Consultant ENT & Sleep Surgeon
Professor Vik Veer
Professor Vik Veer went to University College London Medical School, where he came first in Head & Neck Anatomy and Neuroanatomy exams. He went on to secure a place on the Barts & Royal London Surgical Training Rotation, gaining experience across Brain Surgery, Heart & Lung Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Breast Surgery, Orthopaedics, Urology, Vascular Surgery and ENT.
The majority of his advanced ENT training took place in the Newcastle region, with further placements at the Evelina Paediatric Hospital at St Thomas' Westminster London, and time with world-renowned surgeons in France, Italy and Australia. During his training he won the prestigious National Ear Surgery Competition (Royal Society of Medicine Temporal Bone Competition), and many of his supervisors stated that he was one of the most talented surgeons they had ever trained.
Research
Much of Professor Veer's research is now focused on surgery for snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and Otology. Below are the areas of current research.
Appointment as Professor at MAHE University
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is renowned for its high academic standards, innovative research, and commitment to community service. The university consistently ranks among the top institutions in India and is globally recognised for its quality education and contributions to society.
Vik Veer has recently been appointed as a Professor at MAHE University, a testament to his significant contributions to the field of ENT and his innovative work in sleep surgery. Over the next few years, Professor Veer plans to visit India regularly to promote advanced surgical techniques for sleep disorders and to set up hypoglossal nerve stimulation implants. His goal is to make cutting-edge treatments more accessible to patients in India, improving their quality of life and advancing the field of sleep medicine.
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Device Implantation
Vik Veer, a leading ENT surgeon in the UK, has been at the forefront of introducing hypoglossal nerve stimulation implants for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). These advanced implants work by stimulating the hypoglossal nerve, which moves the tongue forward during sleep, thereby preventing airway obstruction and significantly improving breathing.
In addition to bringing this life-changing technology to the UK, Professor Veer is actively involved in the design and development of a next-generation implant. This new implant aims to revolutionise the treatment of OSA by eliminating the need for surgical insertion, making the therapy more accessible and less invasive for patients.
Professor Veer's commitment to innovation and improving patient care is evident in his ongoing efforts to refine and enhance medical devices. By pushing the boundaries of current technology, he continues to provide cutting-edge solutions that have the potential to transform the lives of those affected by sleep apnoea.
Side Sleeping System: Medical Device
Professor Veer is at the forefront of medical innovation with the development of a revolutionary new sleeping pillow system. Designed to allow patients to comfortably sleep on their side at night whilst closing the mouth, the system also accommodates CPAP use, provides shoulder support, and incorporates structures designed to avoid arthritis of the hips and shortening of the pectoralis muscles.
Currently in the final stages of prototype design, this innovative system is by far the most advanced pillow system available.
New Classification for Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (Sleep Nasendoscopy)
Vik Veer has made significant strides in the field of ENT by developing a new classification system for drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). This innovative system, known as the PTLTbE classification, aims to improve the interpretation and reliability of DISE, which is crucial for assessing the suitability of lateral wall surgeries such as expansion pharyngoplasty.
The PTLTbE system separates tonsillar obstruction from lateral pharyngeal wall collapse, enhancing interobserver reliability and improving communication among medical professionals. This system has shown promising results, with a high percentage agreement among junior doctors interpreting DISE videos.
Professor Veer's research has been published in the journal Sleep and Breathing, highlighting the advantages of the PTLTbE system over existing classifications. His work continues to influence the field, providing a more reliable and efficient method for evaluating upper airway obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.
Medical Devices for Snoring and Sleep Apnoea
Further details coming soon.
Other Research
Further details coming soon.
Reviewer for Medical Research Journals
Vik Veer is a dedicated reviewer for several esteemed medical journals, contributing to the advancement of medical research and knowledge.
Research Publications
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Sleep medicine in otolaryngology units: an international survey.
Cammaroto G, Bianchi G, Zhang H, Veer V et al. Sleep Breath. 2021 Dec;25(4):2141–2152. -
Patient-reported outcome measure for obstructive sleep apnea: Symptoms, Tiredness, Alertness, Mood and Psychosocial questionnaire: Preliminary results.
Mehta N, Mandavia R, Patel A, Zhang H, Liu ZW, Kotecha B, Veer V. J Sleep Res. 2020 Apr;29(2):e12960. -
Introducing a new classification for drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE): the PTLTbE system.
Veer V, Zhang H, Mandavia R, Mehta N. Sleep Breath. 2020 Dec;24(4):1685–1693. -
Guidelines on the surgical management of sleep disorders: a systematic review.
Mandavia R, Mehta N, Veer V. Laryngoscope. 2020 Apr;130(4):1070–1084. -
The use of drug-induced sleep endoscopy in England and Belgium.
