New AAPI leadership headed by Anjana Samadder takes charge
41st AAPI convention focused on “True and Total Health is the Wellbeing of Mind, Body, and Spirit”
The 41st annual American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Convention and Scientific Sessions has concluded in Philadelphia with its new leadership headed by Dr Anjana Samadder as President assuming charge.
“I am committed to your well-being and dedicated to advancing AAPI’s mission for a brighter future,” declared Samadder during her presidential inaugural address on July 8 at the iconic Marriott Downtown.
Along with Samadder, Dr Satheesh Kathula assumed charge as President-Elect; Dr Amit Chakrabarthy as Vice President; Dr Sumul Raval as Secretary; Dr Sreeni Gangasani as Treasurer; and Dr Lokesh Edara as Chair of the Board of Trustees.
READ: 41st AAPI annual convention begins in Philadelphia (July 8, 2023)
A gastroenterology specialist in Columbus, Ohio, Samadder is affiliated with Mount Carmel West and Mount Carmel East and is a winner of the Gastrointestinal Surgery Excellence Award.
The convention with the major theme “True and Total Health is the Wellbeing of Mind, Body, and Spirit” was officially inaugurated with the chanting of the Sanskrit mantras, ribbon cutting and lighting of the traditional Lamp by AAPI leaders and distinguished guests on July 7.
Addressing the over 1,000 delegates from around the nation, Dr Ravi Kolli, Immediate past President of AAPI said, “AAPI has a long and illustrious history of 41 years of existence.”
“Started by a few physicians of Indian origin as they started their journey to this land of opportunities, today, they have succeeded beyond anybody’s expectations,” he said.
In his farewell address, Dr V. Ranga, immediate past Chair of the BOT, said “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.”
In his keynote address, Venkaiah Naidu, former Vice President praising the many initiatives of AAPI said, “AAPI’s programs are more centered around addressing the issues related to the stigma of mental illness and the importance of the practices such as meditation, and yoga, which is a connectivity between the body and the mind.”
READ: 41st AAPI convention kicks off in Philadelphia today (July 6, 2023)
“The secret of meditation is in letting go,” said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar stressing, “A happy mind lets you stay calm; make better decisions and improve the overall quality of life.”
Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar, praised the great contributions of the physicians who worked so hard. He also vowed to “fight for the transformation of the broken immigration system in the US.”
Indian American Republican presidential aspirant Vivek Ramaswamy said, “I stepped down from my job as a biotech CEO to focus on a different kinds of cancer. Not a biological cancer, but a cultural cancer that threatened to kill the American dream.”
“A dream that says that any child no matter who they are, where their parents came from, or how long their last name is that we still achieve what we want in this country through our own hard work, our own commitment, our own dedication, that’s the American dream,” he said.
Dr Willie Underwood, American Medical Association Chair-Elect praised the contributions of Indian American physicians saying, “While we have differences and divisions throughout this country, one thing we do share is our desire to be physicians that improve health and healthcare outcomes.”
Dr Prem Reddy was honored with the Special Presidential Appreciation and Achievement Award for his Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Philanthropy.
Dr Ranga Reddy, past AAPI President was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr Manmeet Ahluwalia was the recipient of the AAPI 2023 Most Distinguished Physician Award; AAPI’s 2023 Most Distinguished Service Award was bestowed on Dr Udaya Shivangi; Dr Soumya Reddy Neravetla was the recipient of the AAPI’s 2023 Most Distinguished YPS Award.
AAPI’s 2023 Most Distinguished MSRF Award was given to Mehul Mehra; Mary Shaya, President of J & B Medical was honored with the prestigious AAPI Presidential Humanitarian Award 2023; Stephen Shaya, Managing Director of Akkad Holdings and Executive Servant Leader at J & B Medical was bestowed with the prestigious AAPI Presidential Healthcare Leadership Award 2023.
The convention included CMEs with accredited courses as well as a variety of panel discussions, presentations and a research and poster competition.
READ: AAPI annual convention in Philadelphia in July (February 15, 2023)
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, devices and equipment, insurance and tourism, art, and medical and dental practice-related services.
Led by Dr Sreeni Gangasani, AAPI CME Chair and Dr Brahma Sharma, AAPI Convention CME Chair, the CME program provided the highest level talks for AAPI delegates. In addition, there was the popular parallel track for Life style Medicine, with focus on Mind- Body side, making it a wholesome CME session, giving everyone something that they loved.
The Women’s Forum led by Dr Udaya Shivangi had an esteemed panel of successful women leaders. The CEO Forum was moderated by Dr Achintya Moulick and had eminent leaders from the healthcare and technological industries.
