ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (TIP): With ribbon cutting and lighting of the traditional lamp Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj officially inaugurated the 35th annual convention of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) at the Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City in New Jersey on June 22, 2017. Pt. Jasraj led the more than 1.000 delegates at the Convention Centre at the prestigious Harrah’s Resort to a prayer song, moving everyone’s heart seeking God’s bountiful blessings.

 

In his opening remarks, Pandit Jasraj shared with the audience his heartfelt gratitude for inviting him and making him the special guest of honor. “This is the warmest welcome I have ever received in my life,” the Padma Vibhushan awardee told the AAPI delegates.

In his warm inaugural address, Dr. Ajay, President of AAPI, reminded the delegates from across the nation of the historic nature of the convention. “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,” he said.

Dr. Lodha shared with the audience the many programs and initiatives he and his executive committee have taken in the past year since assuming charge as the President of the largest ethnic medical organization in the nation, representing nearly 100, 000 physicians of Indian origin. Dr. Lodha, among others, highlighted 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, first ever international research contest and the many charitable works through AAPI the Charitable Foundation.

Physicians of Indian origin are well known around the world for their compassion, passion for patient care, medical skills, research, and leadership, he said. “Indian-Americans constitute about one percent of the country’s population, but we account for nine percent of the American doctors and physicians, serving one out of seven patients being treated across the nation.” Also, he said, nearly 20% of the new Medical students enrolling in the US schools are of Indian origin. Dr. Lodha was particularly appreciative of the contributions of young physicians and said, “You are the future of AAPI.”

William W. Pinsky, MD, President and CEO, ECFMG, provided the audience with the details on the demography of medical students and physicians in the US. Neal Simon, President, American University of Antigua, shared with the audience his close association with AAPI and the numerous initiatives AAPI and AUA have been doing together for the betterment of the society. During the luncheon, AAPI honored AAPI members, who had worked hard to make the convention a memorable one for all. Mammen Verghis of Prudential Life addressed the audience on the many valuable service his company offers, particularly, focusing on the diverse needs of physicians of Indian origin.

In her key note address during the gala, Sadhvi Ji, showed the audience who listened with total attention and silence, the ways to true joy and peace. In her eloquent and passionate address, she said, “Having all the successes, comforts and luxuries in life does not lead one to happiness or real joy and peace. It’s found within and that’s what the Indian culture is teaching us, which emphasizes as you think so you become.” According to her, stress is leading us into disconnection from family and ourselves. “When there is something wrong in us, we blame everyone and everything else. Mind is the source and solution to all the problems.” Quoting research done at elite US schools, she pointed out how people who are religious are less likely to have strokes.

Humayun J. Chaudhry, DO, MS, MACP, FACOI, President, FSMB, presented the process of obtaining accreditation to medical school programs. Michael Nisanov, COO, Empire City Labs was honored for his support for AAPI. Dr. Lodha, in his welcome address, praised the contributions of Regional Directors to the growth and expansion of AAPI. “For the very first time, AAPI is glad to recognize and honor your hard work and dedication for the cause of AAPI by having a gala in honor of AAPI’s 12 Regional Directors.

The day was packed with back to back seminars and CMEs and conferences. Dr. Nani Bhalla of AstraZeneca led the CME on Understand the Ongoing Risk of Atherothrombosis Beyond the Culprit Lesion. The Medtronic team offered an insightful session on Multidisciplinary Approach to Managing Ischemic Stroke: From Acute Management to Transition of Care.

The India Global Engagement Forum showed about concrete ways AAPI delegates can contribute to the growth of the nation. The day began with an hour-long yoga session led by professionals. Children were engaged in several activities challenging their minds. A beautifully choreographed fashion show was a treat to the hearts and souls of all as beautiful women and handsome men cat walked wearing elegantly designed Indian attire.

Several non medical topics were also offered to educated physicians and others. Dr. Benjamin Dyches offered insights into “Keys to Locking Out Lawsuits and Lowering Taxes.”  Sam Takkar of Perfect Tax explained to the audience why Warren Buffet, Mit Romney, and Donald Trump don’t pay more than 15% tax. For those who want to invest in India, Kotak Mahindra Bank offered insights into “How India has emerged as the favorite investment destination.”

The night ended with a fabulous performance by Standup Comedian Shailesh Lodha. The AAPI has got talent event was a super hit with the event bringing out the hidden talents from AAPI delegates from across the nation.

Earlier, on June 21, AAPI’s 35th annual Convention began with a record attendance of delegates and guests. Welcoming the gathered CEO’s at the at the CEOs Forum attended by a distinguished panel of experts from around the world. AAPI President Ajay Lodha said: “Delivery and access of healthcare in the United States and around the world is rapidly changing, leading to many describing the healthcare environment as dynamic, complex, and highly uncertain”. Dr. Lodha reminded the panelists of how healthcare impacts everyone and economics play a crucial role. Engaging leaders of healthcare, business, academia and community is an essential component for any debate, discussion or development of a robust healthcare system.

“With the changing trends and statistics in healthcare, we are refocusing our mission and vision and AAPI would like to make a positive meaningful impact on the healthcare delivery system. What we discuss today on ‘Healthcare Beyond 2020’ and recommend will be presented to the US lawmakers on behalf AAPI, who represent almost 100,000 physicians of Indian origin.”

