Tag: aapiexcellence

(Roselle Park, NJ: March 8th, 2019) During a fun raising event organized by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin New Jersey Chapter (AAPI-NJ) on Sunday, March 3rd at the Castle in Roselle Park, NJ, over $50,000 was raised for the families of the martyrs killed in Pulwama Terrorist Attack last month.

Attended by the members, families and supporters of AAPI, the event was organized in collaboration with the India World Foundation, World NRI Associaiotn, Federation of India Associations, and BAJANA.

A Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the bus they were travelling in. Over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Jawans were killed and dozens of others injured in a blast in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, February 14th. The blast was triggered by militants to target two vehicles carrying the CRPF jawans.

Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty, a member of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) since 1996, currently serving as the Consul General of India, in his keynote address, while praising the Indian Army Men and Women who risk their lives for protecting the nation from enemies, lauded the Government of India’s bold and calculated response to the Pulwama Terrorist Attack. The Consul General lauded the fundraising effort, and said it showed “amazing support for India, amazing support for our soldiers. Amazing support for the government.” He added that “the message that is going out from here is that India has changed forever; will not take attacks against our sovereignty.” He urged the international media to be more understanding and objective while reporting terrorism and its impact especially in the South Asian region, and the fitting response by the Government of India.

Dr. Binod K. Sinha, President, New Jersey Chapter of AAPI, said, “The attack brought about huge anguish all across the world. It is good to see all of you gathered here. We received donations of more than $50,000 in spite of a bad snow storm. I want to assure that the money raised will be directly transferred directly to the families of the victims through Bharat Ke Veer App by Bollywood star Akshay Kumar.”

Dr. Pradip Shah, Secretary, AAPI NJ chapter, said that the organization was “proud to do this program.” He added, “We are here for community, and the nation. No amount is too small (to donate). Our goal is to help the community, and our nation. We will continue to do this.”

 Dr. Hemant Patel, Chair of Board of Trustees, AAPI-NJ Chapter, in his address, thanked the NRIs for rising to the occasion and supporting noble causes such as this. “We always raise to the occasion and give our best to our motherland India,” Dr. Patel said. He pointed to many noble causes AAPI has initiated with local Chapters from across the United States, showing our ongoing support and commitment to India.

In his welcome address, Dr. Raj Bhayani, Convenor of the event, said, “It’s with great humility, I welcome you all as we have come together to honor our Jawans, who have laid down their lives in protecting our motherland, India. We are grateful to God that such brave men ever lived. They have sacrificed their lives for a greater cause, protecting our freedom. India’s army men sacrifice their lives in order that India will continue to stay free. We salute them.”

Dr. Naresh Parikh, President of AAPI, in a message, thanked AAPI-NJ Chapter And its members for initiating the noble cause on behalf of national AAPI and expressing our solidarity and support for the martyrs of the terror attack and the families of those who sacrificed their lives in protecting our motherland India. American Association of Physicians of Indian origin (AAPI), wants to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the United States Administration, the Lawmakers and the public, who have overwhelmingly expressed their deep concerns of the ongoing terrorist activities, particularly the most recent heinous terrorist attack on CRPF personnel in Kashmir last month,” said Dr. Naresh Parikh, President of AAPI in a statement here.

Dr. Suresh Reddy, President-Elect of AAPI, said, in a statement, “Attack on the CRPF personnel in Kashmir is despicable. We at AAPI strongly condemn this dastardly attack. Sacrifices of our brave security personnel shall not go in vain. We strongly urge all members of the international community to support India’s efforts to root out terrorism.”

One in seven patient encounters in the United States is with a physician of Indian origin. The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) is the largest ethnic medical organization in the United States, representing over 100,000 physicians of Indian origin in the United States. For more details, please visit: www.aapiusa.org

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by a strong supporter and long-time personal friend of AAPI, Mr. Dilip G. Shah’s sudden passing away,” said Dr. Naresh Parikh, President of AAPI. “Mr. Shah has been very closely associated with AAPI and has been regular at AAPI’s Global Health Summit, leading the CEO Forums, for the past several years. His loss has left us with a huge void,” Dr. Parikh said.

“Very big loss for Indian Pharma and his friendship and warm hospitality will always be cherished. A personal and long time confidant and beacon for US India AAPI engagement strategy,” said Anwar Feroz Siddiqi, Chief Strategy Adviser AAPI. “Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers are with Mrs. Smita Shah and family.”

Dilip G. Shah, 77, founder of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) an organization that represented the interests of Indian pharma industry passed away in Mumbai on Friday, February 22^nd, 2019. Known in the industry as “DG”, Mr Shah started the IPA when the Indian pharma companies were trying to find their feet in the global pharma landscape that was dominated by the multinational pharma companies predominantly based out of Europe and USA.

Shah who himself spent most of his career with the MNC drug companies  Shah and the IPA became the body that resisted the Intellectual Property Rights that lower income countries like India were forced to sign under the World Trade Organization’s TRIPS agreement.

Under his able leadership, The IPA positioned itself as the voice of generic drug companies that claimed to represent the interests of Indian drug companies who were bullied under these TRIPS agreement. Shah few pharma industry veterans recall was at times even more powerful than the Indian CEO’s whose interests he represented …

As per media reports, Shah and the IPA became the body that resisted the Intellectual Property Rights that lower income countries like India were forced to sign under the World Trade Organization’s TRIPS agreement. The IPA positioned itself as the voice of generic drug companies that claimed to represent the interests of Indian drug companies who were bullied under these TRIPS agreement. Shah few pharma industry veterans recall was at times even more powerful than the Indian CEO’s whose interests he represented to the end of his long cherished career.

In the last two decades since Shah took charge of the IPA, the Indian generic drug industry has grown to become a $5 billion industry, as some of the local companies have gone on to establish their names in the global pharma scene, predominantly the United States. In the last two years, Shah and IPA were involved with the Indian pricing drug regulator, NPPA over regulating prices of medicines in India. The IPA has also been working with the US drug regulators on addressing the quality.

The IPA has also been working with the US drug regulators on addressing the quality issues of Indian drug makers that has halted the industry’s growth in the last three years.

Dilip G. Shah graduated from the premier business school in India, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad. He has 50 years of varied experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He has addressed several WTO workshops on TRIPS, WIPO seminars on IPRs and Public Health, WHO meetings on Access to Medicines and several other international meetings and conferences. He was a Member of the official Indian Delegation to WTO Ministerial Conference at Cancun. He also appeared before the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) and testified in Investigation No.332-543 Hearing in Washington DC in 2014. One of the senior-most top pharmaceutical professionals in the country, ‘DG’ as fondly called among the pharma fraternity, had over 52 years (1966 onwards) of varied experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

Describing Mr. Shah, known as an one man army of the Indian pharma industry, Dr. Naresh Parikh said, “This fast growing Indian industry has lost its voice. He was one among the mantle bearers who spearheaded India’s transformation to become one of the top generic drug producers in the world. It is a great loss to the entire pharmaceutical industry and his contributions in the areas of advocacy, strategic planning, advisory and knowledge sharing have been invaluable.”

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by a strong supporter and long-time personal friend of AAPI, Mr. Dilip G. Shah’s sudden passing away,” said Dr. Naresh Parikh, President of AAPI. “Mr. Shah has been very closely associated with AAPI and has been regular at AAPI’s Global Health Summit, leading the CEO Forums, for the past several years. His loss has left us with a huge void,” Dr. Parikh said.

“Very big loss for Indian Pharma and his friendship and warm hospitality will always be cherished. A personal and long time confidant and beacon for US India AAPI engagement strategy,” said Anwar Feroz Siddiqi, Chief Strategy Adviser AAPI. “Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers are with Mrs. Smita Shah and family.”

Dilip G. Shah, 77, founder of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) an organization that represented the interests of Indian pharma industry passed away in Mumbai on Friday, February 22nd, 2019. Known in the industry as “DG”, Mr Shah started the IPA when the Indian pharma companies were trying to find their feet in the global pharma landscape that was dominated by the multinational pharma companies predominantly based out of Europe and USA.

Shah who himself spent most of his career with the MNC drug companies  Shah and the IPA became the body that resisted the Intellectual Property Rights that lower income countries like India were forced to sign under the World Trade Organization’s TRIPS agreement.

Under his able leadership, The IPA positioned itself as the voice of generic drug companies that claimed to represent the interests of Indian drug companies who were bullied under these TRIPS agreement. Shah few pharma industry veterans recall was at times even more powerful than the Indian CEO’s whose interests he represented …

As per media reports, Shah and the IPA became the body that resisted the Intellectual Property Rights that lower income countries like India were forced to sign under the World Trade Organization’s TRIPS agreement. The IPA positioned itself as the voice of generic drug companies that claimed to represent the interests of Indian drug companies who were bullied under these TRIPS agreement. Shah few pharma industry veterans recall was at times even more powerful than the Indian CEO’s whose interests he represented to the end of his long cherished career.

In the last two decades since Shah took charge of the IPA, the Indian generic drug industry has grown to become a $5 billion industry, as some of the local companies have gone on to establish their names in the global pharma scene, predominantly the United States. In the last two years, Shah and IPA were involved with the Indian pricing drug regulator, NPPA over regulating prices of medicines in India. The IPA has also been working with the US drug regulators on addressing the quality.

