Academy Member Establishes New International Visiting Scholarship
30-year member Rajesh S. Kakani, MD, discusses his involvement and commitment to the AAO-HNSF and the establishment of a new annual International Visiting Scholarship.
Katie Stouffs Grimes, Director, AAO-HNSF Global Affairs
Rajesh S. Kakani, MD
Every year, the AAO-HNSF offers a limited number of scholarships to junior academics from outside the United States to attend the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO and participate in an academic observership at a U.S.-based otolaryngology department or institution (arranged independently by the candidate). The IVS is open to all candidates who meet the eligibility requirements.
Dr. Kakani and the Kakani Family Foundation have recently established a new annual IVS grant, the Drs. Sonali and Rajesh Kakani International Visiting Scholarship. The scholarship is for an otolaryngologist with Indian citizenship who resides in India in a full-time junior faculty academic position.
You're celebrating your 30th year of membership with the AAO-HNS in 2026—congratulations and thank you! As you reflect on your three decades of membership, how has your relationship with the Academy evolved, and what role has it played in your professional development and career?
I have always looked up to the Academy. AAO-HNSF publications and Annual Meetings have been my go-to sources for information and have provided me with a window into the national and international state of affairs as they pertain to our science and practice of otolaryngology. Especially after I decided to go solo in private practice, the Academy has provided me with a sense of my “professional family.”
How did you hear about the IVS Program, and what inspired you and the Kakani Family Foundation to establish the Drs. Sonali and Rajesh Kakani International Visiting Scholarship?
I have attended Academy meetings since my residency days. Over the years, I have been a member of a few committees. It was through my membership of the [former] International Otolaryngology Committee that I witnessed the establishment of the very first International Visiting Scholarships many years ago.
I believe that contributing to the Academy for an IVS provides one of the best returns on investment for our charitable dollars. It supports the Academy, and it supports a junior faculty member from another country, in the case of the Drs. Sonali and Rajesh Kakani International Visiting Scholarship, a physician from India, to attend the Annual Meeting and observe the practice of otolaryngology in an academic department for two weeks. Our hope is that the visiting scholar will return to their home country and share their experiences with colleagues and mentees. Ultimately, I believe this will improve patient care worldwide. And it's quite possible that members of the host department may learn a thing or two from the visiting scholar as well.
Beyond the educational impact, the scholarship creates goodwill toward the Academy and the U.S. while opening the door to international collaboration. Building those connections leads to the greater good for everyone in the long run.
How has your own professional journey shaped your commitment to supporting the next generation of otolaryngologists from India?
I was a fully trained board-certified otolaryngologist in India before coming to the U.S. for further training. After that, I hoped to return to India; however, one thing led to another, and I started a private practice on Long Island, New York. I always wanted to give back to the patients and medical education in India. With humility, this IVS would allow me that opportunity.
What do you hope recipients of this scholarship will gain from their experience at the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting and their U.S.-based observership?
The practical realities of medical practice in India differ from those in the U.S. I admire my colleagues practicing in India, as they work under challenging conditions. I hope the IVS, along with the opportunity to observe how otolaryngology is practiced in this country’s healthcare systems, will help the scholars adopt and improvise some aspects of U.S.-based otolaryngology practice for their use.
What is the value of fostering international connections between the U.S., Indian, and global otolaryngology communities?
Growing up in India, the Hindu philosophy of “the whole world is my extended family” was inculcated into me. My belief was reinforced by listening to engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut Mae Carol Jemison, MD, describe a hypothetical “ideal space station” when she was the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Annual Meeting. She explained that an ideal space station would be like our home planet, Earth, “where all the astronauts (inhabitants) would work with each other without any wars or animosity.”
I believe there are more similarities than differences among humans in this world. If we communicate and collaborate with each other, the world would be a better place for everyone.
What would you say to colleagues who might be considering establishing their own IVS scholarship or supporting the Foundation's work?
Most of us otolaryngologists have been very fortunate. It is better to give back. Of course, money is important. After taking care of our family responsibilities and saving for a comfortable retirement, we should consider giving back. What I learned is that the only way money can buy real happiness is when you use it for someone other than yourself. My wife and I live a frugal lifestyle, partly to be good role models for our daughters. That allowed us to feel comfortable with what we have. We are not wealthy.
We started believing in the Hindi saying, which roughly translates, “If your son is a good son, why accumulate wealth? He will be able to take care of himself. And if your son is a bad son, why accumulate wealth? He will blow it away anyway.”
AAO-HNSF has been at the forefront of advancing the practice and science of otolaryngology. If you identify yourself as an otolaryngologist, the Academy may be able to provide one of the best returns on investment of your charitable dollars. Charitable contributions may be tax-deductible (please discuss with your tax professional).
The 2026 IVS Program application cycle is open now through April 15, 2026.
Apply here.
If you are interested in supporting the IVS Program, please contact international@entnet.org.
