Great Equalization: Is MBBS From India Equal To M.D. In U.S.A?

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AAPI Journal • March 2009 President-Elect’s Report by Vinod K. Shah, M.D. I would like to express my profound gratitude to the entire membership for giving me the opportunity to serve our organization as President Elect for the year 2008-09. The year started on a very positive note and I am honored to represent you at different meetings. After a long tenure, Ambassador Ronan Sen is leaving Washington D.C. He is gracious to invite us for a farewell party that is planned on March 28th. It will be my pleasure to represent you for this occasion. We have been closely in touch with the Embassy of India who has always been supportive of Indian Diaspora and the Ambassador has always graced our conventions by his presence. As a special guest of House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, it was my pleasure to attend the Democratic National Convention. The Convention gave me an opportunity to network with many senior members of Democratic Party and I learned a lot about healthcare agenda which will be an extremely important issue for all of us. I recently visited Capitol Hill to arrange for our forthcoming Legislative Day. Association with other Organizations: 1. Attended the Legislative Conference held by Asian American Hotel Owner’s Association (AAHOA) on Wednesday, September 10th at Capitol Hill. I will be attending the annual conference of AAHOA on April 24 & 25, 2009. 2. Attended the annual meeting held by Indian Medical Association of Central Florida. AAPI Events: 1. Participated in the CME program conducted in the last week of September 2008 under the leadership of Dr. Sanku Rao on Cruise to the Greek Islands. Members participated in the CME enjoyed the visit to the Greek Islands and the entire event was very exciting. 2. Attended the Fall Governing Body meeting at the Oklahoma City on October 25th. 3. Attended the Ohio Chapter annual meeting. The group in Columbus is dedicated, energetic and focused. I was impressed with their event and friendship. 4. Planning to attend the upcoming CME events in Atlanta and Tampa, Women’s Forum in New Jersey, Spring Governing Body meeting in Boston. Constitution & Bylaws Committee: As a chair of Constitution & Bylaws Committee, the first Bylaw Committee meeting was held on October 8, 2008. Existing revision of the Bylaws was reviewed which was proposed and approved at the Spring Governing Body meeting held in Michigan in March 2008 and subsequently forwarded to the General Body. No objections were received from any members. We also discussed extensively how modifications to the Bylaws can be made to improve membership, to create a strong and positive image and to develop member satisfaction. We are planning to have another teleconference in next few days to work diligently to propose a revision in the Bylaws to achieve those objectives. Legislative Day: The next AAPI Legislative conference will be held on April 28th, 2009 at the Cannon Caucus Room on Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. I am planning to meet with the Senator Conrad to discuss regarding proposed renewal of IMG J-1 Visa- Waiver Program which is going to expire this year. Orlando Convention: Vinod K. Shah, M.D. President-Elect, AAPI I had several meetings with the Chair of Orlando Convention Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar and his team. I am sure under his leadership we will have a fantastic convention. I would like to compliment the entire convention team who is working so hard to make the annual event a big success. I am looking forward for our next convention committee meeting on 8th of March. We are united as a team and we have enormous support of our entire membership. I am looking forward to working with you all in the years to come. I hope that you will call me with your suggestions to make AAPI a stronger and more formidable organization. Thank You very much for your friendship and trust. 10 www.aapiusa.org
AAPI Journal • March 2009 Vice-President’s Report by Ajeet R. Singhvi, M.D. As the Vice President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), it is my privilege to present the Vice President’s report. As your Vice President I have been assisting the President, the President- Elect, the Secretary, and the Treasurer in whatever capacity they have asked for my services. Dr. Sanku Rao has been working very hard, along with the Executive Committee to move our organization forward. One of the major responsibility, as the Chair of membership committee is to increase our current Ajeet R. Singhvi, M.D. Vice President, AAPI membership. Organization is only as strong as its membership. Our current membership as of February 28, 2009 is as follows: As of June 30, 2008 As of February 28, 2009 From July 1 to February 28, 2009 a. Patron – Life member 6,311 6,428 117 b. MSRF – Our Future 6,721 7,433 712 c. YPS - Our Youth 193 213 20 d. Annual – Our Strength 734 851 117 Total 13,959 14,925 966 Considering the total strength of 45,000+ physicians and over 10,000+ MSRF & YPS, we have a long way to go. We had set a modest goal to increase our total membership at least by 5% at the beginning of the fiscal year. We have already achieved that goal. The MSRF section has seen the greatest increase which is very heartening and needs to be commended. However, the Annual membership and YPS membership growth has been dismal. Patron membership usually sees two peaks during the year. First one just before the General Election (January 31st of each year is the cutoff date to be eligible to vote for the General Election) and the other peak is before the convention (patron members get their registration fee waived). With the Orlando Convention preparation is in full swing, the membership and convention committees will be working hard to increase the numbers. You can apply online or ask for an application by fax/mail/email from the AAPI office. Recruiting new members is challenging in any organization, especially with physicians. They are not only very busy in their profession, but also do not perceive it to be crucial. To be able to wield influence in Washington (for professional issues and legislative concerns) as well as with the pharmaceutical industry and other vendors (for CMEs, charitable activities, conference, and raising funds) membership number counts. Your membership benefit committee under the leadership of Dr. Anil Khosla, Dr. Lakhu Rohra and Dr. Rajendra Gupta, Chair, Board of Trustees has been working hard over a ‘Benefits’ Package’. We hope to present it at the Spring Governing Body meeting. AAPI’s strength and image continues to grow, yet great many Physicians who are well reputed and widely known nationally and internationally are not members of our Organization. We need to bring them into the fold and tap their resources. I seek your help and guidance in this regard. If we can somehow convince our colleagues to become members and attend one or two AAPI events, they will be very happy and will feel good being part of our organization. Let’s try to add one member each this year. We will be twice as strong instantly. I will be happy to receive and respond to your comments. www.aapiusa.org 11
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