The Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage (GAPI)
held its Annual Meeting cum a glitzy banquet at the Crowne Plaza
Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia, on Saturday, March 31. The gala
event was attended by over 230 members from the medical field
and graced by the presence of the Consul General of India in
Atlanta, Hon.Ajit Kumar, President of MAG, Dr.Sandra Reed;
President of AAPI Dr.Sunita Kanumuri, President-Elect of
AAPI,Dr.Narendra Kumar.
The Educational Session, started at 2PM and was Moderated by
Dr.P.K.Natrajan.
Under Non CME lectures: Various informative and educational
topics included (1)“Calcium scoring in Myocardial infarction’,
by Dr. N. Parikh (2) “Softwear issues in Medical
records’”presented by Image Healthcare Solutions/Software
company ,(3)”Did you Know?” Presentation by Sangita Sharma,
PharmD, BCNSP of Walgreen Home Infusion and Respiratory
Services, And (4) "The Changing Healthcare Environment", talk on
the changes physician’s are facing in healthcare presented by
Jessica Higgins from Xcenda supported by Janssen
Pharmaceuticals.
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| Dr.Dilip Patel with 2012 Executive Committee |
In CME Session ,moderated by Ms.Betty Scrutchin, and presented
by MAG Mutual,the interesting topic was,’Surviving a Malpractice
lawsuit’.The Speakers: Dr Ann Contrucci , a pediatrician and
Mr.Bob Monyak, the Attorney for defense. This was a very
exciting presentation by the 2 speakers. Dr.Cotrucci discussed
what she went through during the malpractice suit ($23
million).The discussion was very interesting and the audience
was riveted by her presentation. Mr. Monyak discussed the
defense of the case and like he said the only thing that
mattered was the good standard of care given, and not the
consequences, which is what helped win the case. As physicians
are under tremendous pressure due to the fear of malpractice
lawsuits, this presentation helped every one understand the
process.
During the social hour, the attendees intermingled and networked
with each other, enjoyed Café Bombay Restaurant’s tasty snacks
and also visited about 23 booths set up by pharmaceutical
Corporations, Banking and Insurance providers, Health Care
related businesses; and not for profit Ekal Vidyalaya
Foundation, and Lydia Foundation. Anokhi Ada enticed ladies with
its array of colorful saris.
The program was emceed by Pulak Patel, who welcomed all, and
gave a brief history of GAPI. GAPI formed in 1987 now serves
more than 700 members and over 300 Life members. It provides a
forum for sharing medical information of common interest, helps
in charitable and humanitarian causes and provides scholarships.
It also acts as a liaison between various professional
organizations in USA and India.
Pulak invited GAPI Secretary Dr.Piyush Patel to conduct the
Business Meeting. Dr.Piyush said that in accordance with the
GAPI bye-laws, the Board had received nominations from the
General membership as below: Dr.Abhishek Gaur-President; Dr.Piyush
Patel-President-Elect-Dr.Indran Indrakrishnan-Secretary and
Shreedhar Nagnur - Treasurer. With a show of hands, the
attendees unanimously approved the new Executive Committee
members.
In his brief address, Hon.Ajit Kumar congratulated Dilip Patel
for his leadership . He further congratulated the incoming
President Abhishek Gaur and Executive Committee members and
said, “I feel proud to see the galaxy of doctors here, not only
from the State of Georgia but other parts as well. The whole
effort of the Consulate would be to engage with both AAPI and
GAPI. The Indian American community has come of age. We are 3
million strong. You professionals are the pioneers and torch
bearers and most dynamic of the Indian Diaspora I have seen. You
are the best ambassadors of India and our close cooperation and
relationship will make our task lot easier. “(Applause)
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| Dr.Daksha Patel presents a Bouquet to Hon.Ajit Kumar |
Dr.Dilip Patel with Dr.Sandra Reed. |
Pulak next introduced MAG President Dr.Sandra Reed, who is the
second female Physician to lead MAG as president. Medical
Association of Georgia(MAG) is the leading voice for the medical
profession in Georgia. It has about 6,500 physician members
across the State and represents every medical specialty. Ms.
Reed said, “Thank you for the invitation to represent MAG and
the opportunity to interact with you.” Updating the audience on
the recent legislation, she briefed the audience about MAG’s
legislative efforts to protect physician’s interest in Georgia.
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On Pharmacy Bill-To give vaccinations in Pharmacy without
written prescription from physician; and on ‘ autonomy for
physicians which would not tie your Board Certification or your
medical licensure for taking any particular part of medical
payment’.
An informative and riveting presentation of Dinner Symposium by
Dr.Jay Chavda, entitled “Helicobacter Pylori” Importance of
Appropriate Testing and Management. “The program was supported
by the Medical Device Division of Grand Sponsor of the GAPI
Event “Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.” The Sponsorship was
facilitated by Phoenix Marketing Solution.
AAPI President Dr.Sunita Kanumuri emphasized connectedness and
working together.”AAPI is one of the largest ethnic
Organizations with a membership of 10,000 strong and growing. I
urge you to not only become member ($100) but also play an
active role so that our voice in the crucial Health Care Reform
is heard. I am very proud of GAPI which is 25 years old and its
leadership. GAPI is dear to us because here in Atlanta we have
organized two Conventions. I also appreciate your support in the
recent 5th Indo-US HealthCare Summit in Hyderabad, India, that
strengthened Indo-US relations. AAPI has been organizing Health
Fairs, Walkathons etc. to promote nationwide community awareness
on Prevention and Healthy Life Style. I request you to attend
our upcoming Convention on June 27 at Long Beach, California and
also continue with your dynamic partnership with AAPI.”
