We are grateful for the Academy’s extraordinary members who go above and beyond supporting the specialty.
Let’s honor our exemplary Academy members together — nominate your distinguished colleagues for an award now through March 9, 2026.
AAO-HNS/F Committee of Excellence Award
The Committees of Excellence Award recognizes committees that contribute in ways that lead to the Academy’s overall success as the global leader in optimizing quality ear, nose, and throat care.
Distinguished Award for Humanitarian Service
This award recognizes an Academy member who is widely known for a consistent, stable character distinguished by honesty, zeal for truth, integrity, love for and devotion to humanity, and a self-giving spirit.
The AAO-HNS/F Hall of Distinction honors individuals whose extraordinary leadership, innovation, and lasting contributions have profoundly shaped the field of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery.
Honor and Distinguished Service Awards
The Academy’s Honor and Distinguished Service Awards recognize members for sustained volunteer service and leadership over time through an honor point system. The Honor Award is a one-time milestone, while the Distinguished Service Award recognizes continued service beyond that level.
Jerome C. Goldstein, MD Public Service Award
This award recognizes members for commitment and achievement in service, either to the public or to other organizations within the United States, when such service promises to improve patient welfare.
Presidential Citations recognize individuals personally selected by the President who have left a personal imprint on the life and/or career of the president, and/or have made a lasting impression through their outstanding contributions and dedication to the Academy, Foundation, or greater house of medicine.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS (BOG) AWARDS
The Board of Governors (BOG) Model Society Award recognizes outstanding local/state/regional societies that exhibit effective leadership, institute Academy and Foundation programs, and further Academy goals through active participation in the BOG.
BOG Practitioner Excellence Award
The Board of Governors (BOG) Practitioner Excellence Award honors an exemplary clinical otolaryngologist who embodies the highest standards of patient care and professional conduct. It recognizes physicians who are respected by peers and demonstrate leadership and service beyond their clinical practice.
Recipients of this award are Academy members who demonstrate exceptional leadership and significant impact in advancing advocacy for the specialty and its patients. The award recognizes meaningful contributions that strengthen the voice of otolaryngology and engage members in civic and policy efforts.
INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
Nikhil J. Bhatt, MD International Humanitarian Award
This distinguished award honors a non-U.S. otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon who has selflessly treated people for whom access to care would have been financially or physically prohibitive.
Nikhil J. Bhatt, MD International Public Service Award
This award honors a non-U.S. otolaryngologist—head and neck surgeon whose achievements have advanced the specialty and demonstrated a unique commitment to foster a global otolaryngology community.
OTOLARYNGOLOGY PRIVATE PRACTICE SECTION (OPPS) AWARDS
OPPS Spirit of Private Practice Award
OPPS awards this honor annually to a member who has made significant contributions to private practice otolaryngology. It recognizes leadership, community service, and a commitment to sustaining high-quality, independent ENT care.
SECTION FOR RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS (SRF) AWARDS
Holt Leadership Award for Residents and Fellows-in-Training
The Holt Leadership Award is awarded annually to the Resident or Fellow-in-Training who best exemplifies the attributes of a young leader: honesty, integrity, fairness, advocacy, and enthusiasm.
WOMEN IN OTOLARYNGOLOGY (WIO) AWARDS
WIO Helen F. Krause, MD Trailblazer Award
The WIO Helen F. Krause, MD Trailblazer Award recognizes an individual who has furthered the interests of women in the field of otolaryngology.
WIO Exemplary Senior Trainee Award
This award recognizes an outstanding female senior resident or fellow in an otolaryngology-head and neck surgery training program who demonstrates excellence in leadership, research, education, and mentoring.
This award recognizes a male otolaryngologist who serves as a strong mentor, collaborator, and sponsor of women in otolaryngology. It is meant to celebrate our male colleagues who celebrate us, those who show the importance of teamwork, synergy and building our profession together.
YOUNG PHYSICIANS SECTION (YPS) AWARDS
Having a good mentor is important to every phase of a physician’s career but perhaps never more critical than in the earliest years out of training. The YPS Model Mentor Award recognizes the key role that expert mentorship plays in a young physician’s success.
The YPS IMPACT Award recognizes outstanding young physicians whose work and leadership make a meaningful difference in their communities, the profession, and beyond. It honors individuals who exemplify excellence and inspire others early in their careers.
