Indian-American physicians are geared up to celebrate their achievements at the 33rd annual convention of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, scheduled to be held June 17-21 in Orlando, Florida. They have secured the keynote speaker, “America’s Doctor,” the recently sworn-in, youngest ever Surgeon General of the United States Vivek Murthy, 37. They also have an exciting line-up of entertainers, AAPI President Ravi Jahagirdar and Convention Chair Amish Parikh told News India Times. Other heavy hitters who will be speaking at the convention include U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara, as well as Secretary General of the Indian Medical Association Narendra Saini and Dr. Jayshree Mehta, president of the Medical Council of India.
Among the entertainers who have committed to the convention are Monalee Thakur on Friday night and Sonu Nigam on Saturday, Dr. Parikh said. They are hoping to corral a heavy hitter for the AAPI Charitable Foundation gala night but refused to reveal the name until it is finalized. But some other big names who will be speaking at the event include
The theme of this year’s convention is “Generations Many, Mission One,” and going by that, organizers have made sure to put younger physicians and medical students in charge of several activities and seminars. For starters, Dr. Parikh who is in his 40s is the youngest convention chair to date to lead the “2015 AAPI Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly” which will be held at Seaworld Orlando.
For all its emphasis on entertainment, Dr. Jahagirdar said, “The essence of AAPI is educational.” That translates into numerous Continuing Medical Education and non-CME seminars by experts in their fields. Also, an impressive Exhibition Hall where vendors and services will be offered to physicians around the country. Two forums focus heavily on the younger generation of physicians, “Political Advocacy: Why Participate” and “Leadership and Mentorship,” Parikh said.
“More than 50 percent of the committee chairs are two generations younger than me. And more than 50 percent are women,” Dr. Jahagirdar told News India Times.
As is done every year, several physicians will be recognized for their professional and philanthropic contributions.
Convention attendees will also get to know what AAPI has been up to on the ground in India, particularly the “Trauma & Brain Injury Initiative,” and the “Hepatitis Initiative.” There will be an update on the U.S.-based diabetes and obesity initiatives. In its obesity outreach program, AAPI has already enrolled 61 partner schools. The organizers also hope to establish several “Clinical Networks” by the end of the convention linking experts in their fields with those just beginning to specialize. For the first time a “Men’s Forum” will be held apart from the annual “Women’s Forum.” Subjects like prostate cancer, the incidence of which is similar to breast cancer among women, as well as hormonal decline among men, will be discussed. And a diabetes diagnosis center would be operating during the convention at the site. “The worst thing about Indian genetics is diabetes,” Jahagirdar said explaining the rationale behind featuring a diagnostic center at the convention.
“The objective is to provide a complete experience – from state-of-the-art lectures to legislative advocacy, and entertainment,” Parikh said. Around 1,400 to 1,600 attendees are expected.
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