Veer V, Zhang H, Beyers J, Vanderveken O, Kotecha B. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2018 May;275(5):1335–1342. -
Measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures in adults with OSA: a systematic literature review.
Abma IL, Van der Wees PJ, Veer V, Westert G, Rovers M. Sleep Med Rev. 2016 Aug;28:18–31. -
Total otolaryngology – head and neck surgery: book review.
Veer V. J Laryngol Otol. 2015 June;129(6):620. -
Clinical otology: book review.
Veer V. J Laryngol Otol. 2015 Feb;129(2):202. -
The quality of snoring treatment information on the internet.
Veer V, Alder G, Ullal U. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2014 Dec;271(12):3319–23. -
Bullet points in ENT: postgraduate and exit exam preparation: book review.
Veer V. J Laryngol Otol. 2014 Dec;128(12):1126–1127. -
Long-term safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of sleep disordered breathing: a meta-analysis.
Veer V, Yang WY, Green R, Kotecha B. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2014 Nov;271(11):2863–70. -
The role of elastography in evaluating thyroid nodules: a literature review and meta-analysis.
Veer V, Puttagunta S. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2014 Jul. -
A telephone audit to measure the true incidence of secondary haemorrhage post-tonsillectomy.
Veer V, Holmes L. Surgical Medicine Open Access Journal. Volume 2 Issue 1, September 2018. -
Pre-operative considerations in aesthetic facial surgery.
Veer V, Jackson L, Kara N, Hawthorne M. J Laryngol Otol. 2014 Jan;128(1):22–8. -
Practical otology, neurotology and skull base surgery: book review.
Veer V. J Laryngol Otol. 2013 Dec;127(12):1244–1245. -
Interview with Professor Anders Tjellstrom.
Veer V. ENT News Nov 2013: Vol 22(5). -
Fourth International Symposium on Bone Conduction Hearing: conference report.
Veer V. ENT News Sept 2013: Vol 22(4). -
Otolaryngology prep and practice: book review.
Veer V. J Laryngol Otol. 2013 May;127(5):534. -
Endoscopic sinus surgery: anatomy, three dimensional reconstruction, and surgical technique: book review.
Veer V. J Laryngol Otol. 2013 April;127(4):440. -
On call from home — reaching too far?
Veer V, Kara N, Hawthorne M. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2013 Mar;95(3):1–3. -
Tonsillectomy: an exceptional treatment?
Kara N, Lawley A, Veer V, Carey S. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2013 Mar;95(3):1–5. -
Current diagnosis and treatment: otolaryngology head and neck: book review.
Veer V. J Laryngol Otol. 2013 May;126(9):974. -
Surgical anatomy of the head and neck: book review.
Veer V. J Laryngol Otol. 2012 Oct;126(10):1081. -
Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: a case report and literature review.
Veer V, Lim A, Issing W. Case Rep Otolaryngol. 2012;2012:497604. -
The use of FDG PET/CT imaging in carcinoma of the head and neck.
Moor J, Veer V. The Otorhinolaryngologist. 2011 Vol 4(1). -
Anxiety and depression in head and neck out-patients.
Veer V, Kia S, Papesch M. J Laryngol Otol. 2010 Jul;124(7):774–7. -
Lateral photography of the nasal tip: what is acceptable and can it be improved?
Ahluwalia S, Veer V, Kenyon GS. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010 Nov;126(5):250e–252e. -
Neurological disorders of the larynx: book review.
Veer V. J Laryngol Otol. 2010 Feb;124(2):234. -
Study leave funding for ENT trainees — a national survey of postgraduate centres.
Moorthy R, Veer V, Abbas L. The Otorhinolaryngologist 2007; 1(2):91–96. -
Study leave funding: a national survey of postgraduate centres.
Moorthy R, Veer V, Abbas L. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2007;89:164–166. -
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections: prevalence of uropathogens and pattern of antimicrobial resistance in a UK hospital.
Wazait HD, Patel HR, Veer V, et al. BJU Int. 2003 Jun;91(9):806–9. -
Chronic pain as the main presenting symptom of depression following hysterectomy in old age.
Singh S, Trivedi AN, Veer V. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 1999 Feb;39(1):127–30.
National Awards
Education Excellence — YouTube & Doctify 'Oscar' Award
In 2024, Professor Veer was honoured with an 'Oscar' award from YouTube and Doctify for his exceptional contributions to health-related video content. The award, celebrating his dedication to producing videos that empower patients to take control of their healthcare, was presented at the Google Headquarters in King's Cross, London. The unique trophy — made entirely of chocolate — added a memorable twist to the ceremony. His channel primarily focuses on snoring and sleep apnoea, offering insights on managing these conditions, as well as ear surgery.
