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 Dr. Eddie Mendez Fellowship awardee will receive $10,000 to gain exposure to head and neck oncologic research. The recipient is expected identify a research mentor, and together 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 graduate
• Copy of your CV

2 Letters of Recommendation:

• Letter of Recommendation from your chosen research mentor
• Letter of Recommendation from Medical School Dean’s stating in good standing, and approval for 1 year gap during medical school to undertake this research fellowship.
• Students must be in good standing at an accredited US medical school, or US school (see eligibility criteria)

Personal Statement:
Goals of research experience, how this fellowship experience will impact the applicant’s career trajectory, why this particular research subject and/or lab is of interest for the applicant and what he/she/they plan to gain from the opportunity (skills/knowledge) Please include in the personal statement your underrepresented minority status

Research Proposal:
The applicant is expected to work with their mentor to help shape the research proposal. Applicants may select a mentor of their choosing. In addition, mentors who have expressed an interest in providing an excellent research experience in head and neck cancer can be found here.

All types of research are welcome, including but not limited to basic science, computational, and clinical based research. The proposed project should be briefly described, however the applicant is not expected to prepare a scientific proposal. (Not to exceed 3 pages)

• This will necessitate the applicant identifying a potential mentor(s). Thestudent will need to speak to the mentor to determine the feasibility of the“match.” The student will need to determine if the research project and opportunity with the mentor is sufficient to sustain a 1-year 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.

• 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.

Share this fellowship with medical students, Deans, Directors, program coordinators

Medical Students Apply Here!

Application Deadline October 31, 2023

Mentors Apply Here (AHNS Members Only)!

We hope you can participate in this fellowship award!