This organization was founded over the ideas laid by late Dr. Vishvanath Chitale, a famous ENT Surgeon who practiced in Pune, India over 30 years.
He was born in Bhilawadi, a small village in Maharashtra, India. Because of his humble roots, he developed empathy for the chronic suffering of patients especially in rural areas. He was keen in training young ENT doctors and developing competent surgical teams. His notion to design affordable hearing devices will benefit patients worldwide.
After Dr. Chitale’s passing, his daughter Dr. Vinaya Chakradeo, an American board certified ENT specialist, established the Ear Nose Throat and Head and Neck Foundation to fulfill her father’s dreams. This non profit has branches in United States and India with plans for future expansion.
Dr. Vishvanath Bhaskar Chitale was a famous ENT surgeon in Pune, India. He was also the founder of Chitale ENT Hospital. He was well known for his intelligence, his strong principles and his ethical medical practice.
Dr. Chitale was born in Bhilawadi, in Sangli district of southern Maharashtra. His father, B.G. Chitale was a famous businessman who founded the Chitale Dairy. His mother, Janakibai Chitale, was a dedicated housewife always looking out for her family and community welfare. The basic principles of humanity, hard work and sincerity were imbibed in him by his parents. He completed his schooling in Bhilawadi and his undergraduate education at Willingdon college, Sangli.
Despite being the youngest sibling amongst six brothers and five sisters he was loved and respected by all for his decision making abilities. He was a big support and advisor for his family.
His self motivation drove him to become a good surgeon. He completed his medical education from the esteemed B.J. Medical College in Pune and finished his ENT residency from the famous J.J medical college in Mumbai with a full scholarship.
Growing up he was aware of the challenges in administering effective medical care in rural areas. In his initial years he offered his services in Talegaon and Tasgaon near his home village of Bhilawadi. He was always keen in improvising medical services in rural India. He established Dr. Chitale ENT hospital in 1976. He was an expert in the field of ENT/ Head and Neck Surgery and treated his patients like family.
His noble work spread throughout the state of Maharashtra thereby making a special name for himself and his hospital. In his lifetime he performed thousands of surgeries with very few complications. Amongst them were 35,000 ear surgeries performed for hearing loss and chronic ear infections.
He was an active member of AOI (Association of Otolaryngology of India) Pune branch. He practiced as an ENT consultant at the Poona Hospital and Research center in Pune for over 30 years. He was admired by his colleagues from different specialities and is still deeply missed.
He was appointed as the President of Maharashtra ENT foundation in 2002 and was well respected by his peers. He was dedicated to be at the forefront of technology and was keen in understanding the latest developments in disorders of head and neck region. He was motivated to gain and give the best surgical training to young doctors around him.
He enjoyed classical music, farming and played badminton. He was also a nature enthusiast and developed a mango farm in later part of his life.
He was a responsible husband and dedicated father to his daughters Vinaya and Sheetal and his youngest son, Aniruddha. He later became a mentor and a teacher to his daughter, Vinaya, who continues to follow his path of giving quality care to patients.
Lunch with Dr. Elizabeth Olson, Columbia University, New York 2002
Meeting with Dr Fred Stucker, Chairman of Otolaryngology, LSU
With Magsaysay and Padma Bhushan award winner Dr Banoo Coyaji
With his best friend Dr. Vijay Abhyankar and his daughter Ketaki at Baltimore Harbor
