improve patient care, share learning with colleagues and trainees, and continue developing my clinical and academic skills. Such opportunities are valuable not only for individual professional growth but also for strengthening healthcare services in Nepal.