19 May, 2026 – In a significant move to bolster its digital footprint, the European Respiratory Society (ERS) has officially announced the search for a new Editor for the ERS Respiratory Channel. This pivotal leadership role, which covers the 2027–2030 term, is designed to steward the Society’s most ambitious digital resource, ensuring that high-quality, evidence-based respiratory education remains accessible to practitioners across the globe.
The appointment comes at a time when digital transformation in medical education is no longer an optional luxury but a core necessity. As the medical landscape evolves, the ERS is seeking a visionary clinician to guide the Respiratory Channel through its next phase of growth.
Main Facts: The Mandate and the Mission
The ERS Respiratory Channel stands as a flagship project for the Society. It serves as a comprehensive digital repository, aggregating videos, podcasts, and live-streamed events that cover the vast spectrum of respiratory medicine—from basic science and cutting-edge research to clinical advocacy and public health policy.
The Role of the Editor
The successful candidate will not merely oversee content; they will serve as the chief architect of the Society’s digital engagement strategy. Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic Planning: Defining the editorial calendar and identifying priority topics that align with the ERS mission.
- Content Commissioning: Developing new formats that cater to the evolving learning preferences of modern clinicians.
- Stakeholder Management: Coordinating with internal ERS staff, subject matter experts, and content contributors to ensure a steady stream of engaging material.
- Digital Leadership: Leveraging existing infrastructure to maximize reach and impact among the global respiratory community.
Candidate Requirements
The ERS is casting a wide net but maintains strict standards for the position. Applicants must be:
- Current ERS Members: A prerequisite to ensure alignment with the Society’s organizational culture.
- Clinicians in Practice: The role requires a mid-to-senior career professional who understands the daily challenges faced by practitioners.
- Collaborative Leaders: The candidate must possess the ability to motivate teams and work within a structured professional society environment.
The commitment is estimated at four hours per week, allowing the successful applicant to maintain their clinical practice while making a transformative contribution to international medical education.
Chronology: A Roadmap to 2027
The transition period has been carefully structured by the ERS to ensure continuity and knowledge transfer. The timeline is as follows:
- 19 May, 2026: Official call for applications opens.
- 22 June, 2026: Deadline for all applications. Candidates are required to submit a CV and supporting documentation to the ERS secretariat.
- July–August 2026: Selection process, including potential interviews and vetting by the ERS leadership.
- September–December 2026: The "Shadowing Phase." The incoming Editor will work alongside the current incumbent, Dr. Sheila Ramjug, to learn the operational nuances, stakeholder relationships, and strategic priorities of the channel.
- January 2027: Official commencement of the three-year term.
Supporting Data: The Impact of Digital Learning
The ERS Respiratory Channel is more than a digital library; it is a critical component of the Society’s "Education, Science, and Advocacy" triangle. Since its inception, the platform has seen a surge in engagement, reflecting broader trends in medical education.
The Shift Toward Micro-Learning
Data from across the medical sector suggests that clinicians are increasingly moving away from long-form text in favor of "on-the-go" resources. Podcasts and short-form video content have become the primary method for staying updated on rapid developments in respiratory medicine. The Respiratory Channel has successfully tapped into this trend, providing:
- Live Event Integration: Providing a global stage for ERS Congress highlights.
- Expert Interviews: Bridging the gap between groundbreaking research and bedside practice.
- Global Accessibility: Removing the barrier of geography for practitioners in low- and middle-income countries who may not have the resources to attend physical conferences.
The incoming Editor will be tasked with analyzing the engagement metrics of these formats and pivoting the strategy to meet the next generation of respiratory specialists.
Official Responses: The Legacy of the First Editor
Dr. Sheila Ramjug, the inaugural Editor of the ERS Respiratory Channel, has played an instrumental role in shaping the platform’s identity. Reflecting on her tenure, she emphasized the unique challenges of building a digital product from the ground up.
"It has been a privilege to be the first official ERS Respiratory Channel Editor," Dr. Ramjug remarked. "As with all firsts, it has been exciting and challenging. We have had to navigate the transition to purely digital engagement during a period of rapid technological change. However, I am confident that I am leaving this role in a great place for the next person."
Dr. Ramjug’s tenure was defined by the establishment of workflows that allow for a consistent output of high-quality material. She noted that the groundwork is now set for a "second wave" of innovation. "Much work has been undertaken to lay the foundation for this resource to go from strength to strength," she added. "Anyone interested in digital output and supporting dynamic resources for the respiratory community should consider applying. It is a rare opportunity to influence the way our peers learn and collaborate."
Implications: The Future of ERS Digital Strategy
The search for a new Editor is not just a personnel matter; it is a strategic signal regarding the future of the ERS. As the Society looks toward 2030, the Respiratory Channel is expected to become the central nervous system of its membership benefits.
Bridging Science and Advocacy
The implications for the incoming Editor are significant. They will be responsible for balancing academic rigor with the need for immediate, accessible information. In an era of medical misinformation, the Society views its digital channel as a "trusted source" that provides a bulwark of evidence-based practice.
Fostering a Global Community
By continuing to innovate with podcasts and interactive webinars, the next Editor will influence how respiratory professionals across Europe and beyond collaborate. The role offers a unique platform to highlight the expertise of ERS members, effectively turning the Society’s internal knowledge into a public good.
The Call to Action
For mid-to-senior career clinicians, this role represents a pathway into high-level medical administration and digital media management. It is a chance to leave a tangible mark on the profession. The ERS is looking for more than just a curator; they are looking for a community builder who understands that the future of respiratory medicine is digital, collaborative, and global.
Interested members are encouraged to review the full job description available on the ERS website and submit their applications by the 22 June deadline. With the shadowing period starting in September, the window to influence the next three years of the Society’s digital journey is now open.
For more information on current openings and leadership roles within the European Respiratory Society, please visit the ERS Elections and Open Positions page.
