The AHNS Foundation and the AHNS Diversity Service are excited to announce the AHNS Dr. Eddie Méndez Research Fellowship Award!
Thanks to the very generous contributions of the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) members and supporters, AHNS Research and Education Foundation, is pleased to announce the inaugural Dr. Eddie Mendez Fellowship Award. 
The AHNS is honoring our colleague, friend, the late Dr. Eduardo “Eddie” Méndez, a prominent physician-scientist who earned his MD with honors from the University of Maryland in 1999. He completed an Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery residency training program at the University of Washington followed by his Advanced Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Microvascular Reconstructive fellowship training at the University of Washington. In 2006 he became faculty at the University of Washington. Eddie became the director of the Translational Research Program at the affiliated Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. He led an NIH-funded laboratory examining the genetic expression of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma in effort to identify novel treatment pathways.
Dr. Mendez was passionate about research and training the next generation of head and neck surgeon-scientists. Therefore, this award is intended to expose an under-represented minority medical student to the field of Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery. Students with an interest in exposure to head and neck oncologic research are encouraged to apply. To round out the experience, clinical exposure and direct patient care will be a component of this year long research experience. Currently, less than 5% of practicing Otolaryngologists identify as minority providers. The AHNS recognizes the importance of increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in our surgical subspecialty to achieve the best outcomes for all head and neck cancer patients we serve.
The Dr. Eddie Mendez Fellowship awardee will receive $10,000. The recipient is expected to work with their research mentor to create a budget related to their proposed research. It is expected that a portion of the budget be used for travel expenses to the AHNS annual meeting. The remaining funds may be used at the discretion of the recipient and mentor.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Completion of at least M2 year prior to fellowship year (June 2024
- Identify as an underrepresented in the scientific workforce based on January 2021 definitions, including:
- individuals from racial/ethnic groups: African American/Black, Hispanic/Latin Origin, Asian Pacific Islander, American Indian
- Individuals who are first generation college graduates
- Medical School Dean’s approval
- Letter of Good Standing, and
- approval for 1 year gap during medical school to undertake this research fellowship
Research Expectations:
- Awardees are expected to submit an abstract for oral presentation at the AHNS annual meeting at COSM. Recipients who are unable to prepare an abstract for COSM must notify the AHNS office.
- In addition, the AHNS Dr. Eddie Méndez Fellowship in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery awardee will have the opportunity to present their research during the AHNS Awards Ceremony which takes place during COSM 2025 April 9-13, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Any published manuscript supported by the AHNS Dr. Eddie Méndez Fellowship in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery award should cite the AHNS Research & Education Foundation as a funding source.
