[ LIMELIGHT ]
AAPI’s Eventful Journey with
Dr. Sanku S. Rao as President

Every journey begins with a small step. American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI)’s eventful journey under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Sanku S. Rao began when he assumed office exactly a year ago from Dr. Hemant Patel at its annual convention in Las Vegas.

The man who would become the president of AAPI began as an ordinary member of this noble association. All along, his heart was filled with the mission to give a new thrust to this professional group, making it truly the voice of the fast growing community of Indian American physicians, who have earned a name for themselves through their commitment, hard work, dedication, skills, talents, and expertise, and their profound knowledge of medicine and treatment. They are known to be the best, wherever they are found to be practicing medicine. Inheriting a long tradition of practice of medicine, which dates back to beyond 600 B.C., where the humanitarian aspects of treating patients are an important part of the culture, the physicians of Indian origin are the torch-bearers of this ancient medical science in the modern world.

American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) was formed to coordinate the efforts of the physicians of Indian origin, currently working in the United States. AAPI serves as an umbrella organization for more than 130 member associations nationwide, representing more than 51,000 physicians of Indian heritage, who have graduated from medical schools either in the United States or India and about 15,000 medical students, residents and fellows. Headquartered in Chicago and with a Legislative Director in on Capitol Hill in Washington DC, this organization has come to be recognized as a strong voice in the healthcare legislation and policy arena. AAPI members are practicing and providing quality care in every corner of the United States and many are professors, department chairmen and researchers at various prestigious medical schools and hospitals.

Dr. Rao had served as the regional director for SW region of AAPI for three years before becoming elected as the Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-President, and President-elect, and then, the president of AAPI. A gastroenterologist practicing in Enid, Oklahoma, since 1979, Dr Rao is married to Dr. Rohini Rao, pediatrician, with two children, Archana and Ameet. A graduate of Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, he did his internal medicine residency at Brooklyn Hospital, Brooklyn, New York and gastroenterology fellowship at Brookdale Hospital, Brooklyn, New York.

A past trustee of Oklahoma State Medical Association, he also served as alternate delegate of the AMA. Other positions include past president of the Garfield County Medical Society, Oklahoma; past president of NW Oklahoma Blood Institute and a former member of the Governing Board of Integris Baptist Medical Center, Enid, Oklahoma.

As a founding Chair of the Osmania Medical Alumni Charitable Foundation, he helped to establish through that foundation an electronic library at Osmania, Gandhi, and Kakatiya medical colleges. He is the patron member of AAPI Charitable Foundation and past chair of the India Cultural Foundation and Hindu Temple of Oklahoma. He has established the Durgabhai Deshmukh GI endoscopy unit in Hyderabad.

Upon assuming office, Dr. Rao had outlined his vision for AAPI and today, after a year, he is proud to state that "much of what we had envisaged has been accomplished." Dr. Rao says, "Today, the organization is a dynamic body multitasking and spearheading legislative agendas on healthcare and influencing the advancement of other ethnic medical groups as well."

A major task he had taken upon himself was to have CME programs across the US to hone up physicians’ skills and update on the latest in their respective fields. "As medical practitioners, we have very little time to keep ourselves abreast of the developments in the vast field such as medicine. Sound knowledge in the practicing field is a must and AAPI would be inviting topnotch experts from the US, researchers and faculty to inform us on the latest. AAPI will be inviting experts from different cities in US and also India." The AAPI National CME Committee organizes balanced, informative programs geared toward cutting-edge issues in medicine. The AAPI Journal informs more than 18,000 on trends in the medical field and its changing policies, programs and activities in the US. The Journal also serves as a platform to provide ongoing communication about current activities of AAPI.

Dr. Rao believes that the "more than 15,000 dynamic, bright and enthusiastic medical students of Indian origin represent our future. Their membership is growing exponentially and AAPI is paving the way for their contributions to carry on our agenda and foster our rich culture."

One of the most important goals of AAPI has been to stay involved in shaping the healthcare policies of the United States. Legislative Day at the Capitol is now an important annual milestone. "Our database of 51,000 physicians and their Congressional districts gives us the political infrastructure to increase awareness and exposure on Capitol Hill. AAPI’s policy statement on managed care was used as the basis of an important piece of legislation that has established a "Patient’s Bill of Rights." Physician voices in healthcare reform are emphasized. Licensing issues and portability of licenses are also current topics," Dr. Rao informs.

Not satisfied with their personal and professional growth, AAPI members are committed to give back to their country of origin. "With a view to strengthen the ties between physicians of India and AAPI, there are several initiatives taken up under Dr. Rao’s leadership

AAPI members give selflessly of their time to work in underserved areas. Dr. Rao tells with a sense of satisfaction that AAPI chapters in Flint and Taylor, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; and Dallas and Houston, Texas conduct free clinics for the needy. Similar clinics are being planned in other states, including New York and California. The local chapters are also involved in local charities such as MADD, SOSAD against Violence, Salvation Army activities and various types of help have been given to the charities of Mother Theresa.