AAPI’s President-Elect,Dr.Narendra Kumar said that after the
Convention on June 27,there will be mini-Conventions over three
weekends in the country. GAPI and the city of Atlanta has been
chosen for one such Convention at the end of September this year
where India’s top female singer Shreya Ghoshal will perform at
GAPI’s Silver Jubilee Celebrations and help AAPI Charitable
Foundation to raise funds for GAPI charitable activities
including the GAPI Free Clinic and maybe even a building for the
GAPI Free Clinic!(Applause). Finally, we have decided to
organize next year’s Indo-US Healthcare Summit in Cochin, Kerala.
India. It will be called Global Healthcare Summit, so I request
you to visit our website for more information and invite you all
to attend.
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| Dr.Dilip Patel with GAPI Free Clinic Volunteers |
The outgoing President Dr.Dilip Patel said that during the year
2011,GAPI had organized five Regional Meetings in
Augusta,Valdosta,Atlanta,Gainsville,and Columbus. It had also
organized two Health Fairs in Columbus,under the leadership of
Dr.Piyush Patel and supported Dr.Sujatha Reddy’s SAI Health
Fairs in Atlanta. March , 2012 also marks the anniversary of the
GAPI Free Clinic which is helping those without healthcare
insurance.(Applause). GAPI Clinic Appreciation Awards were given
to Madhavi Gangasani, Sreekanthi Vantipalli, Sonal Soni, Seena
Mathew,R.N. Coordinator and Dr. Jayashree Venkatesh. Also
recognized were, Dr.Ketan Patel, a podiatrist, and an Associate
member of GAPI for his outstanding services as Board of
Director, Dr.Narendra Mankan, Dr.Arvind Gupta and Dr. P.Natrajan
for coordination of Regional Meetings in Valdosta and Augusta.
Gayathri Indrakrishnan, C.P.A., was appreciated with a plaque
for her pro bono accounting services to GAPI, getting sponsors
for Atlanta Regional meeting and donation for the GAPI Free
Clinic. Awards were presented to other members of Executive
Committee, Treasurer Dr. Indran Indrakrishnan, Secretary
Dr.Piyush Patel, and incoming President, Dr.Abhishek Gaur and to
immediate past President, Dr.Sreeni Gangasani.
Dr.Patel also appreciated help of Surya Pandiri for EMR at GAPI
Free clinic
Dr. Patel said that GAPI had also supported Ekal Vidyalaya’s
fund-raiser held in November 2010 at the Palace Restaurant. He
further announced that he and a few other GAPI members had
formed a 251 Donation Club, where one has to commit $251 a year
for five years to support Daksha Chudgar Lydia House in Augusta,
which will provide for residential need to women undergoing
intensive treatment for various cancers, at Health Science
University in Augusta.
In addition to the Health Fairs in Columbus and Sai Health
Fairs,GAPI also participates in BAPS Health Fairs. He requested
the attendees to contact Dr.Mahendra Shah for the upcoming
Health Fair.
Finally Dr. Patel appreciated all members, invited guests and
all volunteers who helped him to make this event successful. He
appreciated both President and President elect of AAPI as this
was the first GAPI meeting where both AAPI president and
President Elect were in attendance. He complimented his wife Dr.
Daksha Patel, who allowed him to work many hours for GAPI.
Former president of GAPI, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees,
Dr.P.B. Rao said that GAPI helps deserving students with merit
and need based scholarships. The annual scholarship of
$1,000 and a Citation of Excellence for their accomplishments,
was given to four students;
Aditya Rajshekaran;Aishwarya Venkatachalan;Aditya Raghunathan
and Shivani Mehta.
Humanitarian Awards were given to Ralph Parker and Swadesh
Katoch, who have played an exemplary role in helping 3,600
Bhutanese refugees in Atlanta settle down and enabling them to
lead a better life.
Ralph Parker and Swadesh Katoch(Sewa International,USA) thanked
GAPI for the cash awards and said they would use the money to
help the refugees.
The incoming President Dr.Abhishek Gaur, a practicing
Cardiologist, promised to do his best in helming GAPI. “My goal
will be to expand the membership base, by enrolling especially
the second-generation Indian- Americans and also non-physician
health professionals. We will continue our relationship with
umbrella organization AAPI and our support to MAG. We will also
make our website more interactive and interesting. I look
forward to your support and cooperation.”
As President, Dr.Dilip Patel extended GAPI’s philanthropic
activities and strengthened ties with other national and local
professional Organizations by playing a bigger role therein.
Dr.Gaur applauded the outgoing President Dr.Dilip Patel for his
hard work, determination, and drive and presented him with an
Award.
After a delectable dinner members were treated to Bollywood’s
chart-toppers by Dr.Amit Chakrabarty and Aparajita of Geetanjali
Music Group, which immediately got the audience on the dance
floor!
The GAPI Annual Banquet 2012 was truly a memorable evening for
all.
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