GAPI News Articles
GAPI celebrates 2012 Annual Meet with great elan
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.
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 Promotes scientific, educational, civic and professional activities, provides a forum for sharing 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)
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. Founded in 1849, 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, for example said, Pharmacy Bill-To give vaccinations in Pharmacy without written prescription from physician, autonomy for physicians which would not tie your Board Certification or your medical licensure for taking any particular part of medical payment ect.
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.” 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.
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 for her pro bono services to GAPI in accounting and for help in Atlanta Regional meeting. 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.
He also appreciated help of Surya Pandiri for EMR at GAPI Free clinic
Dr. Dilip Patel said that GAPI also had 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 patients 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 were AAPI president and President Elect were in attendance. He appreciated 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 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.”
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.