K. J. Lee, MD, Founder of The Patient Is U Received the 2024 Distinguished Service Award by the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery

ESSEX, CT – September 18, 2024 — The Patient is U Foundation [TPIU] (www.tpiu.org), a non-profit 501(c)3 Public Charity dedicated to improve the relationship between healthcare providers and patients, leading to better quality of care and decreasing healthcare costs, announced today, that its founder, K. J. Lee, MD, has been awarded the 2024 Distinguished Service Award by the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery [AAO-HNS].

The 2024 Award is the third that AAO-HNS confers to Dr. Lee — he received the other two in year 2000 and 2009, respectively. In addition, during the past two decades, the Academy has awarded Dr. Lee with three Presidential Citations. The latter recognize individuals who have made a lasting impression through their outstanding contributions and dedication to medicine.

“It is both humbling and a great honor for me to receive this acknowledgment of my service to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery,” said Dr. Lee. “Awards like this underscore the importance that the Academy places on fostering the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues.”

In his storied career, Dr. Lee has been CEO of Meridian Support Company, Inc. promoting efficiency in healthcare systems; Past President of The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery; Past President of the New Haven County Medical Association; Past Chair of a Hospital Medical Board; Past Vice-Chair of a Healthcare HMO; Past Commissioner of CT-Guilford Harbor Management Commission; and Trustee of First Guilford Congregational Church.

About The Patient Is U

Founded in 2017 by KJ Lee, MD, The Patient is U Foundation [TPIU] is a Connecticut-based 501 (c)(3) public charity dedicated to improve the level of compassionate care in the healthcare system, empower caregivers and patients to expect compassionate care and support, and improve the patient experience. For more information visitwww.TPIU.org