The IPA has also been working with the US drug regulators on addressing the quality issues of Indian drug makers that has halted the industry’s growth in the last three years.  Dilip G. Shah graduated from the premier business school in India, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad. He has 50 years of varied experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He has addressed several WTO workshops on TRIPS, WIPO seminars on IPRs and Public Health, WHO meetings on Access to Medicines and several other international meetings and conferences.

He was a Member of the official Indian Delegation to WTO Ministerial Conference at Cancun. He also appeared before the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) and testified in Investigation No.332-543 Hearing in Washington DC in 2014. One of the senior-most top pharmaceutical professionals in the country, ‘DG’ as fondly called among the pharma fraternity, had over 52 years (1966 onwards) of varied experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

Describing Mr. Shah, known as an one man army of the Indian pharma industry, Dr. Naresh Parikh said, “This fast growing Indian industry has lost its voice. He was one among the mantle bearers who spearheaded India’s transformation to become one of the top generic drug producers in the world. It is a great loss to the entire pharmaceutical industry and his contributions in the areas of advocacy, strategic planning, advisory and knowledge sharing have been invaluable.”

The Indian-American community is punching way below its weight in philanthropy, despite having the highest per capita income of any ethnic group in the U.S., a comprehensive survey has found. The Indiaspora Community Engagement Survey, conducted by Dalberg Advisors, was released in conjunction with Indiaspora’s all-day philanthropic summit held at Georgetown University on July 17.

One of its major findings was that while its volunteerism is double that of the national average, when it comes to giving, the community’s “giving gap” was in the range of $2 billion to $3 billion, hardly 1.5 percent compared to the national average of 4 percent. The survey noted that while Indian-Americans are keen philanthropic volunteers, they lag in financial donations.

A survey of Indian-Americans who contribute both time and money to charitable activities has set leaders in the community thinking about how to target the potential of this high-achieving group, which also nevertheless has its own needy population.

Though 90 percent of the respondents in the “Indian American Community Engagement Survey” commissioned by the advocacy non-profit, Indiaspora, surveyed those who were already donors, skewing the results somewhat, the survey’s main finding could help target strategies for making a bigger impact nationally and locally.

The survey revealed that Indian-Americans volunteer significant time toward philanthropic causes but that a large money “giving gap” exists between the potential and the actual – that they were meeting $1 billion of their $3 billion potential for annual giving.

Indiaspora’s summit, “For Givers, Doers, and Thinkers,” explored whether Indian-Americans are good or poor givers, particularly even in alignment with the causes the community is most passionate about. Discussions were also permeated by the motivations and self-reported giving behavior.

In his welcoming remarks, Indiaspora founder and chairman M.R. Rangaswami, called the group a “philanthropic catalyst. The Silicon Valley entrepreneur and angel investor said: “We are in the early stages of strategically planning what we should do to move the needle — which is to say, increase the amount of Indian-American philanthropic giving in America and to India, and make it more effective.”

“At over $3 billion dollars annually, the giving potential of Indian-Americans is enormous,” said Dalberg Advisors’ regional director for the Americas, Joe Dougherty. He noted that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation distributes $4 billion to $5 billion across the entire globe every year. “Imagine the kind of impact the diaspora could create if they met their giving potential. We hope that the results of this study help galvanize philanthropic efforts among this important — and influential — community.”

The India-born, U.S.-raised Totapally — the point person behind the survey — noted that after a stint on Wall Street she “decided I was done with corporate greed and moved to Mumbai to work with Dalberg and dedicate my life” to philanthropy. Her PowerPoint presentation demonstrated that the Indian-American community contributes about $1 billion annually, much below its conservative giving potential of $3 billion to $4 billion annually.

Drs. Pallavi and Kiran Patel of Florida, began giving to higher education institution, capping it with setting up the Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions at the University of South Florida as far back as 2005. The couple’s foundation has committed hundreds of millions since then, among them to set up a School of Medicine and School of Health Sciences at USD.

Deepak Raj, founder and managing director of Raj Associates in New Jersey, is chairman of the non-profit Pratham USA. He established a chair in Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, recently funded the creation of Impact Project and Impact Fund to support Indian-American political aspirants. He believes Indian-American philanthropy has grown exponentially in the last 5 to 10 years, even in his own engagements. “So as time goes on, it will reflect the giving of the rest of America. I see very positive trends and am very optimistic about the direction of giving,” he told News India Times, adding that he has seen the next generation which has had the benefit of a good education and “terrific” opportunities, rising to give more.

Karthick Ramakrishnan, associate professor at University of California, Riverside, and founder of AAPIdata, says random sample surveys done by his organization showed the rates of giving were lower for Asian Americans compared to the national average, which can be explained by their more recent immigration. Donations to religious organizations were higher than to other causes, he found.

The Indiaspora survey, despite its limitations, said Ramakrishnan who was an advisor for it, is a very important step in trying to get Indians to pay attention to philanthropy, which is not just about money but also about expertise. Shikha Bhatnagar, executive director of the California-based non-profit South Asian Network, told News India Times she has seen the “incredible” amount of money that organizations are able to raise too send back to India, and was “astonished” with the gap between money for India and that for U.S. organizations. She launched the U.S. office of Akshay Patra Foundation, and was executive director of Teach for India in Pune, and has two decades of programming, advocacy, and policy experience on global and domestic issues. Bhatnagar contends many Indian- Americans believe they came with little and built their lives so why can’t others do the same, unaware of problems within the community.

As M.R. Rangaswami, founder of Indiaspora, said at the July 17 conference on philanthropy among Indian- Americans, “… We are in the early stages of strategically planning what we should do to move the needle – which is to say, increase the amount of Indian American philanthropic giving in America and to India, and make it more effective.”

Every day, more than 115 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. In 2015, more than 33,000 Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose. More than 64,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2016, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The misuse of and addiction to opioids—including prescription pain relievers, is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total “economic burden” of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.

According to The New York Times, of the estimated 2.1 million Americans currently in the grip of opioid addiction, many are women of childbearing age. The young-adult population has been hardest hit, proportionately, with nearly 400,000 adults ages 18 to 25 suffering from addiction to prescription painkillers (the vast majority) or heroin.

“It is in this context, for the very first time ever, a summit on the Opioid Crisis in the United States has been planned as part of the upcoming AAPI’s 36th Annual National Convention & Scientific Assembly, to be held from July 4-8, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio,” said Dr. Gautam Samadder, President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin. This initiative of AAPI is being put together by Convention team and headed by Dr. Nikesh Batra.

“The summit scheduled to be held on Friday July 6, 2018 9:00am – 12:00pm during the Convention is aimed at educating and creating awareness among the delegates at the convention on the growing opioid crisis, and how the physicians can play a vital role in preventing and containing the fast growing epidemic in the US,” Dr. Samadder added.

Vanila M. Singh, Chief Medical Officer at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be the keynote speaker. Singh serves as the primary medical advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Health on the development and implementation of HHS-wide public health policy recommendations.

 “The essence of AAPI is educational,” Dr. Naresh Parikh, President-Elect of AAPI, said. “That translates into numerous Continuing Medical Education and non-CME seminars by experts in their fields. The Summit on Opioid Crisis will provide a platform for AAPI members to discuss and deliberate on effective ways to combat this national crisis, that is claiming hundreds of thousands of lives, affecting millions of families across the nation.”

The convention includes CME and DME accredited courses as well as variety of panel discussions, presentations and a research competition. There are forums for AAPI Young Physicians Group (AAPI YPS) and for AAPI MSRF for medical students, residents and fellows. A nearly sold out Exhibitor Hall includes medical and pharmaceutical products, devices and equipment and medical and dental, practice-related services.”

The opioid crisis has become a public health crisis with devastating consequences including increases in opioid misuse and related overdoses, as well as the rising incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome due to opioid use and misuse during pregnancy. The increase in injection drug use has also contributed to the spread of infectious diseases including HIV and hepatitis C. As seen throughout the history of medicine, science can be an important part of the solution in resolving such a public health crisis.

Dr. Ashok Jain, Chair, AAPI BOT said, “For the first time ever, AAPI is planning a special session on Health Care Law, which will be introduced by Dr. Hemant Patel, where round table discussion will be held between prominent lawyers, federal agencies, medical board and health care practitioner. The topics will include educating physicians about health care laws and how to take adequate precautions. This will be beneficial to AAPI members dealing with legal challenges they face in their practice.”

Also, for the first time, AAPI offers Living Well: The Happiness Program for Health Care Professionals. A unique advanced Physician wellness program that is designed from the ground up by medical professionals, for medical professionals. It’s meant to provide people working in the healthcare field with an opportunity to learn simple practices and utilize them to enhance their physical, mental, spiritual, and social wellbeing.

Giving them a platform to celebrate their accomplishments, the annual convention to be attended by nearly 2,000 physicians of Indian origin, it will also provide a forum to renew their professional commitment through continuing medical educations activities. During the five-day event, attendees will engage with an impressive lineup of notable speakers and cutting edge medical and scientific information blended within a rich cultural backdrop of authentic Indian cuisine, fashion, yoga and entertainment from top Indian performers.

The convention also includes AAPI’s Got Talent, organized by the AAPI physicians, is a chance for all registered guests of the convention to participate and compete in a talent show. It provides a chance for all registered guests of the convention to participate and compete in a talent show. “Physicians are not just about books and work. Our stress, our emotions that we learn to conceal, our tendency to imbibe life’s lessons and take it all as it comes is often channeled into artistic outlets where we let it all flow,” said Dr. Samadder. “Our talent event tagline is true to its word – passion truly meets professionalism in this event!” he added.

