Valérie Hox

 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery

 University Hospitals Leuven

 Kapucijnenvoer 33

 3000 Leuven

 Belgium

 Tel: 003216342347

 Fax: 003216346035

 Valerie.hox@med.kuleuven.be

I studied Medicine in Leuven (Belgium) and during my studies I did my internship of surgery in Paris. In 2006 I graduated as a Medical Doctor and started the training for Ear, Nose and Throat Disease in the University Hospitals of Leuven. After 2 years of residency in ENT, I started a PhD in the laboratory of experimental immunology of the University of Leuven. My research is focused on the effects of occupational agents and irritants on upper and lower airway function. In my work I try to work on a translational level by combining in vitro studies with mice experiments and clinical trials in order to unravel the pathophysiological mechanisms of occupational airway disease. In 2010 I did a 6-month PhD-fellowship in the Fraunhofer ITEM Institute in Hannover.

On the national level, I am involved in the board of the National Society of Assistants in Ear, Nose and Throat Disease, of which I am currently the president.

My main interests are located in the field of rhinology and comprise occupational rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis and neuro-immune interactions in the airways.

In the JMA board I would like to help building a bridge between clinical ENT and immunology and help ENT physicians find their way towards applicable science and research.  Moreover, I think it is important to encourage international collaborations and to help juniors in the field to broaden their experience and interest by applying for international fellowships.