It is with profound respect and heavy hearts that we present our 2025 Florida Otolaryngologist of the Year awards in honor of two extraordinary individuals we have lost – Dr. Thomas Balkany and Dr. Tapan Paydha.

These awards serve as a humble testament to their meaningful contributions to the field of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, and the lasting impact they have left.

Dr. Thomas Balkany was a renowned pioneer in cochlear implantation, whose work transformed the lives of countless individuals with profound hearing loss globally. We thank Adrien Eshraghi for accepting this award in his honor.

Dr. Tapan Paydha was a deeply committed and compassionate physician, a dedicated mentor who shaped and inspired countless physicians, residents, and students. We thank Matthew Mifsud for accepting this award in his honor.

Their dedication to advancing patient care and medical knowledge will continue to inspire us all.