AAPI Pageant, organized and supported by AAPI is more than just a title. It’s a movement for empowering women from all walks of life to achieve their dreams. This pageant promotes self-confidence, leadership, poise and public speaking skills as well as the strong presence of beautiful women in our community!” said Dr. John Johnson, Chair of the Convention Organizing Committee.

The 2018 AAPI Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly offers an exciting venue to interact with leading physicians, health professionals, academicians, and scientists of Indian origin. Physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country will convene and participate in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities in the coming year. The AAPI convention will also offer 12 hours of CME credits. Scientific presentations, exhibits, and product theater presentations will highlight the newest advances in patient care, medical technology, and practice management issues across multiple medical specialties.

One in seven patient encounters in the United States is with a physician of Indian origin. The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) is the largest ethnic medical organization in the United States, representing over 100,000 physicians of Indian Origin in the United States. Over 2,000 physicians, health professionals, academicians and scientists of Indian origin from across the globe will gather at the popular Convention Center, Columbus, OH from July 4-8, 2018. For more details, please visit: www.aapiusa.org

Chicago, IL: March 6th, 2018: “American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), the most dynamic and ethnic organization representing more than 100,000 physicians of Indian origin, while officially launching a campaign against Leukemia and Lymphomas, donated a large sum of money to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of America on March 10th during the annual AAPI Spring Governing Body meeting at the Freemont Marriott Silicon Valley, Fremont, CA,” declared Dr. Gautam Samadder, President of AAPI.

“Continuing with supporting noble causes, AAPI, the largest ethnic association representing the physicians of Indian origin in the USA, has taken on yet another cause to promote through its active support in educating people about the deadly disease around the world,” Dr. Vinod Shah, a past president of AAPI, and a well known philanthropist, said. Dr. Shah has agreed to match the money being provided by AAPI, thus doubling the donation through AAPI at this special event.

“Manushi Chillar Miss World 2017, was present at the ceremony, during which AAPI handed over the check to representatives from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of America,” Dr. Naresh Parikh, President-Elect of AAPI, said. “Manushi, hailing from a family of doctors and scientists, an aspiring gynecologist and cardiac surgeon Manushi Chillar has agreed to be the Brand Ambassador of AAPI for creating awareness about the deadly diseases, Leukemia and Lymphoma.”

The beauty queen believes that being brought up in Delhi, has given her the confidence and power to fight all odds and win the competition. “I am blessed to have got this opportunity, and I want to give my best. I have decided to take a year’s break from my medical studies and my college is very supportive,” says Chillar.

These days, Chillar is even seen showing her full support and involvement in spreading awareness about menstrual and feminine hygiene through her pet project ‘Shakti’. She has been emphasizing on the need for educating the rural mass on the issue and has been a passionate advocate on why it is important for a woman to use a sanitary napkin.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a 501 charitable organization, founded in 1949, is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services.

The Governing Body meeting in san Francisco from March 9th to 11th was composed of the Executive Committee, Members of the Board of Trustees, Chairs of all the Standing Committees, Chair of the Convention Committee as defined in Section 4.3 and the Presidents of all dues paid/paying member organizations.

“Coming from a nation that has given much to the world, today physicians of Indian origin have become a powerful influence in medicine across the world. Nowhere is their authority more keenly felt than in the United States, where Indians make up the largest non-Caucasian segment of the American medical community,” Dr. Samadder said.  “The overrepresentation of Indians in the field of medicine is striking – in practical terms, one out of seven doctors in the United States is of Indian Heritage. We provide medical care to over 40 million of US population, caring for one in every seven patients in the nation. There are 150 AAPI Chapters across the nation and it has an ever growing membership of Indian American Physicians,” he reported.

AAPI is an umbrella organization representing dozens of local chapters, specialty societies and alumni organizations. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, AAPI represents the interests of over nearly 100,000 physicians, medical students and residents of Indian heritage in the United States. It is the largest ethnic medical organization in the nation. For more details, please visit:  www.aapiusa.org

(Houston, TX: August 30, 2017) AAPI members are well known around the world for their generosity, commitment and dedication to their motherland India and to their adopted land, the United States. AAPI, the largest ethnic medical association in the natrion, leads and facilitates collaboration with leading experts of India origin from all over the globe enabling exchange of best practices, knowledge, and experiences to develop sustainable, actionable programs, skills development and training that enhance capability and enable access to affordable and quality healthcare for all people of India.

“AAPI physicians represent only 10% of all physicians in the United States but service approximately 30% of the US patient population,” Dr. Samadder said. “Many have fostered personal relationships with members of Congress (as well as the highest levels of Government in India) that are invaluable assets to influencing legislation and insuring appropriate, patient-focused healthcare reform. Our business partners can be assured of a receptive audience and, once engaged, a loyal client and ambassador of the product and company,” he added.

In this context, AAPI members are concerned about the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey and are in the forefront to support and help people affected by the historic storm, said, Dr. Gautam Samadder, President of AAPI.

“Hurricane Harvey devastated Texas area with severe winds and flash flooding. This serious natural disaster inflexed a grave loss of lives and property. Our hearts are with the victims of the disaster. Our AAPI members and families were also suffering the damage. Still, they come forward to help the community at large,” said Dr. Sammader in a statement issued here.

While calling upon his fellow physicians to rise upto the occasion and give their best, Dr. Samadder said, “At this time of the need, it is our responsibility to provide all the possible assistance to the victims of this grave natural disaster in Texas. Our AAPI physicians in Texas will serve the victims at no charge for next 2-4 weeks. This gives a clear message that we care and we know how to give back to the community.”

AAPI appeals to all the members of AAPI to contribute to those affected by this once in your life time natural disaster in Texas. Please write a check to AAPI (In the memo, please write Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund). The collected donation will be given to the Governor of Texas.

The donations are Tax Deductible. “Please donate generously. Please make your check payable to: American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (Harvey Relief Fund); and have the checks mailed to: AAPI Headquarters, 600 Enterprise Dr., Ste 108, Oak Brook, IL 60523. For additional information on AAPI and its Global Healthcare Summit, please visit: www.aapiusa.org;www.aapighsindia.org

(Chicago, IL: July 15th, 2016) A new Executive Committee led by Dr. Ajay Lodha as President, assumed charge of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) during the 34th annual convention in New York, NY on Sunday, July 3rd, 2016 In his inaugural address, Dr. Lodha, who rose through the ranks of AAPI after being a member of AAPI and in almost every body of AAPI in the past 10 years, stated that he wants AAPI to be “more vibrant, united, transparent, politically engaged, ensuring active participation of young physicians, increasing membership, enabling that AAPI’s voice is heard in the corridors of power, and thus taking AAPI to new heights.”

Along with Dr. Lodha, Dr. Gautam Samadder as President-Elect, Dr. Naresh Parikh as Vice President, Dr. Suresh Reddy as Secretary, and Dr. Manju Sachdev as Treasurer of AAPI, assumed charge in the presence of leading luminaries from across the nation at the annual convention of AAPI in New York. Dr. Madhu Agarwal assumed charge as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Aditya Desai as YPS president and Atul Nakshi as MSRF President along with a diversified group of regional directors. “Their leadership will help us move forward with our current and future initiatives,” Dr. Lodha said.

In his capacity as President of the largest ethnic organization of physicians in the United States, Dr. Lodha vowed to take the more than three decades old organization to the new heights and “bring all the AAPI Chapters, Regions, Members of the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees to work cohesively and unitedly for the success of AAPI and the realization of its noble mission.”

Acknowledging that leading AAPI is a daunting challenge, Dr. Lodha said, “I’m very honored, privileged and consider myself fortunate to announce that I have an excellent group of dedicated, hardworking, and loyal officers and executive committee members who are with me to take AAPI to new heights.”

The New York-based physician and leader, who was honored with the prestigious Ellis Island Medals of Honor on May 7th, is a recipient of Lawrence J. Scherr Award of Excellence for being an Outstanding Physi­cian. He has also been honored for Out­standing Contributions to Research & Hypertension Department at the Flushing Hospital, NY. In 2008, he was bestowed with the Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation Physician of the Year Award.

Dr. Ajay Lodha, a past President of AAPIQLI hides a power house of entrepreneurial skills. Dr. Lodha has extensive background of overseeing quality assurance and quality improvement. A graduate of RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, completed his residency at Flushing Hospital, NY, and Founder and President of Queens Medical Services, a primary care practice with two locations serving Queens, NY, Dr. Lodha is the past President AAPIQLI, RAJMAAI, RANA. He is also credited with founding the COO of NYS Elite ACO, as well as being a partner in two skilled nursing facilities on Long Island.

Soon after assuming office as the President of AAPI, Dr. Lodha declared that he will make every possible effort to restore AAPI’s image and enhance cohesiveness among different Chapters and Regions of AAPI. “When our founders first conceived of AAPI, they could not have imagined how well it would grow and develop. Let us not forget the achievements of those who have come before me. Their hard work and dedication serves as both an inspiration and a challenge to me,” he stated with gratitude and appreciation for the founders of this noble organization.

