About the Nikhil J. Bhatt, MD International Humanitarian Award
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 Humanitarian 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. 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.
2025 International Humanitarian Award Recipient
Phakdee Sannikorn, MD, has been named the recipient of the 2025 AAO-HNSF Nikhil J. Bhatt, MD International Humanitarian Award. Dr. Sannikorn is a leading head and neck surgeon in Thailand and teaches at Rajavithi Hospital in Bangkok. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree and Doctor of Medicine degree from Khon Kaen University in Khon Kaen, Thailand. He received a Diploma in Clinical Medical Science in otolaryngology at Mahidol University and a Diploma of the Thai Board of Otolaryngology, Rajavithi Hospital, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health.
Colleagues refer to him as “a giant in humanitarian work.” Dr. Sannikorn is currently president of the Thai Rural Ear, Nose, and Throat Foundation, providing mobile ear surgery services, particularly in prisons and orphanages. He has conducted annual “ear camps” (surgeries) in rural areas for more than 30 years, covering not only areas of Thailand, but also Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Bhutan, Laos, and China.
Dr. Sannikorn is a pioneer in head and neck surgery, having initiated formal training in the specialty in Thailand. His vision and leadership are evident in his founding of the Thai Society for Head and Neck Oncology, which has created a community for practitioners in the country. A former president of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Federation of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, he has facilitated fellowship training for younger physicians from neighboring countries and organized the annual ASEAN course in head and neck surgery in Bangkok for the past 20 years. This initiative has strengthened the knowledge, skills, and network of head and neck surgeons in this region.
Previous Recipients:
- 2024: Mahmood Bhutta, DPhil, FRCS
- 2023: Tashneem Harris, MBChB, FCORL(SA)
- 2022: Thana H. Nassir, MD, PhD, FICMS | Iraq
- 2021: Niels van Heerbeek, MD, PhD | Tanzania
- 2020: Marlinda Adham, MD, PhD | Indonesia
- 2019: José Manuel Colmenarez Mendoza, MD | Venezuela
- 2018: Professor Mohan Kameswaran | India
- 2017: Johanna Sembergman, MD | Venezuela
- 2016: Nega Kiros Hagos, MD | Ethiopia
