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News — October 6, 2021, Los Angeles, California—Ken Yanagisawa, MD, became the new President of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) and its Foundation on Wednesday, October 6, 2021. Elected by AAO-HNS members, Dr. Yanagisawa will serve a one-year term leading the Academy’s nearly 13,000 members who specialize in the treatment of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck.

“Serving as the President of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery is the highlight of my professional career. It is a distinct honor and profound privilege to guide our Academy’s dedicated members, physician leadership teams, and staff toward resolutions to the mounting challenges in the medical field including the continued perils of the COVID-19 pandemic and the escalating hurdles that confront medical providers in their mission to provide excellent patient care,” said Dr. Yanagisawa.

Dr. Yanagisawa has practiced at Southern New England Ear, Nose, Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Group, LLP, since 1993, and has served as the Managing Partner since 2015.  He graduated cum laude from Cornell University and received his medical degree from University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Dr. Yanagisawa completed his internship in general surgery and residency in otolaryngology at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Yanagisawa is a Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University.

“My father, also an otolaryngologist, introduced me to the Academy and its many offerings during my childhood, and I have viewed the Academy as my trusted professional ‘home’ for over 30 years,” shared Dr. Yanagisawa. “My vision is to create programs and opportunities that will provide valuable insights and solutions to aid all otolaryngologists in managing their practices and treating their patients, I will continue to promote the Academy as the source for patient and provider information and guidance.”

Dr. Yanagisawa is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and is a Fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and AAO-HNS. He is Past President of the Connecticut Ear Nose and Throat Society, the New England Otolaryngological Society, and the UConn Medical Alumni Association. He served the AAO-HNS Board of Governors (BOG) in the capacity as Chair, Secretary, and Chair of the Socioeconomic and Grassroots Committee.

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About the AAO-HNS/F

AAO-HNS, with approximately 13,000 members, is one of the world’s largest organizations representing specialists who treat the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. Otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeons diagnose and treat medical disorders that are among the most common affecting patients of all ages in the United States and around the world.  The AAO-HNS Foundation works to advance the art, science, and ethical practice of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery through education, research, and lifelong learning. Visit the Academy’s website at for more information.