19 May, 2026 – In an era where digital accessibility is paramount to medical education, the European Respiratory Society (ERS) has officially opened the search for its next Respiratory Channel Editor. This pivotal leadership role, overseeing the 2027–2030 term, offers a unique opportunity for a mid-to-senior level clinician to influence how thousands of respiratory professionals globally consume, share, and engage with clinical knowledge.
As the ERS continues to pivot toward hybrid and digital-first learning environments, the Respiratory Channel stands as a flagship initiative. The successful appointee will inherit a robust infrastructure and be tasked with steering the evolution of this digital hub, ensuring it remains at the cutting edge of respiratory science, advocacy, and education.
Main Facts: Defining the Role and Expectations
The ERS Respiratory Channel is far more than a digital repository; it is a dynamic ecosystem designed to serve the global respiratory community. By integrating podcasts, high-definition video content, and interactive live events, the channel synthesizes the society’s output into digestible, high-impact formats.
Core Responsibilities
The Editor acts as the creative and strategic heartbeat of the channel. The role involves:
- Strategic Content Planning: Curating a cohesive programme that balances clinical science with societal advocacy.
- Commissioning and Management: Identifying emerging topics and managing a diverse roster of content providers to maintain a consistent flow of information.
- Digital Innovation: Exploring new formats and delivery mechanisms to enhance user engagement.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working alongside the experienced ERS staff to ensure the editorial calendar aligns with the broader goals of the society.
Candidate Profile
To qualify, applicants must be current ERS members and clinicians currently in practice at a mid-to-senior career level. The society seeks individuals who possess more than just clinical acumen; they require leaders with a proven interest in digital media, clear communication skills, and the organizational capacity to manage a project that demands a commitment of four hours per week.
Chronology: The Roadmap to 2027
The transition period for this role is structured to ensure continuity and knowledge transfer. The ERS has designed a deliberate onboarding process to empower the incoming editor.
- 19 May 2026: Official announcement of the vacancy and opening of the application window.
- 22 June 2026: Deadline for the submission of applications. Candidates must provide all necessary documentation via email to the ERS secretariat.
- July–August 2026: Review period. The selection committee will evaluate candidates based on their digital experience, leadership potential, and vision for the platform.
- September–December 2026: Shadowing phase. The incoming Editor will work closely with the current Editor, Dr. Sheila Ramjug, to learn the operational nuances, stakeholder management, and technical workflows required for the position.
- January 2027: Official commencement of the three-year term.
Supporting Data: The Digital Shift in Medical Education
The demand for the ERS Respiratory Channel has grown in tandem with the broader digital transformation of medical education. Recent data from the ERS indicates a significant shift in user behavior among clinicians.
Why Digital Content Matters
- Accessibility: With the increasing pressures of clinical practice, physicians are moving away from traditional long-form reading toward "micro-learning." Podcasts and short-form videos now account for a substantial percentage of the ERS’s educational traffic.
- Global Reach: Digital channels allow the ERS to bridge the gap between resource-rich and resource-limited settings. By democratizing access to expert opinion, the Respiratory Channel serves as a vital tool for clinicians in developing nations who may not have the resources to attend physical conferences.
- Real-Time Relevance: The agility of digital formats allows the ERS to respond to emerging health crises, new pharmacological breakthroughs, or shifts in clinical guidelines within weeks, rather than the months or years required for traditional publishing cycles.
The incoming Editor will be tasked with scaling this impact, ensuring that the channel remains the premier source of verified, high-quality, and accessible information in a crowded digital landscape.
Official Perspectives: Reflections on the Role
Dr. Sheila Ramjug, the incumbent and first-ever ERS Respiratory Channel Editor, reflects on the evolution of the role with a mixture of pride and optimism. Her tenure has been defined by the challenging task of "building the ship while sailing it."
"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, but I am confident that I am leaving this role in a great place for the next person. 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."
Dr. Ramjug emphasizes that the role is ideal for those who are passionate about the intersection of medicine and media. "Anyone interested in digital output and supporting dynamic resources for the respiratory community should consider applying," she added. Her endorsement underscores the collaborative nature of the role—the Editor is not working in isolation but is supported by the full weight of the ERS infrastructure, including production teams, technical support, and editorial staff.
Implications: The Future of ERS Leadership
The appointment of a new Editor is not merely a staffing decision; it is a strategic maneuver that will dictate the ERS’s digital legacy through 2030.
Shaping Clinical Discourse
The incoming Editor will have the power to prioritize specific areas of respiratory medicine. Whether they choose to focus on emerging technologies like AI in imaging, the global impact of climate change on respiratory health, or the nuanced management of chronic diseases, the Editor’s choices will ripple through the international respiratory community.
Digital Strategy as Advocacy
Beyond education, the Respiratory Channel serves as a medium for advocacy. By highlighting the work of ERS committees and scientific groups, the Editor plays a crucial role in shaping public policy and clinical standards. The successful candidate will effectively become a "digital ambassador" for the ERS, tasked with communicating complex scientific data to a diverse audience, including peers, patients, and policymakers.
Career Development and Institutional Knowledge
For the successful applicant, this position offers unparalleled exposure to the inner workings of one of the world’s most prestigious medical societies. It is an opportunity to cultivate a global network, refine leadership skills, and contribute to a legacy that will educate a generation of clinicians.
How to Apply
The ERS has made the application process transparent and accessible. Interested candidates should review the comprehensive Job Description provided on the official society website.
To ensure a successful application, candidates are advised to:
- Highlight past experience with digital media, social media, or multimedia projects.
- Articulate a clear vision for the future of the channel.
- Provide clear examples of leadership and collaborative project management.
- Submit all materials by the 22 June 2026 deadline to the designated email address.
As the medical field continues to evolve, the ERS remains committed to providing its members with the tools they need to excel. The search for the next Respiratory Channel Editor is a testament to this commitment, ensuring that the society’s digital future is in capable, forward-thinking hands. For those interested in exploring further, the ERS Elections and Open Positions page remains the primary source for all leadership opportunities within the society.
