Tag: AAPI

AAPI Leaders Spread Message of Health & Wellbeing At India Day Parade in New York

Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

New York, NY:  In their efforts to spread the message of health and wellbeing for all, leaders of the American Association of Physicians of Indian origin (AAPI) joined the India Day Parade in New York City on Sunday August 16th, 2015. Applause from the crowds reached a crescendo as the colorfully decorated Float bearing AAPI’s name, symbol, and message of health and wellbeing to all rolled on in New York City. Led by its energetic leaders led by Dr. Seema Jain, president of AAPI, the float marched along with dozens of others, saluting India and the over a billion people of Indian origin around the globe.

A record number of people, both Indian Americans and mainstream Americans thronged the sidewalks, filling Madison Avenue from 38th to 27th Streets, cheering jubilantly as the floats portraying the rich heritage of India and the rise of India as a world power, meandered through the Big Apple. The gods seemed to smile as the clouds lifted and the bright sun shone forth. The crowds acknowledged the contributions and achievements of the Indian Diaspora and their motherland, India.

A host of AAPI leaders, including AAPI’s President, Dr. Seema Jain, President-Elect, Dr. Ajay Lodha, YPS President  Dr. Rupak Parikh, YPS President-Elect, Dr Aditya Desai,

Board of Trustee member, Dr. Krishan Kumar, Dr. Sanjay Jain, and Dr. Amy Shah, along with several young Physicians and MSRF members  had come into New York from different parts of the country to be part of the largest India Day Parade around the world, organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA).

“We are extremely happy to be part of this great event,” said Dr. Seema Jain, after leading the parade in New York City on Sunday. “On behalf of the over 80,000 physicians of Indian Origin in the United States, I want to convey our greetings to all the people of Indian origin, especially to over two million Indian Americans across the United States, who continue to make India proud and make India stand tall among  peoples of the whole world. On this very special day of celebrating our freedom, we take special pride in saluting our beloved tricolor. Let us recall with pride the great sacrifice of our freedom fighters, whose undying love for India secured us our freedom,” he added.

Dr. Ajay Lodha, President-Elect of AAPI, who was on the AAPI float in New York, said, “On this happy occasion join me and all members of AAPI in saluting the hard work of all our citizens who have, over these 69 years, helped build a new India. Let us bow our head in memory of all those brave Jawans and all our brave citizens who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of our unity, integrity and progress.”

According to Dr.Amy Shah, “AAPI is very proud to salute India that is united despite its many diversities. An India that is not divided by caste, creed or gender. An India, in which the creativity and enterprise of every citizen can find its full and free expression.” Dr. Krishan Kumar, while greeting the people of India said, “As we celebrate India and its several achievements on this very special day, AAPI is very proud to join in and salute this great nation and its 1.2 billion people.”

Members of AAPI are not only known for their exceptional quality of care they provide to their patients, but also have established an unprecedented professional exchange program between the physicians and researchers in the US and India, augmented medical education curricula and established medical specialties, and emergency services in India, sponsored free medical care in the US and India through free clinics, participated in legislative days in DC, led with exemplary leadership and devotion the AMA – IMG Section and many committees with AAPI.

AAPI is a forum that facilitates and enables over 100,000 Indian American Physicians and Fellows to excel in patient care, teaching and research and to pursue their aspirations in professional and community affairs. Founded with the objective to promote professional solidarity in the pursuit of excellence in patient care, teaching and research, AAPI brings American medicine the distinctive contributions from India, and advance the American creed of one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. For more details, please visit: www.aapiusa.org

Dr Navin Shah, the catalyst behind national prostate cancer legislation

Ajay GhoshHealth 0

Dr. Navin Shah, a Maryland urologist and erstwhile president of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, has been in the forefront along with US Congressman G K Butterfield, North Carolina Democrat and chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, for introducing a legislation, that if enacted, could save thousands of African American lives, among others, by being tested for prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men.  One in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime with nearly 221,000 new cases diagnosed each year.  But current screening techniques can be improved in order to avoid inaccurate results that either leave many men believing they are cancer-free or lead to painful, costly, and unnecessary procedures.

Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer related deaths in American men. In 2014, there were 233,000 new cases of prostate cancer and 29,480 deaths due to prostate cancer. Sixty-five percent of prostate cancers are found in men over 65 year’s old. The early detection and treatment has resulted in a 99% five-year survival rate in prostate cancer patients, compared to only 68% in 1977. Due to prostate cancer screening and prostate cancer treatment there are three million prostate cancer survivors living in the US.

Dr. Shah, who has been concerned about the American Urology Association’s recommendation that prostate cancer screening for men 70 or older is unnecessary, which would have meant that those in that age group who wanted to undergo such screenings would not be reimbursed by insurance — met several US lawmakers last month and sought to convince them to introduce legislation to help combat prostate cancer.

His efforts led to Congressmen G. K. Butterfield (D-NC), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Elijah Cummings (D-MD) and Walter Jones (R-NC) introducing the National Prostate Cancer Plan Act (H.R. 2730) last month that would establish a council of federal agencies, patients, and medical experts charged with drafting and implementing a national strategy to combat prostate cancer.

“Prostate cancer is an epidemic and has a disproportionate impact African Americans,” said Butterfield.  “Black men have the highest prostate cancer rates of any racial or ethnic group and are more than twice as likely to die from the disease.  The National Prostate Cancer Plan Act marks an important step forward in finding treatments and cures to a disease that kills nearly 30,000 Americans every year.”

“I’m pleased to join Representatives Butterfield, Jones and Cummings in support of legislation to address a serious health risk that affects one in seven American men,” said McCaul.  “Prostate cancer, sometimes called the ‘silent killer’, affects close to 18,000 men each year in Texas.  In addition to supporting critical biomedical research at places like the National Cancer Institute, we must focus our efforts to develop a strategy to beat back this terrible disease which is exactly what the National Prostate Cancer Plan Act will do.”

“Men are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer as they age, so the development of more accurate screening techniques and new treatment options is critical to increasing quality of life and survival rates, particularly among older men,” said Butterfield.

“So many of us have either been personally affected by prostate cancer or have lost a loved one who suffered from the disease,” Cummings said.  “One in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes.  The National Prostate Cancer Plan Act will improve detection and diagnosis of this disease so that we can provide these men with the best chance for a long, healthy life. This bill represents a giant step forward in our battle to combat this curable disease and literally save lives.”

Butterfield said the bill would also need support from the public and specialty groups, and exhorted the Indian American community, particularly the influential IndianAmerican physicians, to urge action on the bill: “That’s the way we get legislation moving here in Washington. We form alliances with other groups who have an interest in the subject. We call them stakeholders and certainly Dr. Shah is a stakeholder and every urologist ought to be a stakeholder and the National Prostate Cancer Plan Act is not just a Black Caucus effort — it’s for every male in America.”

Butterfield also praised Dr. Shah for his efforts. He said, “No question, Dr Shah’s leadership on this issue is really appreciated. Statistics show that 240,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year — that’s almost a quarter of a million men — and 28,000 of these will likely die from the disease. So, this is an issue of public importance. Dr. Shah is one of the leaders in raising this issue. Prostate cancer has been talked about for years, but the question is, we got to be challenged to do more, and he’s certainly challenged us.”

The National Prostate Cancer Plan Act would direct the National Prostate Cancer Council to develop and implement a national strategic plan to accelerate the innovation of diagnostic tools to improve prostate cancer screening and early detection, while also helping to reduce unnecessary treatment.  The Council would also be responsible for evaluating federal prostate cancer programs and coordinating prostate cancer research and services across all federal agencies.

Jones said, “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and the National Prostate Cancer Plan Act would establish a national plan to improve prostate cancer screening and early detection. It is my hope that a national prostate cancer plan will bring down the high rate of prostate cancer and allow men to live healthier lives.”

