GAPI celebrates 2012 Annual Meeting cum Dinner
Dr. Dilip Patel with Dr. Sandra B. Reed, President of Medical Association of Georgia.
The Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage (GAPI) held its annual meeting/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.
Dr. P. K. Natrajan moderated the afternoon educational session. Various topics included (1)Calcium Scoring in Myocardial Infarction, by Dr. N. Parikh, (2) Software 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, presented by Jessica Higgins from Xcenda supported by Janssen Pharmaceuticals.
In CME Session, moderated by Ms. Betty Scrutchin, and presented by MAG Mutual, an interesting topic was Surviving a Malpractice Lawsuit with Dr. Ann Contrucci, a pediatrician and Mr. Bob Monyak, defense attorney. Dr.Cotrucci discussed what she went through during a malpractice suit ($23 million). Mr. Monyak declared that 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 fear of malpractice lawsuits, this presentation helped everyone understand the process.
During social hour, attendees networked, enjoyed Café Bombay’s tasty snacks, and visited about 23 booths set up by pharmaceutical corporations, banking and insurance providers, healthcare related businesses, and nonprofits Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation and Lydia Foundation. Anokhi Ada displayed colorful saris.
New Executive Committee members were approved: Dr. Abhishek Gaur-President; Dr. Piyush Patel-President-Elect, Dr. Indran Indrakrishnan-Secretary, and Shreedhar Nagnur - Treasurer.
Dr. Daksha Patel presents a Bouquet to Hon.Ajit Kumar.
After Consul General Kumar's remarks, emcee Pulak Patel introduced MAG President Dr. Sandra Reed, who is the second female Physician to lead MAG as president. She briefed the audience about MAG’s legislative efforts to protect physician’s interest in Georgia: on a pharmacy bill to give vaccinations in pharmacies without written prescription from physicians; and on "autonomy for physicians which would not tie your Board Certification or your medical licensure for taking any particular part of medical payment."
Dr. Jay Chavda spoke on Helicobacter Pylori: Testing and Management. The program was supported by sponsor Otsuka America Pharmaceutical and Phoenix Marketing Solutions.
AAPI President Dr. Sunita Kanumuri emphasized working together, including in the recent 5th Indo-US HealthCare Summit in Hyderabad, India. She mentioned the upcoming convention on June 27 in Long Beach, California. AAPI President-Elect Dr. Narendra Kumar said that afterwards, mini-conventions will be held over three weekends around the country. GAPI and the city of Atlanta have 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 the GAPI free clinic—maybe even a building for the clinic! Next year’s Indo-US Healthcare Summit will be in Cochin, Kerala.
Dr. Dilip Patel with 2012 Executive Committee.
Outgoing President Dr. Dilip Patel recapped 2011 activity. 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 on the Board, and Dr. Narendra Mankan, Dr. Arvind Gupta, and Dr. P. Natrajan for coordination of meetings. Gayathri Indrakrishnan, C.P.A., was appreciated for her pro bono accounting services, getting sponsors meetings, and donating. Awards were presented to other Executive Committee members. Surya Pandiri was recognized for EMR at the GAPI free clinic.
Dr. Patel mentioned GAPI's support of Ekal Vidyalaya. He announced that he and a few other GAPI members had formed a 251 Donation Club, where one donates $251 per year for five years to support Daksha Chudgar Lydia House in Augusta, a new residence for women undergoing cancer treatment.
In addition to the health fairs in Columbus and Sai Health Fairs, GAPI also participates in BAPS Health Fairs, for which Dr. Mahendra Shah is contact person.
Dr. P.B. Rao announced GAPI's annual scholarships. Four students each received $1,000: Aditya Rajshekaran, Aishwarya Venkatachalan, Aditya Raghunathan, and Shivani Mehta.
Humanitarian Awards were given to Ralph Parker and Swadesh Katoch (Sewa International,USA), who have played an exemplary role in helping 3,600 Bhutanese refugees in Atlanta settle down and enabling them to lead a better life. They both said they would use the money to help the refugees.
Incoming President Dr. Abhishek Gaur, a practicing cardiologist, intends to expand the membership base by enrolling second-generation Indian- Americans and also nonphysician health professionals.
After a delectable dinner members were treated to Bollywood chart-toppers by Dr. Amit Chakrabarty and Aparajita of Geetanjali Music Group, which immediately got the audience on the dance floor!
Further details on the work of Swadesh Katoch and his award:
"HSS Worker Swadesh Katoch gets Humanitarian Award for Bhutanese Hindu refugee resettlement in US."
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