[ AAPI’S NEW FRONT ]
Dr. Vinod Shah is new AAPI President

Dr.Vinod Shah & his wife Dr. Ila Shah

Dr. Vinod K. Shah, currently president-elect of AAPI and one of the leading lights of the organization for several decades, will take over from Dr. Sanku Rao at the annual AAPI convention in Orlando, FL to be held from June 10-14, 2009.

Dr. Shah is an active member for past many years and served AAPI in various capacities such as regional director, chair of legislative committee, treasurer, secretary, vice president and president-elect. A graduate of Bombay University, he completed his training in Cardiology in Georgetown Hospital and VA Hospital.

Dr. Vinod K. Shah, a Board Certified Internist and Board Certified Cardiologist, received his medical degree from Bombay University and completed his cardiology training at Georgetown Hospital and Virginia Hospital. Dr. Shah relocated to Southern Maryland with his wife, Dr. Ila Shah, a pediatrician and his brother, Dr. U.K. Shah, a gastroenterologist and together they founded Shah Associates.

Apart from being a well-known cardiologist in Southern Maryland and Washington, D.C., Dr. Vinod Shah has worked very closely with many community organizations such as St. Mary’s Ryken High School, St. Mary’s College and the Rotary Club of Charlotte Hall. His passion is to provide the best healthcare with an emphasis on the early detection and prevention of diseases.

Dr. Shah is chairman & CEO of a largest multi-specialty group of 95 physicians in Maryland. A resident of Washington DC suburb for 42 years, Dr. Shah is politically well connected and participated in many state legislative initiatives.

While honoring Dr. Shah and his family on the floor of the US House of Representatives on December 18, 2007, Rep. Steny Hover spoke about “the extraordinary contributions of an extraordinary man, extraordinary woman and extraordinary family.”

The US Congressman went on to say, “The manner in which Dr. Shah operates Shah Associates is an accurate reflection of this generous and good man and the values that he and his family hold and demonstrate to all of us daily. This medical practice is truly a family affair, as I have noted and accepts all those who need care, regardless of their ability to pay. I have heard extraordinary stories from my constituents about the extent to which the Shah family has gone to help them, the care that they have extended.

“I have known Dr. Shah for many years. Without doubt, he is one of the most decent, honorable and honest men that I have ever met. His wife, Ila, reflects that same character, as do his children, their spouses and his extended family, his brothers and sisters, brothers-in-law and sistersin-law. He is not only my friend and my neighbor but he is a friend and neighbor to the entire community in southern Maryland. He has touched countless lives over the years, and the difference he has made, that his family have made, that Shah Associates have made, cannot be overstated,” he went on to say.

“Dr. Shah’s success is a quintessential American story in which a husband and wife, both immigrants, both physicians, come to our nation and through hard work, intelligence, merit and reputation become, quite literally, the backbone of the community. Gandhi once remarked, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

“Vinod Shah, Ila Shah and their family have lived this philosophy to the fullest. They saw a dire need and rather than turn their back or leave the problem to someone else, they embraced a great challenge and have made an immeasurable, positive, extraordinary contribution. They faced discrimination, rejection and challenge.”

“Their positive, unflagging and extraordinary talented effort has resulted in their being embraced by their community, which they have served so well. They brought hope and care and service and they have enriched the lives of all whom they have touched. He will be an extraordinary representative of an extraordinary group (AAPI) of people who, like so many immigrants before them, have responded to America’s welcome and have made such an extraordinary difference. We are all the better and healthier for it,” he added.

Shah Associates is a growing practice that includes 65 physicians in 10 locations and which recently announced that it will partner with specialists from Georgetown University Hospital and the Washington Hospital Center in a planned 32,000 square-foot addition to his medical center.

Leslie Miller, who heads the cardiac program at both hospitals, in an interview with the Washington Post, referred to the Shah family as, “a model of health care of the future. These guys, on their own, using their own money have put together this extraordinary system. We want to extend what they have done.”

AAPI also announced that Dr. Ajeet R. Singhvi will be the new President-elect for 2009-2010. A Board certified in Internal Medicine, gastroenterology and geriatrics, Dr. Singhvi is a practicing gastroenterologist in Hemet, CA.

[BY AJAY GHOSH]