The legislation has been endorsed by the Prostate Cancer Foundation, American Urological Association, Prostate Cancer Research Institute, and ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer.  The bill is modeled after the National Alzheimer’s Project Act which passed Congress with broad bipartisan support in 2010.

Navin C. Shah, MD is a Practicing Urologist, Medical Education Director, Metropolitan Ambulatory Urologic Institute and MidAtlantic Urology Associates, Treasurer of Mid Atlantic Urology Associates, and is the CEO, American Professional eXchange Association. He is the past President of Medical Staff, Doctors Community Hospital, Washington DC Metropolitan area, Past President of The American College of International Physicians (ACIP), a former Trustee of The Maryland State Medical Society, and is the Co-Founder and Past President, The American Association Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI).

AAPI’s New Executive Team Led By Dr. Seema Jain Wants To “Mainstream AAPI And Take AAPI To The Next Level”

Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

Chicago, IL – August 1st, 2015: A new Executive Committee led by Dr. Seema Jain as President, assumed charge of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) during the 33rd annual convention in Orlando, FL on Saturday, June 20th, 2015. In her inaugural address, Dr. Jain, who rose through the ranks of AAPI after being a member of AAPI and in almost every body of AAPI in the past 15 years, stated that she believes that “Now, it’s time for us to mainstream AAPI. From being an ethnic organization, we need to be a mainstream organization that is committed to the cause of ethnic Indian American physicians and many noble causes that we are committed for.”

Dr. Seema Jain was administered the oath of office by Dr. Jayesh Shah, past President of AAPI in the presence of Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar, immediate past President, as the more than 2,500 delegates cheered loudly, greeting the new President of AAPI, the largest ethnic medical association in the United States. Along with Dr. Jain, Dr. Ajay Lodha, President-Elect, Dr. Gautam Samadder, Vice President, Dr. Naresh Parikh, Secretary, and Dr. Suresh Reddy, Treasurer of AAPI assumed charge in the presence of leading luminaries from across the nation. Dr. Aravind Pillai was administered the oath of office as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, AAPI by the out-going chairman, Dr. Ajeet Singhvi. Dr. Rupak D. Parikh will serve as the President of the YPS while Dr. Dhaval  Bhanusali will be the President of MSRF for the 2015-2016.

With over two decades of excellence and dedicated service to the cause of physicians of India origin in the United States, Dr. Seema Jain, brings a wealth of experience and vision clubbed with infectious zeal and unwavering integrity and commitment. A woman leader in a predominantly men’s club, Dr. Jain’s motivation for joining American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) in 1987 was that “AAPI needed young charismatic leaders that had the service and leadership qualities needed to unite and bring Indian physicians to new levels in American society.” In the past 33 years of AAPI’s existence the organization has had only two women physicians leading this largest ethnic organization of physicians in the US, and Dr. Jain is the third woman President in its history.

Dr. Jain believes “bridging the gap between clinical research and medical practice is central to AAPI’s mission, while working towards sustaining & securing financial growth. In addition, growth & empowerment of women leaders will guide AAPI to new heights. As Indian physicians in the United States it is our duty to nurture the present for a prosperous future.” Dr. Jain, a Board Certified Psychiatrist, is confident that the challenges can be met by a strong organization, working closely with American Medical Association and THE Political Health committees on Capitol Hill.

According to Dr. Jain,, as an organization “we need to strive to give importance to ideas and not people. I wish to strive to make AAPI an organization where people feel proud to contribute their time and energy for the greater good of the members and the society.” “I have the confidence,” she says. “I have a solid team to work with. I was raised in a way that I am given the freedom. I really would like to have an open debate on every issue that confronts AAPI. Moving forward, there will be disagreements, but will work our ways together. I believe, I have the ability to change people’s minds. People have seen me, heard me and they have the confidence in me.”

