Professor Neil Tan

Professor Neil Tan undertook his basic medical training at Guy’s, King’s and St. Thomas’ School of Medicine, London, including an honours degree in Radiological Sciences. He undertook his ENT specialist training in the East of England, and during this period spent two years in Adelaide, Australia where, under the supervision of Prof PJ Wormald, he was awarded a PhD with distinction investigating the role of intracellular bacteria in the pathogenesis of Chronic Rhinosinusitis. After completion of training, he undertook two years of sub-speciality fellowships in Anterior and Lateral Skull Base Surgery at Addenbroke’s Hospital, Cambridge and in Advanced Rhinology, Endoscopic Skull Base and Lacrimal Surgery in Adelaide, Australia as fellow to the internationally renowned Prof PJ Wormald and Prof Alkis Psaltis.

His area of expertise is in treatments of the nose and nasal sinuses. This includes the medical and surgical management of nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, acute and chronic sinusitis, dental related sinusitis and benign and malignant sinonasal tumours. He also treats certain eye conditions including epiphora (watery eye). He receives referrals from around the region in the management of complex cases of chronic rhinosinusitis and is considered an expert in this field nationally. He also treats general ENT conditions including disorders of the ear and throat.

He has an extensive background in academic rhinology research, having completed a Doctor of Philosophy with Distinction from the University of Adelaide in 2013. He has published extensively in basic sciences and clinical rhinology research, and has given numerous presentations internationally in the USA, Australia, Europe, and UK. He has delivered instructional symposia at the American Academy of Otolaryngology Annual Meetings on a regular basis.

He is the only UK member of the International Committee of the American Rhinologic Society. He sits on the National Councils of the British Rhinological Society and British Otorhinolaryngology & Allied Sciences Research Society. He is the National Research Lead for the British Rhinologic Society and Regional Peninsular Research Lead for the National Institute of Health Research ENT Clinical Research Network.

Prof Tan has a keen interest in education and training. He is the Training Programme Director for ENT Surgery in the South West Peninsular and responsible for training the next generation of ENT Surgeons. He was awarded a Master of Education with Distinction from the University of Cambridge and teaches on numerous internationally recognised sinus surgery courses in Australia, Canada, Europe and the UK. He planned and led the 2022 and 2024 UK Frontal Sinus Masterclass dedicated at teaching endoscopic sinus surgery of the frontal sinus.

NHS Role

Prof Tan Neil holds his substantive consultant post at the Royal Cornwall Hospital where he treats adult and children with a specialist focus on the nose and sinuses. He is the Speciality Lead for ENT in the Trust and involved in the training of junior doctors and medical students.

Interests

Neil spends much of his spare time with his family including his wife and four children. He has a keen interest in hockey, playing regularly for Truro Hockey Club as well as helping to coach the junior section of the club in which three of his children play. He is a runner and has dabbled in triathlon, completing a marathon and half-ironman in the past.