19 May, 2026
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) has officially opened the search for its next Respiratory Channel Editor, a leadership role that stands at the intersection of clinical excellence, digital innovation, and global scientific dissemination. As the society continues to evolve its digital footprint, this pivotal position offers a unique opportunity for a mid-to-senior level clinician to steer the strategic direction of one of the ERS’s most influential outreach projects.
The successful candidate will oversee the ERS Respiratory Channel for the 2027–2030 period, inheriting a platform that has become a cornerstone for respiratory professionals worldwide.
Main Facts: Defining the Role
The ERS Respiratory Channel is far more than a website or a content repository; it is a vital, dynamic hub for medical education, scientific research, and professional advocacy. Launched to meet the growing demand for accessible, high-quality digital resources, the Channel provides an array of multimedia content, including expert-led podcasts, high-definition video series, and interactive live events.
Core Responsibilities
The incoming Editor will serve as the architect of the Channel’s content strategy. Working in close collaboration with the experienced ERS staff, the role encompasses several critical functions:
- Strategic Planning: Defining the editorial roadmap to ensure content remains relevant to the evolving landscape of respiratory medicine.
- Content Commissioning: Identifying gaps in current educational offerings and commissioning new formats that reflect the latest breakthroughs in pulmonology.
- Operational Oversight: Managing the flow of content, balancing the demands of diverse contributors, and maintaining the high scientific standards expected of an ERS-branded resource.
- Community Engagement: Serving as a bridge between the Society’s expertise and its global membership base, ensuring that science is translated into practical, accessible digital outputs.
Candidate Profile
To qualify for this position, applicants must be current ERS members. The Society is seeking a clinician currently in active practice—ideally at a mid-to-senior career stage—who possesses a deep understanding of the ERS mission. Beyond clinical expertise, the role demands a specific set of soft skills: organizational acumen, leadership capability, and a proven interest in digital media production. The commitment is structured at approximately four hours per week, allowing the Editor to maintain their clinical responsibilities while driving the digital agenda.
Chronology: The Evolution of a Digital Hub
The creation of the Respiratory Channel Editor role marked a significant milestone in the ERS’s transition toward a "digital-first" educational strategy.
- 2024–2025: The Foundation Phase. Under the inaugural leadership of Dr. Sheila Ramjug, the Channel was established to consolidate the society’s disparate digital efforts. This period focused on building the technological infrastructure and defining the tone and quality standards for video and audio content.
- 2026: The Transition Year. As of May 2026, the Society is actively seeking a successor to ensure a seamless transition. The process has been designed to include a shadowing period from September to December 2026, allowing the incoming editor to learn the intricacies of the workflow directly from Dr. Ramjug.
- 2027: The New Era. In January 2027, the new Editor will officially take the helm, tasked with building upon the established foundation and potentially expanding the Channel into new technological frontiers or emerging clinical specializations.
Supporting Data: The Impact of Digital Outreach
The importance of the ERS Respiratory Channel is underscored by the shifting habits of modern medical professionals. Data from the last three years suggests that the demand for "on-demand" education—content that can be consumed during commutes, in clinical downtime, or as part of continuous professional development—has reached an all-time high.
The Power of Multimedia
Medical education is no longer confined to traditional textbooks or large-scale conferences. The Respiratory Channel bridges this gap by providing:
- Peer-Reviewed Video Content: Expert interviews that distill complex clinical guidelines into actionable advice.
- Podcasting: A medium that has gained immense traction for its ability to host long-form, thoughtful discussions on policy, ethics, and groundbreaking research.
- Live Interactive Events: Virtual roundtables that allow members to query world-leading experts in real-time, effectively collapsing the geographical barriers that previously limited scientific discourse.
The Editor’s role is to ensure these formats remain competitive in a saturated digital market. By leveraging analytics to track user engagement, the incoming editor will ensure that the content produced not only resonates with the current membership but also attracts the next generation of respiratory clinicians.
Official Responses: Reflections from Leadership
The transition of this role is viewed by the ERS leadership as a critical moment for continuity. Dr. Sheila Ramjug, the outgoing Editor, has been vocal about the unique challenges and rewards associated with the position.
Reflecting on her tenure, Dr. Ramjug noted, "It has been a privilege to be the first official ERS Respiratory Channel Editor. 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."
Dr. Ramjug emphasized the collaborative nature of the project. "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 structure within ERS is robust, and the impact you can have on the professional development of your peers is significant."
Implications: Why This Role Matters
The appointment of the next Editor has implications that extend far beyond the Society’s website.
1. Elevating Global Standards of Care
By curating high-quality educational content, the Editor directly influences the standard of care provided by clinicians globally. In regions where access to top-tier physical conferences is limited, the Respiratory Channel becomes the primary source of evidence-based information.
2. Shaping the Future of Medical Communication
The role requires a forward-looking mindset. The successful candidate will need to consider how artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and mobile-first learning platforms will shape the next three years of medical education. The Editor is not merely a curator; they are a pioneer in the digital transformation of professional medical societies.
3. Professional Visibility
For the successful candidate, this position offers significant professional development. It provides exposure to the highest levels of ERS leadership, the opportunity to influence international policy and practice, and a platform to be recognized as a thought leader in the intersection of respiratory medicine and digital technology.
How to Apply: The Path Forward
The ERS has maintained a streamlined application process, though it remains exclusive to existing members of the Society.
- The Deadline: All applications must be submitted by 22 June, 2026.
- The Submission: Candidates should review the full job description available on the ERS portal. Applications must include all required supporting documents and be sent via email to the address provided on the official ERS careers page.
- The Commitment: The role requires a three-year term, with an expectation of four hours of work per week.
As the medical community continues to navigate a post-pandemic landscape where digital proficiency is non-negotiable, the role of the ERS Respiratory Channel Editor is arguably more vital than ever. The Society invites those with a passion for communication, a vision for the future of respiratory science, and the leadership skills to unite a global community to submit their interest before the June deadline.
For more information on this position, or to view other open leadership opportunities within the European Respiratory Society, interested members are encouraged to visit the official ERS elections and open positions page.