Dr. Jain gives full credit to her family for supporting at every step of the way. “I want to thank my family and my husband, Dr. Sanjay Jain, who has stood behind me solidly at step of my way. I have very good friends in AAPI, who have full confidence in me and I can trust them for guiding me through all stages in leading AAPI.”

Dr. Aravind Pillai, Chair, Board of Trustees, AAPI, has been entrusted with the role after having served AAPI in various capacities. Very unassuming and down-to-earth, Dr. Pillai, says, “I have been impressed by the degree of support I have received from the outstanding leadership.  I am grateful for their knowledge and support, which helped my transition from patron member to co-chair of the AAPI convention in 2008 to Board of Trustees member. For the past 20+ years, he has been working with various local and national organizations to help improve the health care system both in the US and India.  Dr. Pillai had served as the past President and Convention Chair for the Association of Kerala Medical Graduates (AKMG) in 2006.  In 2008, I co-founded the Central Florida Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (CAPI), and has been the Chair of the Awards Committee and convener of the most successful fund raising Shreya Ghoshal show.

“With active participation from regional directors and chapter presidents, I would also like to establish an AAPI Yoga clinic,” Dr. Pillai says. “The clinic will serve as a treatment center for chronic back pain, migraines, breathing problems and generalized anxiety/depression.  Once established, we hope to get as many AAPI physicians as possible to participate in the clinics, so that we can assist undeserved children and adults. I think the AAPI Yoga clinics can become an integral part of the preventative health initiative in the United States.”

In the coming year, as Chairman, Dr. Pillai wants to “discharge my duties without bias or prejudice.  I hope that AAPI President Dr. Seema Jain, entire executive committee and I will continue to work together to improve AAPI’s image in USA and India.  We will continue to provide active guidance to new immigrant physicians from India and support them as they go through the residency process.  We will help local chapters to create endowment funds to distribute scholarships to deserving students.  I would also like to start a country-wide AAPI awareness campaign. In order to continue to grow and flourish, it is important that we support our Young Physicians Section in any way possible,” DR. Pillai adds.

Dr. Dhaval  Bhanusali , the President of MSRF, recently graduated from his Dermatology residency at Mount Sinai/ St. Luke’s-Roosevelt hospitals.  During his training, Dr. Bhanusali published numerous research studies and has presented worldwide.  Recently, Dr. Bhanusali spent time working at the ABC News medical unit in New York City, served as an advisor at Doximity, and is the CEO of Health Digital, a rapidly growing digital health startup based out of NYC and Tampa, Florida.

He recalls, when he was younger, “I fondly remember heading to AAPI meetings with my family and seeing the deep relationships forged each year.  The sense of pride and camaraderie was distinct, it was as if we were all a large family. Whether on capital hill or in your local hospital, I will work tirelessly to further enhance the reputation of our organization and bring it to new and exciting heights.”

His vision for AAPI is bring AAPI to the forefront of the medical community. “Utilizing our strong leadership and incredible membership, we will be building a strong mentorship platform to help the youth of our organization.  We owe it to our future generations to create an environment that enables success moving forward,” he says.

As the President of the YPS for 2015-2016, Dr. Rupak D. Parikh plans to implement a myriad of initiatives on behalf of AAPI’s Young Physicians. His focus will be providing meaningful leadership development opportunities, along with connecting the multiple generations of Indian Physicians throughout the country in both networking and mentorship capacities.  He firmly believes that the YPS will directly impact the future of healthcare on a national level.

It is his goal to create a platform through AAPI to advance young physicians, accelerate their achievement, and champion efforts which positively progress medicine.   Dr. Parikh earned a position at an acclaimed Interventional Pain and Musculoskeletal Fellowship Program.   His    vision to create a superior model of sub-acute care propelled him to   pursue entrepreneurial endeavors in lieu of the fellowship.    In 2010,

Dr. Parikh founded (ARC) Advanced Rehabilitation Care. Combining his business background in strategy and marketing with a core philosophy rooted in patient-centric post-acute care, he successfully developed an innovative treatment model; this specialized sub-acute program helped improve patient outcomes while simultaneously significantly reducing preventable re-hospitalization rates.  Rupak currently spearheads the regional evolution and national expansion of ARC serving as its Executive Director.

