Nearly 600 people from across the country came together to celebrate the contributions, achievements and growth of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin of QUEENS and LONG ISLAND (AAPI-QLI) during the 24th annual convention here at the Hilton Huntington, Long Island, NY on Saturday, November 23rd, 2019.
The Distinguished honorees of the Gala this year included: Dr. Sharwan Bagla, Dr. Neil Mandava, Dr. Dilip Patel, and Dr. Bhuvanesh Singh, for their successful career and contributions to humanity.
Entertainment, CME lectures, Exhibition, Business Forums, Networking, Recognition of five distinguished physicians for their achievements and contributions, Gala and Dinner were some of those made the convention historic on this colorful and eventful day.
Dr. Suresh Reddy, President of AAPI and Dr. Seema Arora, Chair of AAPI BOT, conveyed greetings from national AAPI to the leadership and members of AAPI-QLI, the largest Chapter of AAPI in the country. “Best Wishes to Dr. Raj Bhayani, incoming AAPI QLI President, and his team for much success in the coming year!” Dr. Arora said.
In his presidential address, Himanshu Pandya, President of AAPI-QLI, describing the convention as a historic event gave an overview of how the organization, and its trajectory of growth over the past 24 years and how it has become today to be one of the most powerful ethnic Physician organizations in the country.
Enumerating some of the major achievements of the Chapter, Dr. Pandya said, “AAPI-QLI has been providing a forum for monthly meetings for Continuing Medical Educations on Sunday, monthly sessions with discussions on current trends and changes on a range of topics in healthcare, wealth management, and practice management issues on Wednesday. AAPI-QLI is also engaged in charitable activities for the benefit of our community at large in the form of donations to several charitable organizations every year.
“AAPI-QLI has sponsored Hofstra Medical School Summer Scholarships for two Medical Students of Indian Origin only, each year for the next five years. The organization also conducts many Health Camps at our religious institutions, providing free flu vaccine, eye care, dental care and preventive medical care including anti-obesity campaigns in the elementary schools and for Veterans of our nation. We also participate with other organizations, like IALI and AIA in sponsoring Health Fairs during India Fest and Deepavali Celebrations at South Street Seaport,” Dr. Pandya added.
Dr. Raj Bhayani, the President-Elect of AAPI-QLI and the Treasurer of national AAPI, acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the current Team under the leadership of Dr. Pandya, expressed gratitude to the sponsors and the participants who have come from across the nation to be part of the colorful event. As he is preparing to take charge of AAPI-QLI as its next President in the Jubilee (25th) Year, Dr. Bhayani shared of his vision for the upcoming year and of his commitment to take AAPI-QLI to newer heights.
Dr. Tarun Wasil, Convention Chair, welcomed the audience to the gala and thanked the tireless efforts of the committee members for their hard work and dedication. Dr. Jagdish Gupta, Immediate Past President of AAPI, congratulated the team under the leadership of Dr. Pandya for their dedication and leadership. The event came to a close with a live musical performance by leading Bollywood stars, and a grand dinner.
In his address, Comptroller of the state of New York. Thomas Dinapoli, chief guest at the event, praised the contributions of Indian Americans to the larger American society. He lauded the great contributions of the Largest AAPI Chapter with over 850 Member Physicians, who serve the state of New York in various capacities.
Dr. Ajay Lodha, past national President of AAPI, called upon the AAPI members to “stand united, in order to be able to fight for our rights,” while pointing to the fact that Indian American Physicians service every 7th patient in the nation and contribute immensely to the healthcare industry in the nation.
Famous cricketer Sachin Tendulkar sent a video message giving his best wishes for the convention with three bats for AAPIQLI to raise funds for the many charitable activities and Continuing Medical Education courses the organization sponsors.
Some of the prominent leaders from national AAPI who had graced the event with their presence included: Dr Hemant Patel, Past President of AAPI; Dr. Ravi Kolli, Secretary of national AAPI, Dr. Satish Kathula, Editor of AAPI E-Newsletter; Dr Sajani Shah, Dr. Sapna Agarwal, Dr. Sameer Kapasi, Dr. Amit Chakraborty, Dr. Shashi Shah, and Dr. Binod Sinha.
AAPIQLI represents more than 2,000 Physicians residing in Queens, Nassau and Suffolk serving the community of New York and its Counties. These practicing physicians are dedicated to provide highest quality of care to their patients and are also serving in most prominent positons at their medical institutions, including Administrative, Program Directors, Heads of Department, and Teaching. These leaders are making decisions about medical and Pharmaceutical Products, devices and equipment and practice related services at multiple levels in hospitals, medical school, outpatient centers, and health care facilities. For information, please visit: http://aapiqli.org/about-aapiqli/
