It is indeed an honor to write an editorial for the special issue of our journal dedicated to Dr Jatin Shah. Dr Shah is truly a living legend who has inspired several generations of head neck surgeons in his illustrious career spanning over almost 5 decades. He completed his postgraduation in general surgery from the Medical College of Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda, India. Starting with his fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre he continues to be the integral part of this premium institute since 42 years. He was the chief of the coveted Head and Neck Disease Management Team in MSKCC in New York. Dr Shah is one of the most renowned personalities in Head and Neck community all over the world.
Dr Shah serves on the editorial board of 18 international journals, has published more than 500 peer -reviewed articles. In addition to it he is author to 67 book chapters and published 10 books in head and neck oncology. His greatest scientific artwork in the form of his textbook of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology has been awarded as best published book in Head and Neck Surgery. He is not only a great writer but also charismatic speaker having delivered more than 1200 scientific presentations worldwide including Keynote lectures.
Dr Shah has imminent contribution to head and neck society, thus have been awarded with numerous prestigious awards world over. He has been nominated in the “Best Doctors in America” directories 54 times for the past two decades. He is Blokhin Gold medal (Russia) and Ellis Island Medal of Honor holder (USA). Recently to honor his tremendous contribution and international leadership in head and neck surgery, MSKCC has established “Jatin Shah Chair in Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology”. The International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies has established “The Jatin Shah Lecture” at its world congresses, and the American Head and Neck Society has established the “Jatin Shah Symposium” at its annual meeting.
At international level, he has been a great mentor to many leading head and neck surgeons. He established IFHNOS as a global network of head and neck societies with a mission to popularize Head Neck oncology worldwide. An extension to his thought process of grooming knowledgeable and well-trained head and neck surgeons, he has developed and led the “IFHNOS World Tour Program”, a global CME program in Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, offered in 26 countries over the last six years. He has established an online fellowship program in Head and Neck Surgery and oncology in collaboration with IFHNOS and MSKCC. He is one of the most sought mentor in head and neck fraternity can be proven by the fact that he is a visiting Professor to 48 countries around the world.
I am pleased that many of Dr Shah's students have come together to contribute to this special edition dedicated to the living legend.