Sherif Haikel was a widely respected ENT surgeon, a man of great determination, generosity and dedication to medicine. His career spanned decades of clinical excellence, surgical innovation and deep commitment to education. Born in Egypt on 3 September 1971, Sherif was educated in the UK, attending school in Enfield, followed by medical school at the Royal Free Hospital. He qualified in 1994, earning a certificate of honours in general medicine. As a student, he was active in sports and medical advocacy, serving as president of the basketball club and representing his college in the European Medical Students’ Association. Sherif’s postgraduate journey reflected both the evolving landscape of UK medical training and his unwavering commitment to ENT surgery. Despite not obtaining a national training number (the unique identifier issued to doctors in specialty training programmes), due to structural changes in the UK system, he pursued an alternative path with resilience, ultimately passing the European Board examination in otorhinolaryngology, head and neck surgery in 2010, in addition to his FRCS and his diploma in otology, head and neck surgery. His clinical experience was extensive and varied; he served in more than 25 NHS institutions across the UK, from senior house officer to consultant level, including notable roles at Guy’s and St Thomas’, Evelina Children’s Hospital, the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital and Conquest Hospital. Sherif also worked in community ENT clinics, providing vital services close to home for many patients. Sherif was a passionate medical educator. He served as an anatomy demonstrator, faculty tutor, MRCS course examiner and final MB BS examiner at King’s College Medical School. He tutored on ENT courses for GPs, nurses, undergraduates and postgraduates, and regularly attended training to refine his own teaching. His MSc in surgical technology from Imperial College focused on the use of virtual reality in ENT training, a project that led to the development of an enduring surgical assessment tool still in use today. He published widely, with over 20 papers, and contributed to ENT audit, education and service improvements throughout his career. Sherif’s long-standing role as secretary of the Semon Club – a prestigious national ENT forum – exemplified his commitment to collaborative learning and surgical excellence. He died unexpectedly on 7 March 2024 at the age of 52, in his beloved garden in London. A kind, diligent and deeply principled man, Sherif will be remembered not only for his medical achievements, but for his quiet persistence, generosity to colleagues and students, and devotion to improving patient care. His sudden loss is felt deeply by his sister Reem, his two nephews, Omar and Hassan, and his niece, Nour, as well as the rest of his family, his friends and the ENT community.