Dr. Lodha is committed to upholding and further augment the ideals for which AAPI stands. “I am confident that my experience, work ethic and firsthand experience in organizing Conventions and fundraisers are best suited to carry on the responsibilities and lead this noble organization to new heights.”

Dr. Gautam Samadder, AAPI’s President-Elect, built his career on hard and dedicated work in the private and public sectors. His passion for knowledge, determination and perseverance brought him to the United States for higher education.  After graduating from Government Medical College in Jabalpur and completing subsequent fellowships, he founded and serves as the President/CEO of Columbus Sleep Consultants. He spearheaded the formation of Indian Sleep Society and am actively involved throughout the Indian community. He recently collaborated with Fisher & Paykel to establish diagnostic centers in major Indian cities.

“In my capacity as the President-Elect of National AAPI, I want to support the growth of global and Indo-US relationship and to support and promote charitable activities through AAPI both in the US and India,” Dr. Sammader says. “As I have shown over the past decades in my roles as a Regional Director, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President and now President Elect of AAPI, I will continue to work to create advocacy and community services, escalating profitability, productivity and popularity of AAPI.  I will also promote globalization of education as well as work towards creating awareness and promote the level of involvement of the Indian American Medical Community and to foster the increasing strength and grown of our beloved Nation. While working in close cooperation with AAPI at all levels, we will together address the issues affecting the physicians at the state and national level. I envision promoting health care advocacy and community services, escalating profitability, productivity and popularity of AAPI,” he adds.

Dr. Samadder wants to “amplify participation among young physicians and medical students, strengthen AAPI’s financial security through profitable corporate sponsorships and facilitate collegial cooperation between local and state chapters, as this will increase AAPI’s global stature and eminence, which will ultimately make healthcare more efficient and effective in USA and India.”

His “work ethic, integrity and self-reliance will help me propagate AAPI’s mission and instill renewed energy and participation. My leadership experience demonstrates in the private and nonprofit sectors will be advantageous in increasing participation, chapter cooperation and awareness of exchange programs. I am dedicated to helping chart a course toward AAPI’s true mission.”

It’s been a gradual journey for Dr. Naresh Parikh from being an ordinary member to a local leader of AAPI to being elected to be an executive member of the national AAPI. Graduated from Nagpur Medical College in 1972 and a cardiologist by profession, Dr. Naresh Parikh is serving as the CEO of Georgia Clinic, a multi-specialty organization, founded in 1998, with 11 locations, Dr. Parikh was instrumental in starting IPA in 2016 with 53 participating providers and is active in DRS ACO. Dr. Parikh is also involved with Cigna Health Spring as a counsel to improve Hedis score and improve MRA scoring for Georgia Physicians. He started Atlanta’s first Charitable Medical Clinic in 1996 and was the Medical Director for 10 years. He was the Chair and Convenor for the AAPI annual convention in 2006. Has been leading many health fairs and contributed in fund raising events for AAPI in their mega shows by Shankar Mahadevan, Shreya Ghoshal and Hema Malini.

Dr. Parikh says, “It’s been an honor and privilege for me to be associated with AAPI because I recognize the tremendous role that is being played by AAPI in promoting friendship between India and the United States. As members of AAPI, we have not forgotten our roots and are engaged in several activities such as conducting Indo-US Healthcare Summit that has shown us a new trail in healthcare sector in India and will continue to pave way for new frontiers in public private partnership.”

As the Vice President of AAPI, “I would devote time to maintain integrity of membership database and scrub data. With an effort to increase membership, I will give my time and energy to encourage physicians and dentists to join AAPI, while providing enhanced membership benefits including liability insurance carrier, billing, collection company, cardiac remote monitoring, and credit card transactions through reputed banking services.   One of my goals is also to be actively engaged in the SEWAK project in India.” And, Dr. Parikh will “carry forward my duties of AAPI Office and keeping transparency, accountability and branding of AAPI. “Under the current dynamic and decisive leadership of Dr. Ajay Lodha and his team of executives, we strive to achieve standards for AAPI and chosen agenda. I am committed to working with the AAPI Team to establish AAPI’s image in the US and globally.”

Dr. Suresh Reddy, the Secretary of AAPI, earned his medical degree from Kakatiya Medical College, Andhra Pradesh, India in 1988 and underwent residency training in Diagnostic Radiology at Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad and the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He completed research and clinical fellowships in diagnostic Neuroradiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, TX and spent a further two years at State University of New York at Stony Brook, pursuing a fellowship in Diagnostic Neuroradiology with an emphasis in Neuro-interventional training. Dr. Reddy is extensively trained in Neuroradiology and Interventional Radiology and Interventional Neuroradiology.

Dr. Reddy, honored with the Resident Research Award at the (RSNA) Radiological Society of North America’s 2000, has presented widely at national meetings. Dr. Reddy is also honored with several other awards especially for his excellent teaching interests including “Fellow of the Year” award for the year 2001, “Faculty of the Year” and, “Excellence in Teaching the Harvard Medical Students” awards for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004. Dr. Reddy holds the distinction of winning these prestigious awards in three consecutive years.  He also mentored several Harvard Medical School Students and Residents. Dr. Reddy was the Chief of Interventional Neuroradiology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center / Harvard Medical School for more than ten years. He is always committed to do the best he can to provide quality care to patients while looking for ways to forge bonds with other disciplines to help the overall health care delivery to those who need it the most.

Dr. Reddy says that one of his goals for future is to strengthen ties between IMANE and AAPI, His vision for AAPI includes, “bridging the next generation of physicians of Indian origin with the current members of AAPI and to serve as a link between AAPI and people of other ethnic origin.” He is committed to “showcasing unity in diversity” for AAPI, and wants to work towards making AAPI a “purely an academic and research society.”

Dr. Sachdev was born and raised in Newfoundland, Canada where she completed her education, and obtained her MD. After meeting her husband, Dr. Harish Chandna, she moved to the United States in order to pursue her residency in Pediatrics, and subsequently began a private practice in Victoria, Texas. Actively involved in the local media as a medical host, writer and producer of numerous health segments and television programs — most notably, “Health is Wealth” and “AAPI and Your Health” for TV Asia, Dr. Sachdev’s involvement in AAPI began when she became a Patron Member in 2002, and since that time “I have continued to serve in many different capacities, including: Chair for Women’s Physicians Committee, SW Central Regional Director, and Board of Trustees. I was extensively involved in the planning and organizing for the Annual Women’s Conference in Dallas, TX (2011) and the Annual AAPI Convention in NYC (2011), as well as serving as an Emcee for subsequent conventions.”

Manju Sachdev says, “I am deeply honored to have been elected as the AAPI Treasurer for 2016-2017, and to be given the opportunity to serve alongside my esteemed Officers, the Executive Committee, and the Board of Trustees. My primary goal in AAPI will be to work for the organization with utmost respect, dignity and humility.”

Dr. Sachdev says, she “derives genuine pride from my Indian heritage, which will remain a part of me forever. My inherent diverse background motivates me to work and strive for an AAPI which is all encompassing – regardless of one’s age, gender, race, or religious views. As the newly elected Treasurer, my focus will be to maintain accountability and transparency while overseeing all income and expenses. I sincerely encourage our organization to have greater involvement in charitable causes and to influence legislative decisions which impact our physicians, residents and medical students. Collectively we have the will and the power to make our voices heard and to unite as a people for the greater good of the organization!”

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.

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.

Dr. Lodha urges all 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. Today I ask you to set aside your differences, and join me in this noble journey to make our mission possible. A new era has begun. AAPI will continue to discover her own potential to be an active and vital player in shaping the landscape of national healthcare delivery system with a focus on health maintenance than disease intervention,” Dr. Lodha said.

(New York, NY: July 14, 2016)  Dr. Ajay Lodha, President of AAPI, expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to “all the Press and Media for its support and cooperation for past several decades.”

In a statement issued here,on behalf of the Executive Committee, the Board of Trustees and members, the AAPI, Dr. Lodha stated that, “AAPI realizes that the media has a vital role in molding a good society to develop our lifestyle and move it on the right path, because it always try to side with the truth and relevant factors. In the past AAPI has used the media as the best tool to spread awareness in the Community.”

While acknowledging the recent incidents where veteran Indian American journalists were disrespected and in some cases asked to leave the convention, Dr. Lodha, “as a President, along with my Executive Committee and all the members truly apologies for any inconvenience or embarrassment caused to any members of the media during 2016 Annual Convention at Marriott Marquis, NY.”

Dr. Lodha pointed out that AAPI’S goal, mission and values are simple and practical. AAPI is a forum to facilitate and enable Indian American Physicians to excel in patient care, teaching and research and charity to pursue their aspirations in professional and community affairs. AAPI promotes professional solidarity in the pursuit of excellence in patient care, teaching and research and simultaneously bring American medicine the distinctive contributions from India. While maintaining commitment to collegiality and ethical conduct, AAPI thrives to provide the best patient care with compassion, maintain the highest standards of ethics and professionalism and simultaneously maintain professional pride in the practice of medicine.

While acknowledging the contributions of the media, Dr. Lodha said, “AAPI is also grateful to the 2016 Convention Committee for the endless time and effort put into organizing a convention of that magnitude. However, AAPI received numerous complaints consisting of unforeseeable incidents which were beyond the custody and control of the Executive Committee. These incidents were caused by unauthorized members of Association whose goal was apparently not in the best interest of AAPI.”

