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REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS
TEF Guideline Development Panel
Application Deadline: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Background and Rationale
Acquired TEF is a highly morbid condition with historical survival as low as three months from diagnosis. Etiologies include both malignant and benign disease, with presentations ranging from subtle to severe. Surgical repair is considered definitive treatment but is often not feasible due to comorbidities, malnutrition, or tumor-related anatomical limitations. Minimally invasive endoscopic and bronchoscopic approaches—often involving airway and/or esophageal stenting—are increasingly used in diagnosis and management, yet there are no comprehensive, interdisciplinary guidelines to inform optimal care.
This project will address critical gaps by creating a standardized, evidence-based framework for TEF diagnosis, initial management, and therapeutic decision-making, with emphasis on endoscopic and bronchoscopic techniques. The final statement will facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, improve patient outcomes, and establish future research priorities.
Panel Responsibilities
Selected panelists will:
- Participate in development of PICO questions (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) for literature review.
- Conduct structured literature searches and apply GRADE methodology for evidence assessment.
- Assist in data abstraction and, where applicable, meta-analysis.
- Participate in modified Delphi surveys and panel discussions.
- Contribute to drafting, revising, and finalizing consensus statements for publication in the Journal of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (JOBIP).
Time Commitment
- Attend at least 80% of scheduled virtual meetings (4–5 over 9 months).
- Complete assigned literature reviews, data extractions, and discussion inputs within agreed timelines.
- Participate in consensus voting and manuscript review.
Eligibility
We welcome applications from:
- Voting and non-voting AABIP members
- Non-physician affiliate members (e.g., nutritionists, speech-language pathologists)
- Early career physicians and recent fellowship graduates
- International experts in related fields
Special Invitation for Non-Pulmonary Physicians:
While the AABIP is the sponsoring organization, non-member physicians from related disciplines play a critical role in this guideline effort. Thoracic surgeons, ENT/head & neck surgeons, gastrointestinal endoscopists, and thoracic radiologists are strongly encouraged to apply.
Your expertise will ensure that this consensus statement reflects the full interdisciplinary perspective required for optimal TEF care.
Non-members selected for the panel will be recognized as invited expert contributors and will receive full access to project materials, meetings, and authorship opportunities.
Desired Expertise
- Interventional pulmonology
- Advanced gastrointestinal endoscopy
- Thoracic surgery
- Otolaryngology / head & neck surgery
- Thoracic radiology
- Clinical nutrition for complex airway/esophageal disease
Desired Experience
- Clinical experience with TEF diagnosis or management.
- Participation in previous guideline or consensus projects.
- Skills in biostatistics, systematic review, or evidence synthesis (preferred, not required).
Diversity and Inclusion
The AABIP is committed to gender balance, representation of underrepresented groups, and inclusion of early career professionals. We strongly encourage applications from women, underrepresented minorities, and international members.
Application Instructions
To be considered, all applications must be submitted via the link provided below by the deadline.
Submit the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Brief Statement of Interest (max 300 words) describing:
- Relevant expertise and clinical experience
- Any prior research or publications on TEF or related topics
- Anticipated contributions to the panel
Submission Details
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