Dr Julia Crawford

22/03/2026

A special reunion at ASOHNS ASM 2026 in Hobart.

Three of the four Australian fellows trained by Prof J Scott Magnuson together in one place - Catherine Sinclair, Tim Iseli and myself. Missing, but very much part of this group, is Peter Floros. Tim and Cath trained with Scott when he worked at University of Alabama. Peter and I through in Orlando.

Fellowship is a defining period in a surgeon’s career. It shapes not only technical skill, but judgement, values, and professional identity. The influence of a supervisor extends well beyond training.

Mentorship in surgery is enduring. Many of us are fortunate that our fellowship supervisors become not only lifelong mentors but also family.

A timely reminder that the strength of our specialty lies not just in what we do, but in how we support and develop one another across generations.

27/02/2026

A special moment stepping into a role that carries deep personal meaning.

Prof Raymond Sacks has been part of my surgical journey since I was his registrar at Concord Hospital in 2011. Over the years, he has become not only a colleague, but a trusted mentor and friend. Ray embodies the qualities I most value in our profession; compassion, integrity, patience and grit combined with an ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with anyone, whether patient, trainee or peer.

I am honoured to be taking over from him as the Otolaryngology Representative on the Council of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. His leadership has strengthened our specialty and supported so many surgeons along the way.

I hope to continue that legacy and to serve our profession with the same commitment and generosity that he has shown throughout his career.

24/02/2026

It’s not often that most of the Ear, Nose and Throat team from St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney are in the same room at the same time. In an era where meetings are usually virtual and schedules rarely align, this was a rare and welcome moment.

We came together for our annual Basic Life Support training, but what made it memorable was the opportunity to connect in person. To reminded that behind every service and clinic list is a dedicated team committed to patient care. Moments like this reinforce the strength of our department and the value of training together, not just for skills, but for teamwork.

And a huge thank you to whom we commandeered into taking a photo for us as she was running past!

A/Prof Nigel Biggs Dr Brett Leavers .sydneyentclinic Dr Peta-Lee Sacks A/Prof Ron Bova Dr Georgina Harris (missing )

23/02/2026

It was a privilege to attend the RACS Women in Surgery Lunch on the weekend and spend time surrounded by such an impressive group of surgeons. Events like this are a valuable reminder of how important connection, mentorship, and shared experience are in our profession. It was wonderful to meet so many talented new female surgeons, reconnect with respected colleagues, and see former mentees progressing and thriving in their careers.

The collective expertise, generosity, and leadership in the room was truly motivating. Supporting one another, sharing lessons learned, and continuing to open doors for the next generation of women in surgery remains essential for the future of our profession. Grateful to be part of such a strong and inspiring community.

05/11/2025

Ten years ago, during one of my very first operating lists as a newly appointed surgeon, another clinician popped into the room just to “check out the female surgeon”. I was considered a rare sight at the time.

Fast forward to this month’s photo: a head and neck consultant, a head and neck fellow, two ENT/Head and Neck registrars, and two medical students, all part of the same operating list. Times really are changing.

And to top off an incredible week, Dr Jolande Ma, our unaccredited ENT registrar at St Vincent’s Public Hospital, has just been accepted onto the ENT training scheme. I couldn’t be prouder.

02/11/2025

What an incredible night!

From a simple thought bubble shared 18 months ago between Nadia Rosen and myself, to a truly spectacular evening, the Inaugural Head and Neck Cancer Gala Ball became a reality.

As President of the Australian and New Zealand Head and Neck Cancer Society (), it was such a privilege to see this collaboration with Head and Neck Cancer Australia () come to life. Together, we raised over $130,000 to support the vital work of both organisations.

More importantly, the night was a celebration of the incredible resilience of patients and families affected by this under-recognised and under-resourced cancer. Their strength and courage inspire everything we do.

A huge thank you to our generous sponsors and the amazing fundraising committee - your dedication, creativity and hard work made this dream a reality.

So proud of what we achieved together and excited for what’s to come.

10/09/2025

After an inspiring weekend at the ANZHNCS ASM in Adelaide last week, this week I had the joy of pivoting to my other passion, sleep apnea surgery, at World Sleep 2025 in Singapore.

It was such a pleasure to reconnect with international colleagues and share in our collective mission: ensuring patients with sleep apnea receive the most holistic and effective care possible.

A heartfelt thank you to for the kind invitation to speak- it was an honour to be part of such an engaging program.

31/08/2025

What an incredible few days in Adelaide for the Australia and New Zealand Head and Neck Cancer Society ASM 2025!

As President, I’m so proud of how this meeting brought together the full breadth of specialists caring for people with head and neck cancer. It was a true celebration of multidisciplinary teamwork.

Huge thanks to Prof Eng Ooi and the organising committee for delivering such a seamless and inspiring program. The science, the collaboration, and the focus on patients shone through every session.

Congratulations to all involved on such a successful meeting!

28/08/2025

18/07/2025

Attending the Society of Robotic Surgery 2025 in beautiful Strasbourg, France has been an incredible experience. It’s inspiring to see the rapid growth of the head and neck section, with cutting-edge techniques and thoughtful discussions shaping the future of our field. A real highlight has been reconnecting with colleagues from around the world who are equally passionate about advancing care in this unique and evolving specialty.

30/03/2025

What an incredible journey it has been! As we wrap up the 75th ASOHNS Annual Scientific Conference, I am filled with gratitude and pride. It’s been a privilege, as the Scientific Convenor of this years conference, to work alongside such inspiring leaders—Dr. Julia Agnew, our dedicated ASOHNS President, and Dr. Megan Hobson, this years ASM Convenor.

Together, we’ve fostered a space for innovation, collaboration, and the sharing of knowledge that will undoubtedly leave everyone feeling inspired and ready to get back to work. Thank you to all the speakers, attendees, sponsors and the conference committee who made this event such a success. Your passion and commitment to advancing otolaryngology are truly inspiring.

Here’s to the next chapter in our journey- 2026 Hobart ASM! Picture of us celebrating the near completion of the conference at the Diamond themed 75th ASM Ball.

12/03/2025

A belated Happy International Women’s Day to all the incredible women who inspire us every day! Today, I want to shine a spotlight on my amazing all-female surgical team – a testament to the power of collaboration, resilience, and excellence in healthcare.

Together, we break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and pave the way for future generations of women in medicine. Let’s continue to uplift and support each other as we work towards a more inclusive environment in every field.

Here’s to the women who lead, heal, and inspire!