According to Dr. Rao, AAPI provides extraordinary support to India through the activities of its Charitable Foundation. It has been able to support 17 charitable clinics in India where, medical assistance is provided to all irrespective of their status in life. The Foundation has also raised relief funds to help victims of natural calamities in India. An emergency medical care system is being installed in urban areas, under the guidance of AAPI. In the US, AAPI’s commitment is to the needs of people living in urban areas without the benefit of medical insurance, in contrast to India where the rural poor face the acutest health problems.

With a view to raise awareness of key healthcare issues affecting the Indian subcontinent such as Infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, TB), Diabetes, Asthma & Allergy, Cardiovascular diseases, Emergency Medicine, Mental Health, and Women’s & Children’s Health, an Indo-US. Health Summit was organized resulting in the formulation of joint recommendations for prevention and treatment of these major healthcare issues. "AAPI is taking an active role to fight AIDS in India through various agencies," He says.

AAPI has re-established communication with 147 medical colleges in India with the objective of fostering full communications between the medical schools, their alumni and AAPI will enable us to develop programs for the improved provision of healthcare services, education and training in India. One such example would be the development of scholarships for students who excel academically.

AAPI has created a Clerkship Program in alliance with the Indian Ministry of Health and the Medical Schools in India. This program is designed to help Indian American freshman medical students in the US learn medicine as it is practiced in India while enjoying their cultural heritage. Rotations are developed through collaborative efforts with the Medical Council of India and the Hinduja Foundation. "A number of medical students have already availed of this opportunity and have enriched their experience. AAPI encourages medical students and residents to become involved in the organization by offering free membership to them."

Under the Visiting Fellowship Program, AAPI is sponsoring fellowships with various faculties from India. "This program will be accelerated in future with the help of alumni organizations and their Alma Mater in India," the President of AAPI says. AAPI also organizes many CME programs in India in collaboration with the Medical Council of India and other medical organizations such as the American College of Chest Physicians. More than 150 faculty travels to India each year at their own cost to teach and share their expertise and experience with their Indian counterparts, this provides an enhanced learning experience for all participants.

"My visit to Israel was a learning experience," Dr. Rao told this writer. "I had a first hand experience of the working of world’s best disaster team in Israel and of the disaster network, During my visit, the director of the Israeli Magonn Adom extended his services to help AAPI in implementing disaster management in India."

As leaders in healthcare, AAPI contributes articles to newspapers and medical journals to help inform and educate the general public. Medical literature in Indian native languages is being produced for the local communities. According to Dr. Rao, AAPI enjoys excellent rapport with major medical organizations and offers its input to AMA, ACP, ACCP as well as other national and state medical associations. "AAPI has written various medical articles for the Washington Post, The New York Times and USA Today; championing patient and IMG issues. Also many Indian American physicians have participated in health education through various media support programs. The leadership of AAPI is invited to participate at many annual meetings for other associations."

Another area of great pride, Dr. Rao says, has been in the field of academics. "With more than 1,500 full-time academicians of Indian origin, AAPI members contribute to the education of medical students at various academic institutions. They are also highly respected researchers working to promote the health of Indian Americans. Astudy was commissioned by AAPI on the prevalence of Coronary Artery Disease in Indians (CADI study) and significant risk factors for heart disease were benchmarked to improve awareness in the community. A study on diabetes is ongoing," AAPI president says. The AAPI website has become a focal point f or members to share ideas and learn from each other. "Close cooperation and interaction with other organizations through electronic linkage is also envisaged."

According to Dr. Rao, AAPI has taken up the issue of shrinkage of residency spots for Indian-American physicians with the lawmakers and stated that if the trend continues, there would not be enough Indian-American physicians in the US. "We need more residency spots in tune with the population. Therefore, we engaged the US lawmakers to speak up on our behalf and ensure that justice is done," he added. "No residency means no practice and the country will be deprived of the skills of Indian- American physicians."

Dr. Rao said, the issue of J-1 visa waiver was another issue that was taken up with the new administration on Capitol Hill and ensured that qualified physicians from India are able to come to the US for higher education and training. There are about 4,000 physicians from India who are waiting to get into Residency Programs in the United States. According to Dr. Rao, AAPI has created six Centers in Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Boston, Dallas, Detroit and New Jersey, where Externship programs have been started to help these physicians to get familiarized with the medical practice in this country, which will help them to get into residency in USA.

AAPI has also drawn up a road map for the next five years. The action plan includes recommendations to improve the medical school curriculum in India on par with the US an d other advanced nations and improving medical tourism.

Dr. Rao believes, "Our chance to influence the world has never been greater. We live in a time when, thanks to the Internet and global media, the actions we take in America and the values that we support can reverberate around the world as they never had before. Healthcare is no exception. We know that the best healthcare in the world is right here at home. Our role should be to help disseminate our medical knowledge, our expertise and technological advances to the rest of the world in need and to India in particular." ---

Dr. Rao said the issue of J-1 visa waiver was another issue that was taken up with the new administration on Capitol Hill and ensured that qualified physicians from India are able to come to the US for higher education and training.

[ BY AJAY GHOSH ]