AAPI’s first World Health Congress concludes successfully in New York

- ADVERTISEMENT -

The first ever World Health Congress organized by the American Association of Physicians of Indian origin (AAPI) held from July 18-22, 2024 came to a close on a high note and much celebration at the Marriott Marquis on Times Square in New York City. It was attended by more than 1,500 delegates from across the US, a press release from AAPI said. Artificial Intelligence (AI) was the prime focus of the event.

“I want to thank the AAPI delegates, sponsors and organizing committee who have put together such a great event at the heart of New York City,” President of the organization Dr. Anjana Samadder said in her concluding address. “We have had an exciting 1^st ever World Health Congress that was fun-filled, educational and entertaining. There was something for everyone, including the younger generation, the teenagers, and children, as wells for the AAPI members, making it a family event,” said Dr. Samadder.

In her keynote address at the gala on Sunday, July 21, 2024, night,  Smriti Irani, a former Cabinet Minister of India and a Bollywood star,  spoke of India’s contributions to the world and the Government of India’s achievements. She thanked AAPI members for their contributions and services to the people of US and India.

The World Health Congress, which began on July 18 with the ribbon-cutting by Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, featured more than 80 speakers and CEOs from around the globe, provided attendees the opportunity to network, learn, and explore groundbreaking advancements across healthcare disciplines.

Some of the key speakers who addressed the delegates at the  Congress included: Dr. Mehmet Oz, American television personality, Physician, Author, and Professor Emeritus of cardiothoracic surgery at Columbia University; Eric Adamas, Mayor of New York City; Irani; Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Innovation, and NY Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar.

Dr. Mehmet Oz delivered an inspiring talk on “Living the Good Life” sharing his insights into wellness and health optimization.

Sri Brahmrishi SiddhGuru Gurudev, bestowed blessings and called Indian American physicians “the best” in the world, because “they give their best to the world.”

Motivational speaker from Akshardham, BAPS Swaminaryan Mandir Pramukh Swami Dr. Gyan Vatsal, gave an inspirational talk on “Physician Burnout.”

The CEO Forum was moderated by Dr. Achintya Moulick, chair of the AAPI World Health Congress, who described the event as “the beginning of a new chapter for the organization which has had a significant impact on American healthcare.” Moulick said. His goal for the convention had been to bring healthcare providers, entrepreneurs, financial bodies and policymakers as well as past, current and future generations of Indian origin physicians together.

The CEO Forum had industry leaders from healthcare, pharma and IT and enabled deliberations on ways to deliver healthcare with minimum cost and how AI would be influencing delivery in the US and around the world.

AAPI’s Legislative Day panel discussed the need to regulate healthcare, visa, physician-patient relationship, insurance issues, etc., and was moderated by Dr. Sumul Raval, national secretary of AAPI. Ravel noted AAPI’s lobbying efforts with policymakers, and being influential as one of the oldest Indian American organizations.

Dr. Srinagesh Paluvoi, member of AAPI’s national Board of Trustees, and the Regional Director, Mid Atlantic-I Region Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan moderated the Legislative Day discussion.

Lawmakers who were part of the Legislative Day panel included: New York City Councilwoman Susan Zhuang; New York City Councilman Shekar Krishnan; NY Assemblywoman Rajkumar;  Ravi Reddi, representing the Office of US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand; New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal; and, NYC Councilwoman Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. During the discussions, AAPI members highlighted the importance of healthcare delivery, Green Card backlog, physician-patient health relationship, and insurance issues. In a show of support for AAPI, all the lawmakers addressed the AAPI delegates and listened to their concerns and promised support.

The World Congress had many others sessions on cutting-edge research, as well as Continuing Medical Education seminars  promoting business relationships, and displaying of ethnic items.

There were entertainment features for children, live and exciting performances by Javed Ali and Atif Aslam, Aditya Narayan, Traditional Garba, Bollywood Film Festival, a standup comedy show by Kapil Sharma and a fashion show by Archana Kochar.

Amit Chakrabarty, Vice President of AAPI reiterated the organizations various accomplishments. Dr. Lokesh Edara, chair, AAPI Board of Trustees noted, “The growing influence” of doctors of Indian heritage who have “carved an enviable niche in the American medical community.”

The Poster Competition brought in the best among the aspiring medical students and new graduates from Medical schools, the press release said. A panel on Global Medical Education addressed by the Heads of NBME, FSMB, Intealth, NBME, and NBEMS offered practical tools on navigating the educational systems across India, UK and US.

Networking Mixer and Speed dating was a unique session catering to the needs of the young physician community. Immigration Talk by Nalini Mahadevan provided insights into current immigration trends and about the ways to obtain Resident/Green Card status.

“Can India become a Vishwaguru in Healthcare?” talk was delivered by Dr. Anupam Sibal.

Each day began for the participants with an hour-long hands-on session on “Harmony and Health: Integrative Yoga.” Healing Breath that was part of the schedule everyday as well.

An art gallery, “Oorja: The Feminine Light in Indian Art” was on display through the Convention. Other cultural programs included “AAPI GOT TALENT” where physicians got to showcase their talents in art and music, competing with one another for top honors.

There was an ongoing, “Sky Kids and Sky Teens Leadership Camp” as was Bollywood Bhangra workout LIVE by Zumbhangra.