Ajay M Bhandarkar

Dr. Ajay M Bhandarkar Specialist Otolaryngology


Years of Experience : 12

Nationality : India

Languages Known : English, Hindi, Kannada, Konkani

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Biography

Dr. Ajay M. Bhandarkar is a distinguished Otolaryngologist and Head and Neck Surgeon with 12 years of extensive experience in Otorhinolaryngology. He holds a fellowship in Skull Base Surgery from the prestigious Bangalore Skull Base Institute, showcasing exceptional expertise in a range of specialized surgical procedures. Dr. Ajay previously served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, where he was dedicated to providing high-quality care in this critical medical field. He also played a pivotal role as the Coordinator for the Centre for Balance Disorders (MAHE) and as a member of the Medical Education Department at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education. This dual role reflects his commitment to both medical education and advancing the understanding and treatment of balance disorders, significantly contributing to academic and clinical advancements in the field. Dr. Ajay is proficient in a wide array of surgical techniques and procedures, including microscopic ear surgeries, endoscopic nasal surgeries, laryngeal surgeries, head and neck surgeries, sleep surgeries, salivary gland and thyroid surgeries, lateral skull base surgeries, and emergency ENT surgeries. With a comprehensive skill set in outpatient procedures and diagnostics, he is well-equipped to address complex medical conditions, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care.

Awards & Achievements

  • Dr. Anoop Raj s.l. Chopra Poster Award at Aoicon 2023 (National Conference of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India).
  • Distinguished Alumni Award 2020 at the College Day and Awards Ceremony at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, in 2022.
  • Gold Medal for Best Poster Presentation at the 30th Annual National Conference of the Indian Society of Otology in Bhubaneswar, 2022.
  • Gold Medal for Best Poster Presentation at the 37th Aoi Karnataka State Conference Held in Madikeri, 2019.
  • Best Poster Presentation at the Advanced Course in Medical Education at St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru, 2019.
  • Ekalavya Gold Medal for First Place in the State Level Ent Quiz at the 26th Karnataka State Aoi Annual Conference in Gulbarga, 2009.
  • Gold Medal for Best Poster Presentation at the 10th Aoi South Zone and 32nd Aoi Karnataka State Conference (South Zone Category) Held in Bangalore, 2014.
  • Bronze Medal for Consultant E-poster Award Competition at Isocon in Mysuru, 2018.
  • Good Teacher Award for Excellence in Teaching at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, for Two Consecutive Years (2017-18 & 2018-19).

Research & Publications

  • Ravi R, Gunjawate Dr, Bhandarkar Am, Krishna Y. Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices Towards Cochlear Implantations Among Otorhinolaryngologists in India. Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. 2023 Feb 10th (Online).
  • Krishnan NV, Pujary K, Bhandarkar Am, Devadas U, Magazine R. Videostroboscopy and Voice Profile in Long-Term Combination Inhaler Users With Obstructive Airway Disease. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2022;166(5):927–932.
  • Bhandarkar Am, Pandey AK, Nayak R, Pujary K, Kumar A. Impact of Social Media on the Academic Performance of Undergraduate Medical Students. Medical Journal of Armed Forces India. 2021 Feb;77(Suppl 1).
  • Bhandarkar Am, Krishnan NV, Mathew NM. Interlay Cartilage Rim Augmented Fascia Tympanoplasty: An Effective Graft Model in Mucosal Chronic Otitis Media. Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. 2022;74:32-38.
  • Periasamy N, Pujary K, Bhandarkar Am, Bhandarkar ND, Ramaswamy B. Budesonide vs. Saline Nasal Irrigation in Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2020 June;162(6):979-84.
  • Jainulabdeen T, Ramaswamy B, Devaraja K, Samir PM, Bhandarkar Am. Preoperative Staging of Differentiated Thyroid Carcinomas: Comparison of Usg and CT With Intraoperative Findings and Histopathology. Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. 2019 Sep;71(3):327-33.
  • Dalakoti P, Ramaswamy B, Bhandarkar Am, Nayak Dr, Sabeena S, Arunkumar G. Prevalence of HPV in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Southwest India. Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. 2019;71:657-64.
  • Pujary K, Agarwal AC, Ramaswamy B, Bhandarkar Am. Laser-Assisted Management of a Symptomatic Anterior Pharyngeal Diverticulum. Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 2017;131:930-2.

Education & Training

  • Fellowship in Skull Base Surgery – 2022-23: From Bangalore Skull Base Institute (Under the Aegis of the World Skull Base Foundation) Under Dr. Sampath Chandra Prasad Rao, MS, Dnb, Feb-Orlhns, Consultant at Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru (Old Hal Road and Sarjapur Road) and Apollo Spectra Hospitals. MD and CEO, World Skull Base.
  • Advanced Course in Medical Education – 2018: From St. John’s Medical College (Nodal Centre for Medical Education).
  • MS (Master of Surgery) – Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery: Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, 2008 – 2011. Awarded the Borkatte Laxmidevi Hegde Memorial Award for Best Outgoing MS Ent Postgraduate From Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore in 2011.
  • Mbbs (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery): Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, 2001 – 2007. Awarded the Gold Medal for Topping Forensic Medicine in the University Examination by Manipal Academy of Higher Education in December 2003.

Expertise

  • Associate Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. August 1, 2015 – July 4, 2024.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. February 1, 2012 – July 31, 2015.
  • Senior Resident, Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. January 24, 2012 – January 31, 2012.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Tadong, Sikkim. July 13, 2011 – January 20, 2012.
  • Senior Resident, Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. June 2, 2011 – July 9, 2011.

Membership

  • Life Member, Indian Medical Association.
  • Life Member, Indian Rhinology Society.
  • Life Member, Indian Society of Otology.
  • Life Member, Association of Otolaryngologists of India.
  • Life Member, Indian Academy of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery
  • Life Member, Neuroequilibriometric Society of India

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