
A Clear Voice
Markus Hess: Innovation, Mentorship and the Art of Voice Care
Do you have a question? Send it here What does it take to keep pushing the boundaries of voice care while never losing sight of the person behind the voice? Recorded during this year’s Cutting Edge Laryngology , shortly after his keynote and the presentation of the Isshiki Award , this special episode of BLA Connections: A Clear Voice sees our very own Natalie Watson sit down with Professor Markus Hess to reflect on his career, his approach to voice care, and the people and ideas that have shaped his practice. The award came as a complete surprise to Markus, who reflects on the enormous influence of Isshiki and what receiving an award bearing his name means to him: “If you’re mentioned in the same sentence with such a person [Isshiki], that is more than an honour… I truly feel that this is the best honour somebody can get.” Natalie and Markus explore the value of truly multidisciplinary voice care and the development of the Medical Voice Center in Hamburg, as well as innovation and precision in office-based laryngology and Markus’s experience with the blue laser. Their conversation also goes beyond techniques and technology, touching on the importance of empathy and communication with patients, the influence of mentors throughout a career, and the value of continuing to learn from colleagues and openly sharing experiences – including the occasions when things don’t go to plan. Key takeaways The power of multidisciplinary care: why bringing together different areas of expertise can transform the care of people with voice problems. Innovation in office-based laryngology: Markus discusses precision, technical skill and the continual refinement of techniques, including his experience with the blue laser. The person behind the voice: why empathy, communication, and understanding the patient experience are just as important as technical expertise. The importance of mentorship: Markus reflects on the people who have influenced him and why learning directly from colleagues remains invaluable throughout a career. Learning when things don’t go to plan: echoing the theme of his Cutting Edge keynote, Markus discusses the value of honesty, sharing experiences and learning from challenges as well as successes. Contact Information Visit www.britishlaryngological.org and our podcast library. Cutting Edge Laryngology 2026 registration is now open: Register here Email: enquiries@britishlaryngological.org for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes. This show is brought to you by the BLA; you can follow us on X , Linkedin and Instagram hosted by Natalie Watson @ surgeonsinger , produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd and award-winning producer. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; The BLA does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice.





