(New York, NY - April 9, 2017) “It’s very great joy that I want to invite you all to come and be part of the 35th annual American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Convention 2017 to be held at the brand new state of the art Convention Centre, at the prestigious Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey from June 21 – 25, 2017,†Dr. Ajay Lodha, President, AAPI, declared today at the kick off event held at the Indian Consulate in New York on Sunday, April 9, 2017.
Attended by AAPI leadership, various committee members, community leaders, and media personnel from across the United States, the kick off event was inaugurated by lighting of the traditional lamp by Ambassador Riva Ganaguly Das, Consul general of India in New York. In her facilitation remarks, Ganguly Das lauded the achievements of AAPI and the leadership of Dr. Lodha. Describing Dr. Lodha to be “a great leader, great physician, and great negotiator†the Indian envoy promised to be at the Convention at the request of Dr. Lodha.
“We have watched how AAPI has grown over the years and how we want other NRI groups to emulate the success model of AAPI,†Ganguly Das told the cheering audience. ‘What AAPI does is to contribute to leverage the relationships between India and the United States.†Stating that the government of India “values our relationship with AAPI and the many initiatives and contributions you have made for the people in India,†the Indian envoy said.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Lodha shared with the audience the manay programs and initiatives he and his executive committee has taken in the past few months since assuming charge as the President of the largest ethnic medical organization in the nation. Dr. Lodha highlighted the Leadership seminar at Columbia University, the Cruise to Brazil, participation and leading the Independence Day Parade in New York, the successful organization of Global health Summit in Rajasthan and the many initiatives at the Summit, Crash Courses in India for police officers as first responders in accidents, EPS lab studies, AYUSH, raising AAPI’s voice against hate crimes in the US and against violence against physicians in India and championing the voice of AAPI for a powerful voice through AAPI’s legislative conference in Washington DC next month.
Expressing his gratitude to AAPI’s executive committee members, including Dr. Gautam Samadder President-Elect; Dr. Naresh Parikh, Vice President; Dr. Suresh Reddy, Secretary; Dr. Manju Sachdev, Treasurer; Dr. Madhu Agarwal, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Aditya Desai, YPS president; and Atul Nakhasi, MSRF President; Dr. Raj Bhayani, AAPI’s 2017 Convention Chair; various committee chairs and members, volunteers and sponsors for their continued dedication and visionary leadership in their efforts to make this convention truly a historic one for all, Dr. Lodha, said. “The organizing committees have been working hard to make the AAPI Convention of 2017 rewarding and memorable for all with Continuing Education Meetings, National and India based Health Policy Forums, Youth Seminars, New Physician and Resident Student meetings. Physicians attending this convention will benefit not only from cutting edge CME, but also the camaraderie of their alumni groups and share in our common heritage. Social events are all being planned meticulously so that maximum benefit can be accomplished.
Dr. Vas Narsimhan, Global Head, R&D Novartis, who was the chief guest, in his address stated that AAPI conventions have been very inspiring. Describing India as the “innovation power house†Dr. Narasimhan, who had flown in from Sweden, advised young physicians to “dream big and thus achieve big.â€
The annual convention this year is being organized by AAPI’s New York Chapter. Elaborating on the efforts and preparations that have been devoted to put together this unique event, Dr. Raj Bhayani said. “We have been working hard to put together an attractive program for our annual get together, educational activity and family enjoyment. We 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.â€
Dr. Sudhir Parikh, CEO of Parikh Media, assured the audience of his collaboration in enlisting the presence of the US President, senior world leaders, US Senators, Nobel Laureates, Governors, Congressmen, and celebrities from the Hollywood and Bollywood world to be part of the convention in Atlantic City.
Dr. Shashi Shah, past Chair of AAPI’s BOT, who had served as the emcee of the event, informed the participants that 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.
Alumni meetings for networking, match-making, 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.
The Convention offers 12 credit hours of cutting edge CMEs as per AMA guidelines by well renowned thought leaders in their respective areas, being organized by Drs. Jagat Narula and Atul Prakash. Spiritual session is to be led by renowned Brahmakumari Shivani Didi.
The Women's Forum will feature well renowned women leaders, politicians, academicians, artists, sports women, and is being coordinated by Drs. Purnima Kothari and Udaya Shivangi. The Convention 2017 will also offer special emphasis on Integrative Medicine (AYUSH) and Medical innovations. The AAPI Research Symposium is an exciting venue to learn about and present new and exciting research as well as case reports and discussions.
According to Anwar Feroz, the honorary advisor of AAPI, the CEO Forum, which is by invitation will have CEOs of leading healthcare firms, who will give their thought process on the development of medical science and current changes, especially with the ongoing national discussions on the repairing/repealing of the Healthcare delivery in the nation. Also, for the first time, AAPI is inviting CEOs preferably with their innovative technologies in the field of medicine. AAPI Talent Show at the newly built elegant Harrah’s Theatre will provide a perfect setting for the AAPI delegates to display their talents. Being put together by Drs. Seema Arora and Amit Chakrabarty, the competitive session for the AAPI members will be judged by well renowned artists and philanthropists, has attractive prizes.
The dazzling Fashion Show will be one of a kind by famous fashion designers from the nation. The extravaganza mouthwatering ethnic cuisine with every day “Theme Menus†with variety of display of best of the culinary art will be a treat for the young and the old. Dr. Suresh Reddy, Secretary of AAPI, proposed vote of thanks.
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 and the world. Known to be a leading ethnic medical organization that represents nearly 100,000 physicians and fellows 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, AAPI members are proud to contribute to the wellbeing of their motherland India, and their adopted land, the United States. The convention is forum to network, share knowledge and thoughts, and thus, enrich one another, and rededicate for the health and wellbeing of all the peoples of the world.
“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 all in Atlantic City, New Jersey!†said Dr. Ajay Lodha. For more details, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit: www.aapiconvention.org and www.aapiusa.org