Dr. Lodha also informed the media that the Executive Committee has taken immediate action in establishing an Emergency AD HOC COMMITTEE to investigate each and every incident and or complaint and make appropriate recommendations to the Executive Committee for action within a reasonable period of time.

He urged the media to contact the AAPI Office at 630-990-2277, or Fax 630-990-2281. With any complaint and or any information regarding the incidents. He promised to keep all information provided during the course of the investigation shall be kept strictly confidential and the identities of the individuals assisting in the findings shall not be disclosed unless specifically agreed therein. “Once again on behalf of newly appointed Executive Committee and BOT including the members of AAPI, please accept our sincere apologies. Thank you for your anticipated co-operation in this matter and looking forward for your co-operation as in the past,” Dr. Lodha said.

Dr. Ajay Lodha, who was administered the oath of office as the President of AAPI during the 34th annual convention in New York on July 3rd, 2016 vowed to take the more than three decades old organization to the new heights and “bring all the AAPI Chapters, Regions, Members of the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees to work cohesively and unitedly for the success of AAPI and the realization of its noble mission.”

Dr. Lodha received the gavel from Dr. Seema Jain, the out-going president of AAPI as the more than 2,000 delegates cheered loudly, greeting the new President of AAPI, the largest ethnic medical association in the United States. Along with him, Dr. Gautam Samadder as President-Elect, Dr. Naresh Parikh as Vice President, Dr. Suresh Reddy as Secretary, and Dr. Manju Sachdev as the Treasurer of AAPI, assumed charge in the presence of leading luminaries from across the nation. Dr. Madhu Agarwal assumed charge as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, AAPI by the out-going chairman, Dr. Aravind Pillai. He stressed the importance of having YPS president Aditya Desai and MSRF President Atul Nakshi along with a diversified group of regional directors. “Their leadership will help us move forward with our current and future initiatives.”

Soon after assuming office as the President of AAPI, Dr. Lodha declared that he will make every possible effort to restore AAPI’s image and enhance cohesiveness among different Chapters and Regions of AAPI. “When our founders first conceived of AAPI, they could not have imagined how well it would grow and develop. Let us not forget the achievements of those who have come before me. Their hard work and dedication serves as both an inspiration and a challenge to me,” he stated with gratitude and appreciation for the founders of this noble organization.

Indian-Americans constitute less than 1% of the country’s population, but they account for nine percent of the American doctors and physicians. As Forbes magazine aptly summed up in an issue in 2009, “The over-representation of Indians in these fields (engineering, IT and medicine) is striking – in practical terms, your doctor is nine times more likely to be an Indian-American than is a random passerby on the street.”

The growing clout of the physicians of Indian origin in the United States is seen everywhere as several physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in the healthcare, academic, research and administration across the nation. In the United States, in India, and across the world, doctors of Indian origin have considerably risen in the ranks of the medical community and the significant portion of the fraternity consists of specialists hailing from India, especially when this figure is compared with the total population of Non-Resident Indians based in these countries.

American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) is a forum to facilitate and enable Indian American Physicians to excel in patient care, teaching and research and to pursue their aspirations in professional and community affairs. AAPI, was formed 34 years ago, to promote professional solidarity in the pursuit of excellence in patient care, teaching and research. They give American medicine the distinctive contributions from India, and advance the American creed of one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Acknowledging that leading AAPI is a daunting challenge, Dr. Lodha said, “I’m very honored, privileged and consider myself fortunate to announce that I have an excellent group of dedicated, hardworking, and loyal officers and executive committee members who are with me to take AAPI to new heights.”

The Future is now– Its time to step up to a new era of innovation through a new age of digital healthcare that transcends biological and chemical medicine into the future. As physicians we must be equipped to tackle the next generation’s unique set of challenges and opportunities in healthcare, Dr. Lodha said. For more information on AAPI and its programs, please visit: www.aapiusa.org.

New York, NY: July 4, 2016: Dr. Ajay Lodha, President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), wants to lead the largest ethnic medical society in the United States, representing the interests of over 100,000 Indian American physicians, to be “more vibrant, united, transparent, politically engaged, ensuring active participation of young physicians, increasing membership, enabling that AAPI’s voice is heard in the corridors of power, and thus taking AAPI to new heights/”

Dr. Lodha, who was administered the oath of office as the President of AAPI during the 34th annual convention in New York on July 3rd, 2016 vowed to take the more than three decades old organization to the new heights and “bring all the AAPI Chapters, Regions, Members of the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees to work cohesively and unitedly for the success of AAPI and the realization of its noble mission.”

Acknowledging that leading AAPI is a daunting challenge, Dr. Lodha said, “I’m very honored, privileged and consider myself fortunate to announce that I have an excellent group of dedicated, hardworking, and loyal officers and executive committee members who are with me to take AAPI to new heights.”

Dr. Lodha received the gavel from Dr. Seema Jain, the out-going president of AAPI as the more than 2,000 delegates cheered loudly, greeting the new President of AAPI, the largest ethnic medical association in the United States. Along with him, Dr. Gautam Samadder as President-Elect, Dr. Naresh Parikh as Vice President, Dr. Suresh Reddy as Secretary, and Dr. Manju Sachdev as the Treasurer of AAPI, assumed charge in the presence of leading luminaries from across the nation. Dr. Madhu Agarwal assumed charge as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, AAPI by the out-going chairman, Dr. Aravind Pillai. He stressed the importance of having YPS president Aditya Desai and MSRF President Atul Nakshi along with a diversified group of regional directors. “Their leadership will help us move forward with our current and future initiatives.”

Soon after assuming office as the President of AAPI, Dr. Lodha declared that he will make every possible effort to restore AAPI’s image and enhance cohesiveness among different Chapters and Regions of AAPI. “When our founders first conceived of AAPI, they could not have imagined how well it would grow and develop. Let us not forget the achievements of those who have come before me. Their hard work and dedication serves as both an inspiration and a challenge to me,” he stated with gratitude and appreciation for the founders of this noble organization.

An Internist by profession, Dr. Lodha has had experiences in leading almost all areas of Medicine. He owns two Nursing Homes on Long Island, New York and has been credited to be the founder of the Accountable Care Organization (ACO) and the Independent Physicians Association (APA).

A graduate of RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, Dr. Lodha completed his Residency at the Flushing Hospital, NY. He is the founder and president of Queens Medical Services, a primary care practice with two locations serving Queens, NY since 1995 and is a partner in Hillaire and Nesconset Nursing homes. Dr. Ajay Lodha was appointed a member of the Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos’s MWBE Advisory Council last year.

According to him, “The growing clout of the physicians of Indian origin in the United States is seen everywhere as several physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in the healthcare, academic, research and administration across the nation.” Dr. Lodha’s vision for AAPI is to increase the awareness of APPI globally and help its voice heard in the corridors of power.  “I would like to see us lobby Congress for an increase in the number of available Residency Positions so as to help alleviate the shortage of Doctors.”

AAPI has been able to serve as a platform in helping young physicians coming from India to seek residencies and help them in settlement and get jobs. Knowing that AAPI’s growth lies with the younger generation, Dr. Lodha has made it his priority to support and promote YPS and MSRF, the future of AAPI. “We need to host more educational and social activities to get young physicians more involved, and be able to stay connected with AAPI. That younger physicians and MSRF members feel fully integrated into AAPI and take more active roles. They should feel that they are benefitting by joining AAPI, which is, an extended family and they can turn to when in need of support and guidance,” he says. He wants to increase AAPI membership by offering more benefits and opportunities for mem­bers.

The New York-based physician and leader, who was honored with the prestigious Ellis Island Medals of Honor on May 7th, this year, rose through the ranks of AAPI and has been elected the President of AAPI. He is a recipient of Lawrence J. Scherr Award of Excellence for being an Outstanding Physi­cian. He has also been honored for Out­standing Contributions to Research & Hypertension Department at the Flushing Hospital, NY. In 2008, he was bestowed with the Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation Physician of the Year Award.

Dr. Lodha was appreciative of increased involvement of women within AAPI.  “We have a woman as the chair of the Board of Trustees, a woman treasurer, and 33% of this year’s regional directors are women.  Women face the added challenge of maintaining the household in addition to their medical careers and their role in AAPI. I am looking forward to a great women’s forum from our women leaders and chair not only in USA but also in India. I salute all the women leaders,” he said.

Dr. Lodha, with the active support from the General Body, wants to “re-activate AAPI – HEALTH- PAC, commonly known as HEALTH- POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE, which will help raise funds amongst its members to advocate its Health Care issues to give a higher profile.” He urged all interested members to support and join the H-PAC by making a contribution, which will handle the HPAC matters and comply with the reporting requirements. Dr. Lodha wants to offer honorary memberships to past US Presidents, Senators and Congressmen, which will “bring us higher level of recognition and profile in the USA.

Ajay Lodha hides a power house of entrepreneurial skills. Dr. Lodha has extensive background of overseeing quality assurance and quality improvement. He is a past president of RANA and RAJ­MAAI (Rajasthan Medical Alumni Associ­ation Inc.), Police Surgeon with Nassau County PBA and Director of Research De­partment at Flushing Hospital, NY.

A past President of AAPIQLI, Dr. Lodha was a former Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Caritas Health Care System representing St. John’s Hospital and Mary Immaculate Hospital in New York. “In my role as the President of AAPI in the coming year, I will continue to dedicate my services for the growth of AAPI. I am sure AAPI will grow multiple folds under the current team and will put all my efforts to make sure all the programs supersede from the past.”

