Dr. Setzen’s Awards
Michael Setzen, MD, is an influential leader whose exceptional contributions to rhinology and otolaryngology have shaped modern practice and policy. As Clinical Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College and Past President of the American Rhinologic Society (2011-2012), Dr. Setzen has advanced the specialty through innovative surgical techniques and advocacy. His distinguished service as past Chair of the AAO-HNS Board of Governors (2000-2001) and Coordinator for Practice Affairs (2008-2013) demonstrated his commitment to physician advocacy and healthcare policy. Dr. Setzen has authored 195 publications, including over 100 peer-reviewed articles, and delivered 450 scientific lectures worldwide. His expertise in endoscopic sinus surgery, rhinoplasty, and in-office procedures has enhanced patient care. Multiple prestigious awards including the AAO-HNS Distinguished Service Award (2010, 2023) and Practitioner of Excellence Award (2013) recognize his outstanding contributions. Through his editorial roles, teaching, and mentorship, Dr. Setzen has elevated standards in rhinologic care while championing physician interests and advancing the specialty’s legislative agenda.
AAO-HNSF Bulletin August 2025-Vol. 44, No.8, August 18 2025
To be inducted into AAO-HNSF 2025 Hall of Distinction as a Living Legend in Otolaryngology at the Opening Ceremony of the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery on October 11th 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana-only 20 Otolaryngologists have been inducted as Living Legends-This Prestigious award is giving to Physicians who have been recognized for their enduring contributions to the field of Otolaryngology and their impact on patient care, education and innovation.
Michael Setzen MD, FACS, FARS, FAAP
Clinical Professor of Otolaryngology-Weill Cornell Medical College
Past President-American Rhinologic Society (ARS)
Past Chair Board of Governors-American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS)
Chief Rhinology Section-North Shore University Hospital (Northwell)- Manhasset, NY
Dr. Setzen has been nominated as Castle Connolly’s America’s Top Doctors for 2025
Listed in the New York Times Castle Connolly Top Doctors September 28th 2024
A Vitals’ 2022 Preferred Provider Badge recognizes medical practices that are committed to transparency, responsiveness, and great service to patients. Preferred Providers have also earned a high patient satisfaction rating, maintaining a high 4+ star rating on Vitals Physician Directories. Only 0.35% of all licensed physicians listed on our doctor directory have earned this badge year to date.
Michael Setzen, MD has received a Presidential citation from John DelGuadio, MD, President of American Rhinologic Society, In recognition of his contribution to the American Rhinologic Society. September 2017.- Michael Setzen, MD has been named recipient of the 2013 BOG Practitioner Excellence Award. This is the BOG’s most prestigious individual award; it recognizes physicians who have practiced medicine in an exemplary manner, are sought out by others because of their personal and effective care, and are active members of the national organization, local society, and their community.The BOG is the Board of Governors of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.This award was presented during the the Opening Ceremony of the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery on Sunday, September 29th and during the BOG General Assembly meeting, Monday, September 30th, 2013 in Vanvouver,Canada.
- Immediate Past President, American Rhinologic Society 2012-2013
- President – American Rhinological Society 2011-2012
- Distinguished Service Award 2011 – Nassau Surgical Society – received May 11th, 2011, at the Annual Spring Meeting – this Award is given once a year to a Surgeon for Distinguished Service in Recognition of Excellent Patient Care and Outstanding Contributions to the Surgical Society.
- Dr. Setzen was awarded a plaque to acknowledge commitment and dedication to AAO-HNS for being a founding Member of Partners for Progress. This was presented during the Annual Opening Ceremony of the Annual AAO-HNS Annual meeting in Boston on September 26th 2010.
- 2023 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Distinguished Service Award. This prestigious award is given to members in recognition of their volunteer contributions to the Academy and its Foundation, and for exceptional services in the Scientific Programs, Exhibits, Continuing Education Courses and Instructional Courses.
- American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Distinguished Service Award was presented during the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 AAO-HNS Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO. This event was held on Sunday, September 26, 2010, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. This prestigious award is given to members in recognition of their volunteer contributions to the Academy and its Foundation, and for exceptional services in the Scientific Programs, Exhibits, Continuing Education Courses and Instructional Courses. Recognized in the August, 2010 program supplement of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the September, 2010 Bulletin of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
- American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Distinguished Service Award was presented a second time to Dr. Setzen during the Opening Ceremony of the 2023 AAO-HNS Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO. This event was held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 in Nashville, TN.
- Listed in America’s Top Doctors every year from 1999-2025 (Castle Connolly); Listed in New York Magazine Top Doctors 1999-2025. Top Doctors in the New York Metropolitan area 1999-2025 (Castle Connolly). In the selection process, more than 250,000 physician specialists were asked to choose the best doctors in their fields. Among the questions they were asked: “To whom would you refer your own family?”)
- Elected in General Election September, 2008 as Coordinator of Practice Affairs on the Board of Directors of American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery – (AAO-HNS), September, 2008 – September, 2013.
- North Shore University Hospital Medical Staff Society Special Physicians Leadership Award presented to Dr. Setzen on May 9th, 2006, for his Role as Past Chairman of the Board of Governors of AAO-HNS.
- Member of the Surgical Design Team that designed the Diego Powered Dissector by Gyrus – ENT and won a Special Mention Award from IDSA (Industrial Design Society of America) and Business Week in 2006 alongside Whirlpool Washing Machine and Motorola Razr Phone
- Nominated and won an Election in September 2002 to be a Member Board of Directors AAO – HNS – Representing Private Practice of Otolaryngology, September 2002 – September 2005
- Big on Goals Award 1st Prize, Annual meeting AAO-HNS, New York, NY, Sept, 2004, Volunteerism in Otolaryngology
- Member of the Surgical Design Team that designed the Diego Powered Dissector by Gyrus – ENT and won a Gold Award in August 2003 from IDSA (Industrial Design Society of America) and Business Week
- Big on Goals Award, Annual meeting AAO-HNS, Orlando, Florida, Sept. 2003, Volunteerism in Otolaryngology
- Chairman, Board of Governors American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, 2000 – 2001
- American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Honor Award, September, 1997
Michael Setzen, MD