The growing influence of doctors of Indian heritage is evident, as increasingly physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in the healthcare, academic, research and administrative positions across the nation. With their hard work, dedication, compassion, and skills, they have thus carved an enviable niche in the American medical community. AAPI’s role has come to be recognized as vital among members and among lawmakers. AAPI is also transitioning into a multiyear thinking and behavior by maintaining core continuity. Physicians of Indian Origin in the United States are reputed to be leading health care   providers, holding crucial positions in various hospitals and health care facilities around the nation. Leading an organization that represents more than 100,000 physicians and Residents of Indian Origin in the US, and being their voice and providing a forum to its members to collectively work together to meet their diverse needs, is a major challenge. American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI has made its presence felt and is now set to take this largest ethnic group of physicians in the United States to the next level of continued growth and stability.

AAPI members represent a variety of important medical specialties. Many of the physicians who represent AAPI have excelled in different specialties and subspecialties and occupy high positions as faculty members of medical schools, heads of departments, and executives of hospital staff. AAPI physicians who are leaders in their fields and play an integral part in the decision-making process regarding new products and service.

Dr. Jain calls upon AAPI members to join in this historic journey: “AAPI’s mission is clear, our programs will continue to strive and our impact is infectious on benefiting society. We as physicians make significant contributions for the betterment of people’s lives. As members we can make these contributions through the 4 E’s: Excellence of Education, Empowerment, Enlightenment, and Evolution. Today I ask you to set aside your differences, and join me in this noble journey to make our mission possible! We make history – starting today!”

Dr. Seema Jain Assumes Charge As President Of AAPI During 33rd Annual Convention

Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

Orlando, FL: June 21st, 2015 During a terrific convention attended by over 2,500 participants, Dr. Seema Jain, took the oath of office as the President of AAPI on Saturday night, June 20th, 2015. The delegates from across the nation came together to celebrate their achievements and to plan for ways to move forward, enriching and supporting one another for the greater good of humanity through education and dedication to their motherland India and to their adopted land, the United States at the 33rd annual historic convention organized by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) at the Reniassance Hotel Convention Center, Orlando, FL from Wednesday, June 17th to Sunday, June 21st, 2015. In her first ever Presidential address, Dr. Jain said, “Today, I am pleased to announce our strategic plan for the next 12 months.  With your support, dedication and hard work we will make sure that this is a turning point in the history of AAPI. Our key strategic initiatives will be as follows: Excellence of Education, Empowerment,
Enlightenment, and Evolution.”

Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar, the out-going President of  AAPI, in his address, said, “When I became the President of AAPI, the vision for AAPI was spelled out on a traditional Vedic concept of “Panchasheel” , the five action pillars: Education, Community/Charitable service, Member Support Programs, Mentorship / Mantle, and Legislative Action, to further the voluminous achievements of the past 33 years. As he handed over the reign of AAPI to Dr. Seema Jain on Saturday night at a terrific gala, Dr. Jahagirdar had this to say with much satisfaction and pride, “And as this tumultuous year of achievements for AAPI draws to the close, it is with a premonition that the future will be even more productive and that AAPI is now on an unmistakable march into a bright future.”

Dr. Seema Jain being administered the oath of office as the President of AAPI
Dr. Seema Jain being administered the oath of office as the President of AAPI

Dr. Jayesh Shah, past President, AAPI administered the oath of office as the more than 2,500 delegates cheered loudly, greeting the new President of AAPI, the largest ethnic medical association in the United States. Along with Dr. Jain, Dr. Ajay Lodha as President-Elect, Dr. Gautam Samadder as Vice President, Dr. Naresh Parikh as Secretary, and Dr. Suresh Reddy as the Treasurer of AAPI assumed charge I n the presence of leading luminaries and over 2,000 AAPI delegates from across the nation. Dr. Aravind Pillai was administered the oath of office as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, AAPI by the out-going chairman, Dr. Ajeet Singhivi.