One of the major objectives of founding AAPI was to offer a platform and opportunities for members to give back to their mother land and the adopted nation. Realizing this, the new President believes that AAPI members will be provided with opportunities to support charitable activities in India and in the United States and increase donations to AAPI Charitable Foundation.

Endowed with the desire to give back to his motherland and lead AAPI to identify and invest in the delivery of cost effective, efficient and advanced medical care in India, Dr. Lodha says, “AAPI does a lot of work in India. The Global Healthcare Summit 2016, planned to be held in Udaipur, Rajasthan, from December 28-30th this year, will be a great way of achieving our objectives for mother India.”

In 2008, Dr. Lodha was part of a coalition that built a state-of-the-art 11 bed Surgical Intensive Care Unit for Government Hospital located in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India – free care is given to all the patients. Dr. Lodha in his commitment to the health of the community has organized numerous Health Fairs, Blood Pressure Screenings, and Medical Awareness programs as well as the delivery of educational materials at churches, temples and senior centers.

Financial stability is an important area, where Dr. Lodha wants to focus on as President, and promises “to make sincere efforts in making AAPI financially stronger by increasing fund raising activities.”

His leadership and commitment were much appreciated during the nine city Shreya Ghoshal Fund Raising tour by AAPI, which generated a record $1.25 million and transformed AAPI’s financial strength from being in dis­tress when he took over as a Treasurer in early 2012. He was responsible for bringing complete transparency in accounting and keeping the books up to date.

Dr. Lodha is committed to upholding and further augment the ideals for which AAPI stands. “I am confident that my experience, work ethic and firsthand experience in organizing Conventions and fundraisers are best suited to carry on the responsibilities and lead this noble organization to new heights.”

In all of his efforts, Dr. Lodha wants to work with his executive committee and all branches of AAPI membership in a congenial and non-competitive manner, focusing on the noble mission of this prestigious organization. His experiences in organizing conferences and meetings which help to bring members together and attract new members is vital to the success of the organization.

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.

Dr. Lodha 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. Today I ask you to set aside your differences, and join me in this noble journey to make our mission possible.’

Dr. Lodha lives on Long Island, New York with his wife Dr. Smita and their two children Amit and Shweta. AAPI will continue to be an active player in crafting the delivery of healthcare in the most efficient manner in the United States. “We will strive for equality in healthcare delivery globally.” Dr. Lodha is confident that with the blessings of elders, and the strong support from the total membership of AAPI and his family, he will be able to take AAPI to stability, growth and greater achievements. “A new era has begun. AAPI will continue to discover her own potential to be an active and vital player in shaping the landscape of national healthcare delivery system with a focus on health maintenance than disease intervention,” Dr. Lodha said.

New York City, NY: “What we call feeling healthy, is not just the absence of disease, but having a sense of wholeness within us.  If we feel like a complete being in our body, mind and spirit, that is when we are truly healthy,” Sadhguru, founder of Founder of Isha Foundation, told a packed audience, who came to receive his words of wisdom and blessings. Sadhguru, dressed in his long robe and sash, was addressing the delegates at the annual convention of Physicians of Indian Origin on July 2nd, at the Marriott Marquis in New York City on “Life Sense: Technologies for Wellbeing.” Founder of Isha Foundation. Yogi and mystic who works tirelessly towards the physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing of all, he is an author, poet and internationally renowned speaker, Sadhguru’s wit and piercing logic provoked and broadened the thoughts and perception of life of every participant.

“Understanding the inherent humanity that unites all nations, religions and cultures, Sadhguru is recognized for his pioneering efforts to nurture global harmony,” Dr. Seema Jain, President of American association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), said in her welcome address. “It has become a custom for AAPI to have a spiritual leader to address the delegates at the convention, and we are so fortunate to have Sadhguru at the Convention, who with his unique ability to make the ancient yogic sciences relevant to contemporary minds, and acts as a bridge to the deeper dimensions of life, will make the convention and the delegates from across the nation richer, in so many ways,” she said,

In her introductory remarks, Dr. Rita Ahuja, Chairwoman of the Convention., said, “Sadhguru has been an influential voice at major global forums including the United Nations, World Economic Forum, the UK House of Lords, TED among many others. “His approach does not ascribe to any belief system, but offers methods for self-transformation that are both proven and powerful,” Dr. Ahuja added. Named one of India’s 50 most influential people, Sadhguru’s work has deeply touched the lives of millions worldwide through his transformational programs.

“Your success in this world essentially depends on how well you can harness the prowess of this body and this mind,” Sadhguru, who has been recognized for his pioneering efforts to nurture global harmony, said. “We need to create a culture of Health in society, instead of investing in just healthcare,” Sadhguru told the audience. “What we call feeling healthy, is not just the absence of disease, but having a sense of wholeness within us.  If we feel like a complete being in our body, mind and spirit, that is when we are truly healthy,” he added.

Sadhguru’s mission is most succinctly summarized in his own paradoxical words: “I have no mission of my own. It is just that when you see a certain need around you, you do what you can do – that’s all. But I have a dream, that someday, walking on a street anywhere in the world, I would be able to meet lots of enlightened or realized beings. That would be the greatest blessing to happen to the world.”

Other events of the day included a session by AAPI Charitable Foundation on ways to give back to one’s motherland and the adopted land. Winners of the Research/Poster Presentation were recognized during the AAPI Executive Committee Recognition Lunch, during which, delegates had an aooprtunity to hear from Dr. Vas Narasimhan, Global Head Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis, Switzerland; Arthur Klien, Medical President at Mt. Sinai Medical Center; Eric Paterson, US VP Diversity Dealer Relations; and Ramakrishna of the Ramakrishna Hospital in Tamil Nadu, India.

The Business Meeting Dinner was addressed, among others by Naresh Bharde, President, Excellence Shelters; Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairwoman, State Bank of India; Dr. Kali Chaudhry; Bob Oliver, and CEO, Otsuka. The day was filled with back to back CMEs on cutting edge technologies, modern trends in diagnosing treating patients. The evening was filled with young artists, including Aditya Narayan and Indian Idol Junior Group from India showcasing their talents before a packed audience beyond mid-night.

The 34th annual Convention & Scientific Assembly by American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) is being held at the Marriott Marquis, Time Square in New York from June 30-July 4, 2016, offering an exciting venue for physicians of Indian origin to interact with leading physicians, health professionals, academicians, and scientists of Indian origin. For more details, please visit: www.appiconvention2016

(New York, NY – June 20, 2016): The 34^th annual Convention & Scientific Assembly by American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) to be held at the Marriott Marquis, Time Square in New York from June 30-July 4, 2016, offers an exciting venue to interact with leading physicians, health professionals, academicians, and scientists of Indian origin. Physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country convene and participate in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities in the coming year.

“For the very first time in the history of AAPI, both the President and the Convention Chair are women,” pointed out Dr. Seema Jain, Dr. President of AAPI. “We are so fortunate to have Dr. Rita Ahuja to chair the prestigious convention. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge as she has chaired two successful conventions in the past in New York. As an inspiring leader, Dr. Ahuja has led the Federation of Tristate AAPI, and has served as a member of the Board of Trustees, AAPI. And, she has a very dynamic team with her to make this event successful in every way.”

The annual convention this year is being organized by AAPI’s New Jersey Chapter. Elaborating on the efforts and preparations that have been devoted to put together this unique event, Dr. Rita Ahuja, Chairwoman of the 2016 Annual Convention, said. “We have been working hard to put together an attractive program for our annual get together, educational activity and family enjoyment. I and the Co-Chairs are fortunate to have a dedicated team of convention committee members from the Tri-State region helping us. We are expecting a record turnout and hence I would encourage early registration to avoid later disappointment. A pool of dedicated AAPI leaders are working hard to make the Convention a unique event for all the participants,” she said.

“AAPI members represent a variety of important medical specialties. Sponsors will be able to take advantage of the many sponsorship packages at the 34th annual convention, creating high-powered exposure to the highly coveted demographic of AAPI‘s membership,” Dr. Seema Jain said.

Prominent among those who will attend and address the delegates from across the nation are: Dr. Vivek Murthy, US Surgeon General; Fareed Zakaria, CNN TV Host; Hon. Bill de Blasio, Mayor of NY; Hon. Arun Kumar Singh, Ambassador of India to the United States; Dr. Chandy Abraham, CEO, Cayman Hospital; Dr. Charanji Rihal of the Mayo Clinic; Dr. Vas Narasimhan Global Head Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer,  Novartis, Switzerland; Arthur Klien, Medical President, Mt. Sinai Medical Center; Eric Paterson, US VP Diversity Dealer Relations; Ramakrishna of the Ramakrishna Hospital; Preet Bharara, US Attorney; Dr. Brian Storm, Chancellor, Rutgers; and Chandrika Tandon, a Business Woman and Philanthropist.

In addition to the exhibition hall featuring large exhibit booth spaces in which the healthcare industry will have the opportunity to engage, inform and educate the physicians directly through one on one, hands on product demonstrations and discussions, there will be focused group and specialty Product Theater, Interactive Medical Device Trade Show, and special exhibition area for new innovations by young physicians.