Anwar Feroz, Honorary Advisor of AAPI, moderated the CEOs Forum, consisting of a very diverse group of leaders representing a broad segment of society, said, said, the Forum was  being organized with a view to create an opportunity to discuss and gain key insights and perspectives and the recommendations that were suggested by the distinguished panel will be presented in the form of a white paper to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Lawmakers in Washington, DC as they are in the midst of drafting a Healthcare Bill, replacing Obama Care.

The CEO Forum focused on the changing trends in the healthcare sector and how they impact the providers, hospitals, pharmaceutical, medical devices, technology and corporations as well as the patients. The Forum offered insights into managing efficiently the growing costs in the delivery of healthcare services.

Panelists who provided their insightful thoughts on the issues included, Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director Apollo Hospital Group; Dr. Arthur Klein, President & CEO Mt.Sinai Health Network;. William W. Pinsky, MD, President and CEO, Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG); Dr. Humayun Chaudhry, President and CEO, Federation of State Medical Boards; Chintu Patel, Founder, Chairman and CEO, Amneal Pharmaceuticals; Robert Levine, Executive Vice President & COO, Flushing Hospital NY; Suresh Venkatachari, Chairman and CEO at 8K Miles Software Services Inc.; Amit ”Al” Limaye Logistic Solutions, Inc (LSI); Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Padma Shri Awardee, Philanthropist, CEO Parikh Worldwide Media; Dr. Amit Powar, Chief Executive Officer of Reading Health Physician Network (RHPN); Saleem Iqbal, CEO, President and Director Habib-American Bank; Neal Simon, President American University of Antigua; Manjul Bhargava, R. Brandon Fradd Professor of Mathematics at Princeton University, Dr. Madhu Aggarwal, Chair, BOT of AAPI; and Dr. Ajay Lodha, President of AAPI.

The round table discussion focused on two areas: innovation in healthcare and healthcare policy. Speakers shared their views with passion on innovation, emerging medical technology, new drug delivery pathways, newer medications, and medical equipment. “Technology is changing the way healthcare is delivered,” Sangita Reddy said. “However, it’s  the mindset of the people that shapes the system. Technology is a tool in the hands of the physicians empowering them to provide the best care for patients.”

Suresh Venkatachari of India Abroad said, “Technology is a game changer. The Cloud innovation has a tremendous impact on how healthcare is delivered.” While acknowledging that technology is not a substitute for human power, he added, “Technology helps make human lives better.” The importance of telemedicine was another major topic discussed during the Forum. Neal Simon referred to numerous rural areas across the United States that could benefit from telemedicine. “Use technology wisely for new discovery,” he said.

Another area of discussion was on AAPI’s views on healthcare policy even as the new administration is determined to abolish “Obama Care.” As leaders in healthcare delivery system, the panelists were asked to offer their perspectives that a robust health plan must have to enable business to deliver quality and affordable health plan. Panelists shared their views on individual ownership and responsibility for wellness and prevention vs. entitlement and Government role in healthcare. Other recommendations that came out of the panel included the need for portability of insurance across state lines and of the need to increase the number of medical schools and Residency slots that will meet the growing needs of millions of patients around the world.

Later on, at the inaugural gala attended by nearly 1,000 participants from around the nation, Dr. Ajay Lodha while welcoming delegates to the 35th annual convention praised the hard work and efforts of AAPI host chapter, AAPI QLI and members from several other chapters. Describing AAPI as his extended family, Dr. Lodha called AAPI QLI as his own family, and thanked them for their dedication and leadership in hosting the convention.

Elaborating on the efforts and preparations that have been devoted to put together this unique event, Raj Bhayani, MD, 2017 Convention Chair, 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 happy to have a record turnout and active participation of all delegates at the convention.”

“We have come a long way since the inauguration of the first ever gala of the AAPI QLI Chapter, with a few dozen physicians joining in to give shape to this noble initiative by Association of Physicians of Indian Origin in the state of New York,” Dr. Rakesh Dua said. Today, I am so proud to welcome you all, on behalf of the hundreds of physicians and fellows of Indian origin, representing AAPI QLI, the largest Chapter of AAPI with nearly 800 members. AAPI’s AAPI QLI Chapter has been actively engaged in harnessing the power of Indian Diaspora.”

Saleem Iqbal, CEO, President and Director Habib-American Bank, presented a detailed description of similarities between AAPI and his Bank and invited the AAPI delegates to utilize the financial services offered by Habib Bank. Dr. Richard A. Shlofmitz, Chairman, Department of cardiology at St. Francis Hospital, Roselyn, NY gave an insightful talk on Precision PCI. The evening concluded with a delicious dinner and a mesmerizing classical rendition by Pandit Jasraj and was followed by a musical nite by Kailash Kher that went beyond midnight.

The 35th annual American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Convention 2017 is being held at brand new state of the art Convention Centre, the prestigious Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey from June 21 – 25, 2017. Many of the physicians who are attending 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 physicians who are leaders in their fields and play an integral part in the decision-making process regarding new products and services. “Physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country and internationally are participating in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities in the coming year. We are so excited to have a record turn out in Atlantic City, New Jersey”, said Dr. Lodha

 For more information on AAPI and the 34th convention, please visit: www.aapiconvention.org