19 May, 2026
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) has officially launched its search for a visionary leader to steer the future of its flagship digital initiative: the ERS Respiratory Channel. As the society continues to bridge the gap between complex clinical research and accessible, high-quality digital education, the role of the Respiratory Channel Editor has emerged as one of the most influential positions within the organization’s modern educational portfolio.
The successful candidate will oversee the editorial strategy for the 2027–2030 term, stepping into a role that defines how respiratory professionals across the globe engage with the latest advancements in science, advocacy, and clinical practice.
Main Facts: The Vision for the ERS Respiratory Channel
The ERS Respiratory Channel is far more than a media repository; it is a vital pillar of the society’s mission to promote lung health and alleviate suffering from respiratory disease. By leveraging multimedia formats—including podcasts, high-production-value video series, and interactive live events—the channel serves as a global hub for medical expertise.
The incoming Editor will be tasked with maintaining the channel’s high standards while innovating the delivery of content. This includes:
- Strategic Planning: Developing an overarching vision for content that aligns with the broader goals of the ERS.
- Commissioning and Curation: Identifying emerging topics in pulmonology and sourcing the best global experts to provide analysis and commentary.
- Collaborative Leadership: Working closely with the ERS professional staff to manage the logistical complexities of digital production.
- Audience Engagement: Ensuring that the channel’s output remains relevant, accessible, and scientifically rigorous for a diverse, international audience of clinicians and researchers.
The commitment required is approximately four hours per week—a manageable yet impactful engagement for a mid-to-senior level clinician who is passionate about medical communication and digital outreach.
Chronology: A Roadmap for the Transition
The transition period for this role is meticulously planned to ensure continuity and knowledge transfer. The ERS has structured the appointment timeline as follows:
- 19 May, 2026: Official call for applications is opened.
- 22 June, 2026: Application deadline for all interested ERS members.
- July–August, 2026: Review and selection phase, involving interviews with the ERS leadership.
- September–December, 2026: The shadowing period. The incoming Editor will work alongside the current incumbent, Dr. Sheila Ramjug, to learn the operational nuances, stakeholder relationships, and strategic workflows of the role.
- January 2027: Official commencement of the three-year term.
This staggered handover ensures that the momentum established by the first iteration of the role is not lost, but rather accelerated by the new appointee.
Supporting Data: Why Digital Education Matters
The rise of the ERS Respiratory Channel reflects a broader shift in medical education. In the wake of the global changes seen in the early 2020s, the demand for "on-demand" clinical education has surged.
Data from the ERS indicates that professionals are increasingly seeking content that fits into a busy clinical schedule. The channel’s current metrics underscore the success of this model:
- Accessibility: By providing content in multiple formats, the ERS has seen a measurable increase in engagement from professionals in lower-resource settings, democratizing access to top-tier medical education.
- Diversity of Content: Current programming covers the full spectrum of respiratory care, from basic science and translational research to public policy and patient advocacy.
- Community Building: Through live events and interactive webinars, the channel has facilitated a sense of global community that transcends geographical borders.
The incoming Editor will be responsible for building upon these foundations, ensuring that the digital content not only reaches a wider audience but also drives measurable improvements in clinical practice.
Official Responses: Reflections from the Outgoing Editor
Dr. Sheila Ramjug, the inaugural ERS Respiratory Channel Editor, has expressed a mix of pride and optimism as she prepares to conclude her historic tenure.
"It has been a privilege to be the first official ERS Respiratory Channel Editor," Dr. Ramjug remarked in a recent statement. "As with all firsts, it has been exciting and challenging. We were essentially building a digital media company within a professional medical society. However, I am confident that I am leaving this role in a great place for the next person."
Dr. Ramjug emphasized that the role is as much about vision as it is about organization. "Much work has been undertaken to lay the groundwork for this important resource to go from strength to strength. It has been a hugely interesting project to be part of. Anyone interested in digital output and supporting dynamic resources for the respiratory community should consider applying. The support from the ERS staff is exceptional, and the impact one can have on the global respiratory community is profound."
Implications: The Role of the Physician-Communicator
The appointment of the next Respiratory Channel Editor has significant implications for the future of the ERS and the wider respiratory community.
Bridging the Gap Between Science and Practice
The traditional model of medical education—relying heavily on static journals and annual conferences—is no longer sufficient in an era of rapid scientific discovery. The Respiratory Channel acts as a "live" interface, allowing the ERS to rapidly disseminate clinical guidelines, groundbreaking trial results, and expert consensus. The new Editor will be at the front line of this communication strategy, essentially serving as the "voice" of the society’s digital presence.
Leadership and Digital Literacy
The requirements for the role—leadership, organizational skills, and a penchant for digital production—highlight the evolving profile of the modern clinician. Today’s senior physicians are expected to be not only experts in their sub-specialties but also proficient in digital media. The successful applicant will need to demonstrate an ability to motivate contributors, negotiate with various stakeholders, and possess the editorial judgment required to distill complex scientific concepts into engaging, digestible content.
A Three-Year Strategic Horizon
A three-year tenure provides the Editor with the stability needed to launch long-term series, cultivate relationships with key opinion leaders, and refine the channel’s aesthetic and pedagogical approach. The successful candidate will have the autonomy to shape the editorial calendar, meaning the identity of the next Editor will leave a distinct mark on the ERS legacy through 2030.
How to Apply
The ERS maintains a strict policy: only current, active members are eligible to apply. This ensures that the editor is deeply embedded in the society’s culture and understands the nuances of the community they serve.
Key Requirements for Applicants:
- Membership: Must be a current ERS member.
- Clinical Standing: Mid to senior career level clinician.
- Expertise: Existing knowledge of ERS functions and an interest in digital media production.
- Commitment: Ability to dedicate four hours per week to editorial duties.
Interested candidates are encouraged to consult the full job description for a detailed breakdown of responsibilities and technical expectations. Applications, including a CV and a statement of interest, should be directed to the official ERS recruitment email address.
As the ERS continues to evolve in a digitally-driven medical landscape, this role represents a unique opportunity for a clinician to marry their medical expertise with the art of storytelling and digital leadership. For those who view education as a cornerstone of patient care, the ERS Respiratory Channel is the ultimate platform to drive change, foster collaboration, and advance respiratory health on a global scale.
For more information on other open positions and upcoming elections, visit the ERS Elections and Open Positions portal.