“The essence of AAPI is educational,” Dr. Seema Jain, said. “That translates into numerous Continuing Medical Education and non-CME seminars by experts in their fields. CME will provide comprehensive and current reviews and guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of various disease states to reduce morbidity and mortality and achieve cost effective quality care outcomes.”

“The major attractions include 10 hours of cutting-edge CME with renowned speakers, CEO Forum, Innovation Forum, Entrepreneur Forum, Women’s Forum, Men’s Forum, and Product Theaters to highlight the newest advances in patient care and medical technology. Alumni meetings for networking, also an AAPI-India Strategic Engagement Forum to showcase the AAPI initiatives in India like Trauma Brain Injury Guidelines, MoU on TB Eradication in India and recognition of AAPI Award winners will make this Convention unique,” Dr. Sanjay Jain, Chief Coordinating Officer of the Convention, said.

According to Dr. Jagat Narula, MD, CME Co-Chair, “The multidisciplinary CME conference during the convention allows specialists and primary care physicians to interact in an academic forum. World-renowned speakers will discuss gaps between current and best practice of wide-ranging topics of CME sessions.” Dr. Atul Prakash and Dr. Moiz, CME committee members have worked together with Dr. Narula to put together the CME sessions.

The organizing committees are led by Dr. Thomas Alapatt, Host City Chair for the Convention;  Dr. Sanjay Jain, Media Chair & Exhibit Hall Co-Chair; Anand Sahu, MD, Banquet Co-Chair: Dr. Virendra Sethi, Food & Catering Co-Chair:  Dr. Kishore Ahuja, Dr. Mathew, Dr. Ratan Mirchandani, Entertanment Co-Chair; Sudhir Parikh, MD, Political Alliance Co-Chair; Suneet Verma, MD, Website Chair; Chand Rohatgi, MD, Registration Co-Chair; Tarun Shah, MD, Souvenir Co-Chair; Dr. Jayesh Kanuga, Dr. Chitra Kumar, Dr. Shobna Patel; Dr. Parminder Grewal, Dr. Hetal Gor; and Dr. Gaurav Gupta.

Ambassador Arun Singh, India’s Envoy to the United States, who is a keynoter speaker at the Convention had inaugurated the curtain raiser for the 34th annual convention of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) during a solemn ceremony at the Ballroom of the Indian Consulate in New York on Friday, February 12, 2016.

“Many of the physicians who will attend this convention 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. The AAPI Convention offers an opportunity to meet directly with these physicians who are leaders in their fields and play an integral part in the decision-making process regarding new products and services,” Dr. Aravind Pillai, Chair of the BOT, said.

“Physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country and internationally will convene and participate in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities in the coming year. We look forward to seeing you in New York!” said Dr. Thomas Alapatt, Host City Chair for the Convention.

Chandrika Tandon will lead the Women’s Forum. The panelists on the Forum include, Kim Guadagno, Lt. Governor of New Jersey; Dr. Sherine Gabriel, Dean  of Rutgers RWJM School & CEO Rutgers RWJM Group; and  Dr. Maina Chawla Singh, Professor at American University in  Washington, DC and Scholar in Residence.

Shankar Mahadevan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Aditya Narayan and Indian Idol Juniors, are all set to take the AAPI delegates by storm during the 34th annual convention. “Each of the three mega stars will lead a group of talented artists and stars from Bollywood and from the United States,” said Dr. Ratan Mirchandani, Chair of the Entertainment Committee for AAPI Convention. “With 12 leading stars to entertain in one weekend during AAPI convention in the Big Apple, this mega event will truly be historic,” he added.

Understanding the inherent humanity that unites all nations, religions and cultures, Sadhguru is recognized for his pioneering efforts to nurture global harmony, Dr. Seema Jain, President of American association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), said today, while announcing the 1.5 hours of CME to be led by Sadhguru during Convention in New York.

After years of sitting on the political sidelines, Indian-Americans – affluent, educated and doubling in number every 10 years – are starting to flex their muscles in Washington, says Sudhir Parikh, MD, Political Alliance Co-Chair.  A matrimonial session for all ages is an added attraction for all.

This year’s Fashion Show, “The Colors Of India,” is being led by Rohini Bedi, an exclusive Indian fashion designer from California. Rohini Bedi has been custom designing and selling her label throughout various boutiques in India and worldwide. According to Dr. Hetal Gor, Co-Chair of the Committee on Entertainment, “The Fashion Show will have beautiful dancers, dancing to Caribean, Brazil, Hawaian dances, Fusion/Jazz/ Tap dancing, Kathak Dance with a grand finale will be breathtaking performances by Sonali Bhendre.”

Fareed Zakaria, a world renowned journalist and author will lead this in-depth Healthcare 2020 CEO Forum by AAPI, which will look at the major global developments in the rapidly changing healthcare sector, with an emphasis on new ideas and innovative solutions to America’s complex healthcare related issues.

“We are proud to have the Fareed Zakaria leading this prestigious forum,” says Dr. Seema Jain, President of AAPI. “Representatives from the healthcare industry, including leading CEOs from hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, academicians, intellectuals and physicians, who will focus on the changing trends in the healthcare sector and how they impact the providers, hospitals and corporations as well as the patients. The Forum will also offer insights into managing efficiently the growing costs in the delivery of healthcare services,” she added.  Anwar Feroz, AAPI’s Honorary Advisor, says, “The CEO Forum will focus on the changing trends in the healthcare sector and how they impact the providers, hospitals and corporations as well as the patients. The Forum will also offer insights into managing efficiently the growing costs in the delivery of healthcare services.”

AAPI‘s mission is to provide a forum to facilitate and enable Indian American physicians to excel inpatient care, teaching and research, and to pursue their aspirations in professional and community affairs. Representing the interests of the over 100,000 physicians of Indian origin, leaders of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), the largest ethnic organization of physicians, for 34 years,AAPI Convention has provided a venue for medical education programs and symposia with world renowned physicians on the cutting edge of medicine.

Representing the interests of the over 100,000 physicians of Indian origin, leaders of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), the largest ethnic organization of physicians, for 34 years,AAPI Convention has provided a venue for medical education programs and symposia with world renowned physicians on the cutting edge of medicine.

“Physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country and internationally will convene and participate in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities in the coming year. We look forward to seeing you in New York!” said Dr. Seema Jain. For more details, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit:  www.aapiconvention.org

(New York, NY: May 4th, 2016) The high quality of medical care humanity enjoys today is the result of centuries of research by physicians, scientists, and the medical professionals investigating the causes and potential treatments for diseases. Insights provided by medical research today promise to lessen the impact of today’s greatest health problems, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. When you support and encourage medical research, you are helping medical researchers build the future cures for various diseases, making significant headway in advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care, and thus contributing to humanity to live healthier and longer lives.

Indian American Physicians are way ahead in the medical field, and contribute immensely towards medical research. Encouraging young medical researchers of Indian Origin, “following in the traditions of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), a Research Symposium and Contest with Poster Presentation is being held during the 34th annual convention being organized by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin in New York City on Saturday July 2nd at the Hotel Marriott Marquis, Times Square.

Quoting Bill Gates, who had stated that “I believe in innovation and that the way you get innovation is you fund research and you learn the basic facts,” Dr. Seema Jain, President of AAPI, said,  “The contest provides a forum for medical students and researchers in the area of health to showcase their research, exchange ideas, and improve their communication skills while competing for awards and recognition at the annual convention of 2016.” Students, residents, faculty and medical practitioners have been invited to submit their research abstracts and posters for presentation at the 2016 annual convention. The competition is open to both members and non-members of AAPI.

The Research Competition gives students the opportunity to share their research ideas and results during the GHS in a special forum that provides visibility for their work. It also gives students the opportunity to meet with and interact with the attendees at the Convention to share ideas, gain new insights, and understand possible practical applications, while giving students an opportunity to sharpen their communication skills. Above all, it serves to recognize and reward outstanding student research.

“The AAPI Research Symposium is an exciting venue to learn about and present new and exciting research as well as case reports and discussions,” says Dr. Kunj Patel, an organizer of the contest. “Presenting before the Indian physician community adds a personal feel to the event that provides an additional sense of pride. I have presented at many renown national meetings at this point in my career, but my parents were particularly proud of my accomplishments with AAPI.”

The contest is open to all Medical Residents of Indian Origin. The conference promises to feature an exciting educational program with national leaders in medicine. The highly competitive and prestigious completion will give each participant to showcase one’s research by submitting an abstract in one of the following categories: Basic Science; Clinical Medicine; and Clinical Vignette.

The annual convention this year is being organized by AAPI’s New Jersey Chapter. “Many of the physicians who will attend this convention 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. The AAPI Convention offers an opportunity to meet directly with these physicians who are leaders in their fields and play an integral part in the decision-making process regarding new products and services,” Dr. Jain said.

The deadline for the online submission of one’s entry is 11:59 PM Eastern time on June 1, 2016. Abstracts will be accepted on a rolling basis, with all notices occurring before June 10th, 2016. All presenters must be official registrants for the conference. Expected to be a great day of presentations and discussions, the winners will be awarded with awards. Poster Presentation & Judging will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2016 and the applicants whose works are picked for oral and poster presentations will have free entrance to the research competition.

