Jai Manickavasagam, consultant ENT and head & neck surgeon at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, and honorary senior lecturer at the University of Dundee, has received the 2026 Nikhil J Bhatt, MD International Public Service Award from the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF).
The award recognises his contribution to international ENT education and public service, particularly his work in making specialist surgical education accessible and affordable to healthcare professionals worldwide.
Jai Manickavasagam is the founder and director of the Dundee Institute of Head & Neck Education (DIHNE), a non-profit educational initiative that has trained more than 9000 delegates from 92 countries through practical courses, workshops and international educational programmes. DIHNE focuses on simplifying complex clinical concepts and delivering high-quality, cost-effective training to improve knowledge, surgical skills and patient care across geographical and economic boundaries.
He is also the founder and organising chair of the Scottish International Head & Neck Conference, an annual educational initiative that brings together experts and delegates to share knowledge and advance cancer care. Commenting on the award, Jai Manickavasagam said:
“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the AAO-HNSF. I have always believed that education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of where they work or the resources available to them. My aim has been to simplify complex concepts, make learning practical and affordable, and create opportunities for colleagues around the world to learn from one another. This award is a great encouragement to continue that work. I am grateful to my family, mentors, colleagues, faculty and the many delegates who have been part of this journey. I accept this prestigious award with immense gratitude and humility, and hope to continue making education accessible to more colleagues around the world – while continuing to learn a great deal myself along the way"