Cutting edge CMEs that offered insights into several healthcare and medical issues, focus on ways to actively participate in the nation’s legislative process, on ways to prevent diseases, while working with the government of India and voluntary agencies to effectively train physicians in India, fashion show, women’s forum, fashion shows, mega entertainment by Bollywood Stars, Sonu Nigam, Dr. KJ Yesudas, cultural programs, healthy living, yoga, health walk, meditation, honoring those who worked hard to make a positive impact in their respective areas of work, and  networking and renewing of friendships and bonds were some of the highlights of the 33rd annual convention in the magical city.

Convention Organizing Committee members with Dr. Amish Parikh on the podium
Convention Organizing Committee members with Dr. Amish Parikh on the podium

The convention was inaugurated here on Thursday, June 18th, 2015 with AAPI members rededicating themselves to give back to their motherland, India. A major objective of AAPI has been about giving back to India and USA. AAPI India Engagement was a way of coordinating these individual efforts for the sake of streamlining them and to make it easier and sustainable in the a way that more members can contribute and help make a positive impact in the lives of millions of Indians.

AAPI had three dynamic speakers, Vani Tripathi,  Dr. Margaret McLaren, and Bhakti Sharma, at the Women’s Forum, who  were selected for not only for their enthralling speaking abilities and their expertise in their fields, but also for the varied messages they were able to individually convey to a packed audience at the Discovery Hall.

The event also dthe AAPI Golf Classic, AAPI’s Got Talent and the Be Fit Be Cool Walk in partnership with the Orlando Health Foundation as part of AAPI’s National Childhood Obesity program. Notable Speakers at the event included US Surgeon General Vice Admiral (VADM) Vivek H. Murthy, Kailash Satyarthi, 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, recognized for his works against child labor; Sri Sri Ravi Shankar a humanitarian leader and a spiritual teacher; Preet Bharara, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York; and several top Indian performers including Mystic India, Jay Sean, Sonu Nigam and K J Yesudas.

The conference provided an enriching platform for members comprised of medical, mental health, and dental physicians in American to engage with the latest in medical technology, research and advances in the world of all types of medicine and dental. The convention included CME and DME accredited courses as well as variety of panel discussions, presentations and a research competition. There were forums for AAPI Young Physicians Group (AAPI YPS) and for AAPI MSRF for medical students, residents and fellows. A nearly sold out Exhibitor Hall included medical and pharmaceutical products, jeweler, fashion designs, devices and equipment and medical and dental, practice-related services.

A section of the audience during the Gala at the 33rd annual convention.
A section of the audience during the Gala at the 33rd annual convention.

Delegates of AAPI that represents nearly 100,000 Physicians, Fellows, and Residents in the United States, were led to meditate after an inspiring address on Yoga and Health by global thought and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The unique event served as a platform for the AAPI members to discuss the importance of meditation in resolving the nation’s pressing health concerns and how Ayurveda, Yoga, and Meditations, the ancient traditions of India offer solutions to the most pressing health problems of the world.

Dr. Jain called upon AAPI members to join in this historic journey: “AAPI’s mission is clear, our programs will continue to strive and our impact is infectious on benefiting society. We as physicians make significant contributions for the betterment of people’s lives. As members we can make these contributions through the 4 E’s: Excellence of Education, Empowerment, Enlightenment, and Evolution. Today I ask you to set aside your differences, and join me in this noble journey to make our mission possible! We make history – starting today!”

For more details, please visit: www.aapiusa.org

Dr. Joseph Chalil Honored With AAPI Presidential Award

Ajay GhoshCommunity, Health 0

Orlando, FL: Joseph M. Chalil, MD, MBA, FACHE, is the honored recipient of the prestigious Presidential Award by the Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI). Dr. Chalil was bestowed with the award for pioneering the ground-breaking initiative Global Clinical Research and Trial Network in front of an audience of 2,000 during the 33rd Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly of AAPI–the largest ethnic organization of physicians in the U.S.–on June 19th in Orlando, Florida.

