AAPI gears up for 2011 Convention

For its 29th convention, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has again chosen New York. The annual meet of the nation’s premier medical association will be held June 22-26 at Hilton New York, and will be attended by over 2,500. The convention kickoff meeting, coordinated by Convention Chair Dr Ajay Lodha, was held Dec 19 at the convention venue in Manhattan. The meeting was well-attended by nearly 150 people, including AAPI President Dr Ajeet Singhvi, two past presidents, regional chapter heads and so on.

AAPI had also chosen the Big Apple in 2010 for its convention. In 2007, the venue was neighboring Philadelphia. AAPI has a large membership in the Tristate area and the two meets were a success.

Speakers at the meeting expressed confidence that the 2011 convention would be a tremendous success and expected it to attract the largest turnout to date of AAPI members. Some of them gave tips on holding a successful conference. They elaborated that an early start, detailed planning, immaculate hospitality and perfect execution were the key.

Dr Singhvi inspired all present to collectively work for a great convention. He recalled that the 2000 conference under Dr Dayan Naik was a success, and the 2007 one (25th AAPI anniversary) under Dr Hemant Patel in Philadelphia was financially most successful to date. Indeed, said Dr Lodha confidently, the 2011 convention will prove to be a new milestone in the history of AAPI.

At the convention, Indian American physicians, who form a notable chunk of the medical profession in this country, hope to contribute ideas and solutions to health-care delivery problems in India and the US.“We will discuss how to improve the health system, increase residency slots, hold a very big women’s forum and several continuing medical education seminars,” Dr. Lodha said.

Dr Lodha also gave a power point presentation on the convention, unveiling the marketing prospectus. Sponsorships range from Super Platinum ($500,000) to Silver ($100,000).

The two past presidents, Dr Dayan Naik (2000-01) and Dr Hemant Patel (2007-8) promised their full cooperation. “Welcome to the Big Apple!” That, Dr Patel said, should be the convention slogan as it will attract people.

He added the fourth Indo-US Health Summit was being held in Jaipur early January, and was to be graced by former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi, and the Rajasthan governor and chief minister.

Dr Naik said the success of a convention is always a matter of pride for the local chapter organizing it. Dr Sudhir Parikh, an allergist and Padma Shri and Ellis Island medal honoree, extended full cooperation of his publishing group (Desi Talk and News India Times) to the convention.

Dr J. Ganesh Bhat, newly appointed to the Public Health and Health Planning Council (PHHPC) in New York State, highlighted the rising profile of Indian physicians in the country by mentioning the appointment of Dr Nirav Shah as Health Commissioner of the state by incoming Governor Andrew Cuomo.