The AAO-HNS Foundation supports otolaryngologists around the world who demonstrate a unique commitment to the specialty as part of our continued effort to foster a global otolaryngology community.
The AAO-HNSF Nikhil J. Bhatt, MD International Public Service Award honors a non-U.S. otolaryngologist—head and neck surgeons whose achievements have advanced the specialty. The Award is in fulfillment of the AAO-HNSF’s aim to foster a global otolaryngology community, and made possible through the generosity of Nikhil J. Bhatt, MD, a longtime advocate of AAO-HNSF international affairs.
2023 Nikhil J. Bhatt, MD International Public Service Award
This year’s winner of the AAO-HNSF Nikhil J. Bhatt, MD International Public Service Award is Alfredo Q.Y. Pontejos, Jr., MD. He is currently a director of the Philippine Board of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, a council member of the Asia Pacific Thyroid Society, executive council member of the Asian Society of Head and Neck Oncology, and an advisor to the Asia Oceania Association of Otolaryngologic Societies.
With extensive training and experience, Dr. Pontejos has made significant contributions to research and training, building global connections, and establishing best practices in the field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. He completed his residency training at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, the largest training hospital in the country. He continued his postgraduate training in head and neck surgery under the guidance of Professor Sir Donald Harrison at the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, and at the Institute of Laryngology & Otology, University of London.
Additionally, Dr. Pontejos has received numerous accolades for his service and contributions. In 2017 he was named Most Outstanding Oncologist of the Year by the Philippine Society of Oncology. In 2014 he received the Most Outstanding Teacher Award in Oncology and the Outstanding ENT Specialist in Teaching Award by the Philippine Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
The AAO-HNSF Nikhil J. Bhatt, MD International Public Service Award honors a non-U.S. otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeons whose achievements have advanced the specialty. The award is in fulfillment of the AAO-HNSF’s aim to foster a global otolaryngology community and made possible through the generosity of Nikhil J. Bhatt, MD, a longtime advocate of AAO-HNSF international affairs.
Previous Recipients:
2022: Emmanuel D. Kitcher, MBChB, FRCS, FWACS, FGCPS | Ghana
2021: Wakisa Mulwafu, MD, PhD
2020: M. Shahed Quraishi, MD | United Kingdom
2019: Johan J. Fagan, MD | South Africa
2018: Tania M. Sih, MD | Brazil
2017: Sheng-Po Hao, MD | Taiwan
2016: Lokman Saim, MD | Malaysia