“Connecting to the brand of AAPI and its extensive US Physician network will lead to an increased visibility of pharmaceutical clinical trials here in the USA,” commented Dr. Chalil, Chairman of the new and independent global research network.

Dr.  Seema Jain, President of AAPI, lauded Dr. Chalil’s leadership in heading the pioneering initiative of AAPI. Upon presenting the award, Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar, immediate past President of AAPI, praised Dr. Chalil for his leadership of the initiative, affording the AAPI Membership the extensive reach to “educate physicians regarding clinical across the U.S, from small groups as referral sources to larger ones that can already run the research and trials themselves.”

Dr. Joseph Chalil receiving the Presidential Award from Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar, immediate past President of AAPI during the annual convention. Also in the picture are: Dr. Ajeeth Singhvi, immediate past Chair, AAPI BOT, and Dr. Amish Parikh, Chairman of the AAPI Convention in Orlando.
Dr. Joseph Chalil receiving the Presidential Award from Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar, immediate past President of AAPI during the annual convention. Also in the picture are: Dr. Ajeeth Singhvi, immediate past Chair, AAPI BOT, and Dr. Amish Parikh, Chairman of the AAPI Convention in Orlando.

Dr. Chalil is a Physician and Executive at Boehringer Ingelheim, the world’s largest privately held pharmaceutical company, and for the past five years has served as Scientific Advisor to AAPI, the second largest physician organization in the US second only to AMA. A veteran of the U.S. Navy Medical Corps, Dr. Chalil is also board certified in healthcare management, and has been awarded Fellowship by the American College of Healthcare Executives, an international professional society of more than 40,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations.

Dr. Chalil holds three US Patents, and his research includes Clinical Trial Management in Cystic Fibrosis, Multiple Myeloma, and publications in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. He was the recipient of the 2013 Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award. A Visiting Professor at various universities and board member of various companies, Dr. Chalil is an expert in US Healthcare policy and a strong advocate for patient centered care. The American Association of Cardiologists of Indian Origin (AACIO) honored Dr. Chalil for his achievements in the field of Cardiology in 2013.

Dr. Seema Jain Highlights AAPI’s Initiatives At World Congress on Preventive Healthcare 2015

Ajay GhoshCommunity, Health 0

Houston, TX: Dr. Seema Jain, President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), highlighted the numerous initiatives on preventive healthcare, AAPI, the largest ethnic association of medical professionals in the United States, has initiated here in the US and in India, during the First World Congress on Preventive Healthcare 2015 at the George R. Brown Convention Center on Friday, July 10th, 2015. Dr. Eduardo Sanches, President of American Heart Association was another speaker who was a special guest to address the delegates at the World Congress.

Dr. Jain emphasized the need for Exercise, Healthy Eating, and Energizing oneself through Meditations and Yoga to be the best means for preventing health risks and staying healthy.  She praised the AAPI members who have been in the forefront researching, educating and discovering ways to prevent risks and find healthcare solutions to world’s healthcare problems.

 “There is a plethora of Physicians of Indian Origin working globally who have their roots in India,” Dr. Jain, said. “It is estimated that there are 1.2 million Physicians of Indian Origin working not only in India, but also, in most of the countries around the world. Their contributions to the world of healthcare is enormous. AAPI has taken numerous initiatives in preventing health risks and bringing the best healthcare to millions of people.”

Dr. Seema Jain, President of AAPI, addressing the audience at the World Congress ON Preventive Healthcare 2015
Dr. Seema Jain, President of AAPI, addressing the audience at the World Congress ON Preventive Healthcare 2015

Dr. Jain pointed out that Indian-Americans constitute less than one percent of the population in the United States, but they account for nearly nine percent of the nation’s physicians in the United States, having a very powerful presence across the nation, while serving in almost all parts of the country. They are estimated to provide healthcare to over 40 million patients in the US.

