In a landmark development aimed at advancing global cooperation in the field of rhinology, the All India Rhinology Society (AIRS) and the American Rhinologic Society (ARS) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on October 12, 2025, in Indianapolis, USA.
The agreement represents a significant milestone in building long-term academic, clinical, and research partnerships between the two leading professional organizations in otorhinolaryngology.
The signing ceremony took place during the ARS and American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Annual Meeting, one of the largest global gatherings of ENT specialists, attended by over 3,000 delegates from around the world. This vibrant academic platform provided an ideal setting to mark the beginning of an era of international collaboration in rhinology.
The MOU was signed by Prof. Mohnish Grover from Jaipur and Prof. Rohit Sharma from Bareilly on behalf of AIRS, and by Prof. Kevin Welch and Prof. Do-Yeon Chorepresenting ARS. The signing was witnessed by Prof. Devyani Lal and Prof. Amber Luong, esteemed members of the ARS International Committee, symbolizing the mutual commitment of both societies toward advancing education, innovation, and patient care in the field.
“This partnership marks a historic moment for the Indian rhinology community. It opens new avenues for joint research, clinical collaboration, and academic exchange, offering immense opportunities for our members to engage globally and raise the standards of sinonasal and skull base surgery,” said Dr Mohnish Grover, who represented AIRS
Who is Dr Mohnish Grover?
Dr. Mohnish Grover is Senior Professor, Department of ENT, and Additional Superintendent, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, currently serving as Director, International Affairs, and President-Elect of AIRS. He played a central role in initiating, coordinating, and finalizing this agreement. Dr. Grover has been working toward this collaboration for more than three years, envisioning an enduring academic bridge that would connect Indian rhinologists with their counterparts in the United States.
What are the benefits of this MoU?
The MOU lays out broad areas of cooperation between the two societies, including joint scientific meetings, collaborative research, academic exchanges, and specialized training programs. Importantly, this partnership is expected to create new opportunities for Indian ENT specialists and young rhinologists to receive international grants and access structured training programs in the USA, particularly in advanced fields such as nose, sinus, and skull base surgery. This new channel of exchange will not only strengthen the professional growth of Indian surgeons but also enhance the global exchange of medical expertise.
Dr. Grover was specially invited to Indianapolis for the occasion, where he also presented his pioneering work on cochlear malformations using the SMS Classification, a system now recognized internationally and named after SMS Medical College, Jaipur. His presentation was widely appreciated by experts and added to the pride of Indian medical academia on a global stage. Cochlear malformations are tough surgeries to do and require longer and more intense habilitation after surgery.
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