AAPI, an umbrella organization, representing 130 local chapters, specialty societies and alumni organizations, is the largest ethnic medical organization in the United States. For over 30 years, Indian physicians have made significant contributions to health care in this country, not only practicing in inner cities, rural areas and peripheral communities but also at the top medical schools and other academic centers. Almost 10%-12% of medical students entering US schools are of Indian origin. For more information on the contest, please contact Dr. Kunj Patel ([email protected]) or Dr. Amar Shah ([email protected]).

For more details on AAPI and the convention, please visit: www.aapiconvention.org and www.aapiusa.org

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 2, 2016: Shubhada Saxena is among the ten nominated for Asian American & Pacific Islander Community Hero Awards by AARP. Shubhada Saxena is a leader at SAIVA (South Asians’ International Volunteer Association) in Austin, TX.

AARP’s inaugural Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Hero Awards has been established to acknowledge the hard-working staff and volunteers of non-profit organizations serving AAPIs age 50-plus. One can visit facebook.com/AARPAAPICommunity to cast the vote during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month until May 31, 2016 at 11pm ET. Three heroes and their organizations will each receive a $1,000 cash prize when the winners are announced in June.

“We’re thrilled with the caliber of all the nominees who were submitted for consideration by their colleagues, friends and family,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy. “Each and every one of the nominees provides invaluable service to our community.  Many have been serving for decades. We’re proud to recognize this outstanding group of individuals for their commitment to making a difference in the lives of older adults and ask that you vote now! We hope that by highlighting these community members we will inspire people to either volunteer or to work for our older adults.”

The ten AARP Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Hero Award finalists are: Katty Chow, Kin On Community Health Care in Seattle, WA; Enoch Fung, Chinatown Community Development Center in San Francisco, CA; Julie Kimiyo Hubbard, Yu-Ai Kai Japanese American Community Senior Service in San Jose, CA; Shiao-Lin D. Hui, Chinese Community Center Free Clinic at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Chicago (CCBA) in Chicago, IL; Rose Kim Ly, Vietnamese American Community Center of the East Bay in Oakland, CA; Fay Chew Matsuda, Hamilton-Madison House in New York, NY; Soon Do Paik, Penn Asian Senior Services (PASSi) in Philadelphia, PA; Dongwoo “Joe” Pak, Korean-American Seniors Association of Orange County in Garden Grove, CA; and, Lourdes Santos Tancinco of the Veterans Equity Center in San Francisco, CA.

The finalists were selected from the 77 submissions AARP received from around the country including California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, DC. The stellar nominees included executive directors, staff, and volunteers who work in healthcare, social services, education, technology, and the arts.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. .  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

WASHINGTON, D.C., March , 2016 – AARP is pleased to announce its new Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Hero Awards to acknowledge hard-working staff and volunteers of non-profit organizations. The call for nominations is open now until March 31, 2016 at AARP’s AAPI Community Facebook page.

“We encourage everyone to nominate the passionate and committed individuals in our community for their work helping older adults,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy. “This award is our way to say thank you to individuals who are making the lives of our older adults better.  This award is also an opportunity to inspire others to work for or to volunteer time assisting our elders.”

To submit a nomination, visit facebook.com/AARPAAPICommunity to fill out the online form. Eligible nominees include any employee or volunteer of a non-profit organization that serves Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders age 50-plus. Nominees can be any age and ethnicity.

Finalists will be chosen from the submitted nominees and featured on a Facebook photo album for open voting. Users can “Like” the finalist to cast their vote during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May. Three heroes will be announced in June, and they and their organizations will each receive a cash prize of $1,000.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

The 34th annual convention of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) will be held at the Marriott Marquis, Time Square in New York from June 30-July 4, 2016. AAPI’s mission is to provide a forum to facilitate and enable Indian American physicians to excel in patient care, teaching and research, and to pursue their aspirations in professional and community affairs. For 34 years, the AAPI Convention has provided a venue for medical education programs and symposia with world renowned physicians on the cutting edge of medicine.

“The 2016 AAPI Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly offers an rare platform to interact with leading physicians, health professionals, academicians, and scientists of Indian origin,” says Dr. Seema Jain, President of AAPI . “Physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country and internationally will convene and participate in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities in the coming year. We look forward to seeing you in New York!”

The annual convention this year is being organized by AAPI’s New Jersey Chapter. Elaborating on the efforts and preparations that have been devoted to put together this unique event, Dr. Rita Ahuja, Convention Chairwoman of   2016 Annual Convention, says. “We have been working hard to put together an attractive program for our annual get together, educational activity and family enjoyment. I and the Co-Chairs are fortunate to have a dedicated team of convention committee members from the Tri-State region helping us. We are expecting a record turnout and hence I would encourage early registration to avoid later disappointment.”

In addition to the exhibition hall featuring large exhibit booth spaces in which the healthcare industry will have the opportunity to engage, inform and educate the physicians directly through one on one, hands on product demonstrations and discussions, there will be focused group and specialty Product Theater, Interactive Medical Device Trade Show, and special exhibition area for new innovations by young physicians.

“The preliminary program is in place, the major attractions include 8 – 10 hours of cutting-edge CME with renowned speakers, CEO Forum, Innovation Forum, Entrepreneur Forum, Women’s Forum, Men’s Forum, and Product Theaters to highlight the newest advances in patient care and medical technology. Alumni meetings for networking, also an AAPI-India Strategic Engagement Forum to showcase the AAPI initiatives in India like Trauma Brain Injury Guidelines, MoU on TB Eradication in India and recognition of AAPI Award winners will make this Convention unique,” Dr. Sanjay Jain, Chief Coordinating Officer of the Convention, elaborates.

A pool of dedicated AAPI leaders are working hard to make the Convention a unique event for all the participants. Dr. Thomas Alapatt is the Host City Chair for the Convention. Drs. Parminder Grewal, Hetal Gor, and Gaurav Gupta serve as co-chairs for the convention. The prime advisors of the Convention include, Drs. Virendra Sethi, Anand Sahu, Kishore Ahuja, Hemant Patel, Ratan Mirchandani, Jayesh Kanuga, and Chitra Kumar.

Expecting to have an attendance of more than 2,500 delegates including Physicians, Academicians, Researchers and Medical students to attend the convention, the annual convention offers extensive academic presentations, recognition of achievements and achievers, and professional networking at the alumni and evening social events.

“AAPI members represent a variety of important medical specialties. Sponsors will be able to take advantage of the many sponsorship packages at the 34th annual convention, creating high-powered exposure to the highly coveted demographic of AAPI’s membership,” Dr. Seema Jain, president of AAPI says.

The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) is the largest ethnic medical organization in the United States. AAPI is an umbrella organization which has nearly 90 local chapters, specialty societies and alumni organizations. For over 34 years, Indian physicians have made significant contributions to health care in this country, not only practicing in inner cities, rural areas and peripheral communities but also at the top medical schools and other academic centers. Almost 10%-12% of medical students entering US schools are of Indian origin. AAPI represents the interests of over 60,000 physicians and 25,000medical students and residents of Indian heritage in the United States. AAPI, the largest ethnic medical organization in the nation, and serves as an umbrella organization.

“Many of the physicians who will attend this convention 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. The AAPI Convention offers an opportunity to meet directly with these physicians who are leaders in their fields and play an integral part in the decision-making process regarding new products and services,” Dr. Jain adds.

For more details, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit:  www.aapiconvention.org  and www.aapiusa.org

NEW YORK: American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) QLI donated $10,000 towards flood relief in Chennai at a fund raiser “Chennai – we are with you” organized by America Tamil Sangam in Antun in Long Island New York past Sunday.

According to Dr Madhu Korrapati, President of AAPI-QLI, Chennai and its neighborhood witnessed worse floods in recent times throwing the city life out of gear for over 10 days. Several thousands were killed in flash floods and millions rendered homeless. “It’s our duty to take part in the massive relief work to mitigate the problems of those affected,” he said.

On behalf of AAPI-QLI, Dr Korrapati, Dr. Vaijinath Chakote, President-elect, Dr Rakesh K Dua, Vice President, Treasurer Dr. Himanshu Pandaya, Dr Bhavani Srinivasan, committee member presented the check to John Joseph, executive vice president and Jaya Sundaram, secretary of America Tamil Sangam.

The fund raiser was co-sponsored by Indian Association of Long Island (IALI), Five Town Indian Association and Association of Kerala Medical Graduates Association (AKMG) of Greater New York. “The monies will be used 100 percent towards the cause. Our target is to collect at least $25, 000,” John Joseph said.

Jaya Sundaram said the practice of honoring all the guests with traditional shawl in Tamil style and presenting of bouquets were dispensed with as the association felt every penny collected should go to the deserving individuals,

Satnam Singh Parhar, president of IALI, Dr Anila Midha, President of Five Town Indian Association and Dr Thomas Mathew, president of AKMG of Greater New York, Padma Shree Awardee Dr Dattatreyudu Nori, leading oncologist,  spoke and offered their financial support to the flood affected people of Chennai.

AKMG Greater New York was represented by Dr. Dheeraj Kamalam, Immediate Past President, and Dr. Radhakrishnan Palangat, Secretary besides Dr, Mathew. Dr Madan Raj coordinated the event that and made a power point presentation of the gravity of flood situation in Chennai and the relief work undertaken by the President of America Tamil Sangam Prakash M Swamy in Chennai. The event was followed by cultural programs by Janani Sundaram, Lavanya Pradeep, Swati, Divya, and Kalpita.

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. 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.

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.

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