YouTube Silver Award — 100,000 Subscribers
In 2023, Professor Veer was awarded the YouTube Silver Award for surpassing 100,000 subscribers on his medical YouTube channel. The channel has garnered over 22 million views and accumulated more than a million hours of watch time, featuring over 200 informative medical videos on topics such as snoring, sleep apnoea, blocked noses, tinnitus, and cholesteatoma. Through clear and accessible explanations, Professor Veer has made complex medical topics understandable for the general public.
National Ear Surgery Competition — Royal Society of Medicine
In 2014, Professor Veer was honoured by the prestigious Royal Society of Medicine with an award recognising excellence in temporal bone drilling. This national competition, open to all ENT surgeons in the UK, gathered highly skilled participants including both newly appointed consultants and trainee surgeons. Professor Veer performed a meticulous procedure on the mastoid bone, successfully revealing crucial anatomical structures — the facial nerve, inner ear components, the dura mater, and the internal auditory canal — achieving an exceptionally thin yet intact bone layer over the dura mater. The award ceremony was held at the Royal Society of Medicine near Oxford Street.
Innovation
Side Sleeping System — New Medical Device
Professor Veer is at the forefront of medical innovation with the development of a revolutionary new sleeping pillow system. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of snoring and sleep apnoea, he has designed a system that improves sleep quality by addressing common issues that disrupt rest. The pillow supports optimal head and neck alignment, reduces the likelihood of airway obstruction, closes the mouth, accommodates CPAP use, provides shoulder support, and incorporates structures to avoid arthritis of the hips and shortening of the pectoralis muscles.
Currently in the final stages of prototype development, this is by far the most advanced pillow system available. Through this project, Professor Veer demonstrates his commitment to advancing medical science and improving the lives of patients worldwide.
Enhancing NHS Theatre Efficiency
Professor Veer played a pivotal role in developing a system that dramatically increased the efficiency of NHS theatres. Before this innovative system was implemented, the team was limited to performing just 8 tonsillectomy operations per day. With the new system, they can now complete at least 26 tonsillectomies in the same timeframe — more than three times as many.
The success of this system extended beyond tonsillectomies. Following its implementation, the hospital saw a threefold increase in the number of skin cancer and urology operations, substantially reducing waiting times and allowing for better patient care. Data from its implementation has been shared with NHS England, and many hospitals across the country have since adopted similar strategies.
Education & Charitable Work
Founding and Leading Prepared For ENT
Professor Veer is the founder and director of Prepared For ENT, a registered charity dedicated to providing exceptional educational courses for ENT doctors. These courses are recognised as the highest rated of their kind in the country, and are delivered by senior ENT surgeon volunteers who generously share their expertise without any financial compensation.
Under Professor Veer's leadership, Prepared For ENT has made a significant impact on the medical community by offering top-tier educational opportunities that enhance the skills and knowledge of ENT professionals.
Beyond its educational mission, Prepared For ENT extends its reach to charitable endeavours. All profits generated from the courses are channelled into impactful projects in Africa, including the establishment of a chicken farm and the creation of a specialised high-calorie broth for malnourished children in local hospitals — demonstrating the charity's commitment to improving health and well-being on a global scale.
Founder of the School of Surgery at BHR Hospital Trust
Professor Veer is the founder of the innovative 'School of Surgery' at BHR Hospital Trust. This system was designed to address a critical issue: the hospital was losing £500,000 a month on locum doctors to fill vacant junior doctor shifts.
To understand the root of the problem, Professor Veer engaged with the doctors and discovered that the lack of career progression and learning opportunities deterred them from taking permanent roles. In response, he developed a rotation system that moves junior doctors through the hospital, providing them with an educational supervisor and funding to pursue higher university degrees. The system offers exposure across ENT, general surgery, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, and vascular surgery. Doctors now typically stay for two years, gaining diverse experience and preparing to apply for higher surgical training — which was previously unattainable for many.
The hospital no longer has unfilled junior doctor posts, resulting in substantial financial savings each month. Although Professor Veer no longer leads this project, he takes immense pride in having established a system that significantly enhances both patient care and the hospital's financial standing.
Other Interests
Art
Vik excelled at art during his time at Marlborough College, where he was offered a scholarship in the subject. He now enjoys exploring digital art mediums, which fit well around his busy professional life.
Music
A proficient pianist, Vik gave recitals during his school years. He has recently rekindled his passion for the piano by purchasing a new instrument and re-learning to enjoy playing it.
Sport
As a student, Vik was the captain of both the badminton and chess teams. Today he continues to play these sports purely for pleasure, finding joy and relaxation in the games.
Travel
Before the arrival of his children, Vik was an avid traveller, backpacking through rural China, the Indian and Tibetan Himalayas, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and various islands of the South Pacific. His parents now live in Delhi and Australia, depending on the weather.
Home & Family
Vik enjoys participating in Christian church life and is a devoted husband and father to two wonderful young boys. Family life is a central part of his identity, providing him with joy and fulfilment.
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