Dr. MOHAN KAMESWARAN is a leading ENT Surgeon in India and a recipient of the “PADMASHRI” award from the Government of India in 2006. For his contribution in the field of ENT and the Hearing impaired, he was conferred “INDO-AUSTRALIAN AWARD FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE’ by Indo-Australian Association, Chennai. He was honored by His Excellency, President of Srilanka for ‘PIONEERING THE COCHLEAR IMPLANT PROGRAM IN SRILANKA’. He was awarded with ‘AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE’ by His Excellency, The Governor of Kerala. He was also conferred ‘FOR THE SAKE OF HONOUR AWARD’ by Rotary Club of Madras Esplanade, Chennai.

         Madras ENT Research Foundation hospital started by Dr. Mohan Kameswaran is one of the leading centers of ENT Practice and Research. For years it has been a Mecca for ENT & Audiology related education in India. Numerous students have passed through its portals. It has also served as a centre for higher learning for overseas surgeons and audiologists. Dr. Mohan Kameswaran is one of the key figures in revolutionizing social awareness towards deafness in India. He has had an exemplary academic record throughout and starting an academic institution of repute was a natural course of action by this Stalwart. Hence starting MERF Institute of Speech and Hearing was the extension of vision envisaged by Dr. Mohan Kameswaran.

          Mrs. INDIRA M. KAMESWARAN has a deep and abiding commitment for alleviating deafness as she has been for years struggling for this cause along with her husband. She has been a direct witness to the dearth of qualified personnel in the field of Audiology and Speech-language pathology in the country. Having travelled and lived overseas for many years, she is also aware of the international needs in the profession. She has interacted with several Audiological Institutions overseas, and is very keen to foster interactive educational programmes with Institutes of repute across the world. She has been a mother figure for the Institute from its inception, and is directly and personally involved in every facet of the development of this institute.

         Dr. R.S. ANAND KUMAR,B.Sc, MS, DLO has over 30 yrs experience in ENT and Head & Neck surgery. He is a Senior ENT consultant and his interests are in the field of Cochlear implantation, Laser surgery, Endoscopic sinus surgery and Skull base surgery. He has conducted several workshops, camps. Being the Academic Director, he directs the postgraduate program of training for doctors at Madras ENT Research Foundation (P) Ltd

          Dr. M. JAGANNATH MD, DA has more than 30 years experience in the field of Anesthesia.His interest is in the field of anesthesia for Cochlear Implantation for deaf children. He has maximum number of such cases to his credit, the highest in the country. He is also the first to anaesthetize a patient for “Brain Stem Implant” in Chennai, which was the first of its kind in South East Asia. He heads the Dept. of Anesthesia at Madras ENT Research Foundation (P) Ltd.

          Prof. R. RANJITH Managing Director and Principal in MERF-Institute of Speech and Hearing (P) Ltd and Chief Audiologist in Madras ENT Research Foundation (P) Ltd., Chennai, completed his graduation in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology in 1998. He is a clinical expert and Key opinion leader in setting trends in the field of Hearing Implants. He is one of the founder members of Cochlear Implant Group of India (an exclusive club of surgeons, audiologist and habilitationist) and also HEARRING  Group (A network of preeminent international centers offering comprehensive hearing implant solutions for the treatment of hearing loss) for research and development. He is the Inspector for the Rehabilitation Council of India for assessing infrastructure facilities available in various Institutions recognized by the RCI and member of the expert committee to review norms for various courses in the field of Speech and Hearing.

          He is a life member of Indian Speech and Hearing Association and also a member of International Society of Audiology.He is the FIRST Audiologist in India, South and South East Asia to have worked on AUDITORY BRAIN STEM IMPLANT. He is one of the pioneers of Implantation Audiology in India and was responsible for starting Cochlear Implant clinics in many cities in India and abroad. He is the FIRST Audiologist to introduce and to perform Electrically Evoked Auditory Brainstem Response in India. He was instrumental in starting the Auditory Habilitation course for the teacher to train children with cochlear implantation, for the first time in India.

          He is the Principal Investigator for many Collaborative Research Program conducted at many centers all over the world. He has been involved in academic teaching for more than 20 years. He has guided students of Engineering and Audiology for Dissertations and has authored more than 20 papers and co-authored several papers which were presented in National and International conferences. He is one of the most sought after invited speaker for many seminars. He has organized many National Conferences and International workshops conducted Cochlear Implant Education Program for professionals, parents and teachers across the length and breadth of this country. He has conducted and participated in many Community services in rural areas, Programs to create Awareness about Speech and Hearing, Public awareness programs.

          Prof. R. Ranjith has been recognized as a young, dynamic principal with a vision of moving forward and taking his institute to greater heights. He has been a trend setter in many ways and is fondly loved and idolized by all his students. He is the recipient of “The Best Teacher Award” from The Tamil Nadu Dr.MGR Medical University for the year 2010-2011. As an young achiever Prof. R. Ranjith has a number of awards and accolades to his credit.