“It was truly an honor to have you endorse and inaugurate the First World Congress on Preventive Healthcare 2015 hosted by the 35th NABC here in Houston,” said Dr. Sumita Chowdhury, Chairperson for the World Congress on Preventive Healthcare, said. “Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to come and make this a historic event. Your speech was unforgettable and the message was so soulful that it touched the hearts of all the thousands of attendees who were spellbound! I certainly look forward to working closely with AAPI under your leadership with our mission.”

In addition to several workshops on ways to preventive healthcare, the Congress brought medical testing, diagnosis and knowledge about high mortality causes to the fore during the Congress held from July 10-12th. The historic World Congress was part of the North American Bengali Conference (NABC) 2015, organized by Tagore Society of Houston. An overflowing crowd of about 8,000 registered attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, distinguished guests and walk-in visitors to the fair and exhibitors’ area thronged the nook and corner of the sprawling complex.

Bollywood celebrity and music director Jatin Pandit was the Brand Ambassador for the World Congress on Preventive Healthcare 2015. This Congress will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston from July 10th to July 12th, 2015.

Free screenings for clinical cardiac risk parameters, blood tests for advanced lipid parameters, diabetes testing, cardiac rhythm evaluations, and endothelial function tests were some of the services offered to participants during the Congress.

The Congress was an initiative to create global awareness about preventive healthcare to make it a sustainable priority with a mission to: Educate communities on risk factors and preventive strategies; Enact healthy lifestyles, best practices, and equity in access, and empower each individual to implement early intervention and resuscitation because knowledge is power.

A forum to bring together all stakeholders in healthcare to formulate a shared vision towards prevention of disease, The Congress combined the collective wisdom of world leaders in healthcare policy and delivery will create sustainable measures for prevention that can be adapted worldwide and integrated into the fabric of our daily lives.

The Congress was aimed at preventing heart disease, diabetes, and premature death for all. This forum was a way to evaluate the factors contributing to the increased disease risk among South Asians and will help to formulate awareness campaigns to help modify risk factors that are specific to this ethnic group.

The total number of people with diabetes is projected to rise from 171 million in 2000 to 366 million in 2030. In 2012, 29.1 million Americans, or 9.3% of the population, had diabetes and 13% of Asian Indians had diabetes. $245 billion: Total costs of diagnosed diabetes in the United States in 2012.  South Asians have a one in three lifetime risk for developing diabetes.

South Asians living in America carry a very heavy load of coronary disease – one that is much higher than any other ethnic community. While the occurrence of coronary disease has doubled in the last few decades, it is now growing exponentially. Although South Asians comprise a quarter of the world’s population, they carry 60% of the burden of cardiovascular disease.

The Congress brought to the attention of the world that one American dies every 40 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular diseases. A disproportionate burden of this risk is seen in the 3.4 million South Asians that live in the United States. The risks for heart attacks and cardiovascular death can be up to five times higher for South Asians when compared to other ethnic groups. At the event, Dr. Chowdhury appealed to the South Asian community to unite and conquer the epidemics of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes and called on each member of the community to join the South Asian Cardiovascular Registry and contribute to the advancement of science.

Dr. Seema Jain, President of AAPI, addressing the audience at the World Congress ON Preventive Healthcare 2015
Dr. Seema Jain, President of AAPI, addressing the audience at the World Congress ON Preventive Healthcare 2015

“There is a need for greater visibility and cohesion of these Physicians. Their combined intellectual and technical strength can also be a vital force in the development of the healthcare sector, including research and academics. Indian physicians both in India and abroad excel in their fields and have a passion to provide quality care. AAPI through this new initiative, brings their collective power on one platform to help shape healthcare in under served areas and work towards quality healthcare for all,” added Dr. Jain.

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