A/Prof Carsten Palme

Dr. Carsten Palme is a prominent Otolaryngology (ENT) Head and Neck Surgeon with a remarkable career spanning over two decades. He currently holds the position of Joint Head of Discipline ENT at the Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, where he also serves as a professor. Dr. Palme has made a significant contribution to the field of ENT surgery with his expertise in thyroid and parathyroid surgery, salivary gland tumors, voice and airway laser surgery, and in complex Head and Neck cancer management.

Dr. Palme’s professional appointments include the role of Senior ENT Head Neck Surgeon at Westmead Private Hospital, Director of Head Neck Surgery, and Head of Surgical Services at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Cancer Centre. Additionally, he is the founder and Director of the Regional Head Neck Access Program at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Cancer Centre, with clinics located in Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Orange, and Nowra. He is a founding member and director of Head and Neck Cancer Australia, formerly Beyond Five, Australia's first patient-focused website dedicated to head and neck cancer. Dr. Palme also holds public appointments at Royal Prince Alfred and Westmead Hospitals.

Dr. Palme has an impressive academic background. He completed his medical school at the University of Sydney and later obtained his Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2002 after four years of advanced training in Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. He further pursued training in the American Head and Neck Society Head and Neck Oncology Program at the University of Toronto, Canada, and Laser Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Goettingen, Germany. Dr. Palme trained under two renowned Head Neck Surgery experts, Professors Patrick Gullane and Wolfgang Steiner.

Dr. Palme’s contributions to the field of ENT surgery have earned him several accolades, including the Chris O’Brien Travelling Fellowship of the American Head and Neck Society in 2009. He also received the Coman Kennedy Laser Scholarship by the Australian and New Zealand Head Neck Society and an "Outstanding Achievement Award" by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2012. Dr. Palme is actively involved in clinical research and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and books on head neck cancer and surgery. He is a highly sought-after speaker at national and international meetings and is passionate about training and education. Dr. Palme has mentored many local and international surgeons and continues to lead the way in ENT surgery.