On November 14, 2024, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin – New Jersey Chapter (AAPI-NJ) hosted its sixth annual gala at the Imperia banquet hall in Somerset, New Jersey. The sold-out event brought together nearly 300 Indian American physicians to celebrate medical and cultural achievements within the community.
The evening commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing enlightenment and knowledge. Prominent figures such as Padma Shri awardee Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and a respected allergy and immunology specialist, joined AAPI-NJ President Dr. Sudha Nahar in this inaugural ritual.
Attendees were greeted by a festive ambiance, featuring vendors offering various products and services, and a violinist playing melodious tunes. The event provided an opportunity for friends and colleagues to reconnect and network within a community where nearly one in four patients is treated by an Indian physician.
Cultural performances by Malhaar Musical added vibrancy to the festivities, showcasing Bollywood-inspired dances that captivated the audience. The presence of representatives from leading health systems, including Robert Wood Johnson, Hackensack Meridian, and CarePoint, underscored the event’s significance within the medical community.
The gala honored several distinguished individuals for their contributions to healthcare. Honorees included Dr. Rachana Kulkarni, regional director of Cardiology at Robert Wood Johnson and chair of the AAPI-NJ Board of Trustees; Amie Thornton, chief hospital executive at JFK Medical Center; Patricia Carroll, president and chief hospital executive of Old Bridge Medical Center and Raritan Bay Medical Center; and Achintya Maulik, CEO of CarePoint Health.
In his welcome address, Dr. Raj Bhayani reflected on AAPI-NJ’s journey since its establishment six years ago, highlighting the organization’s growth and efforts to boost membership. He expressed gratitude for the support AAPI-NJ has received and acknowledged the strides the organization has made over the years.
Dr. Nahar emphasized the importance of enhancing the Continuing Medical Education (CME) program for AAPI-NJ members. She stressed the need for physicians to stay updated with ongoing advancements in medical research and practice, essential for maintaining high standards in patient care amid rapid developments in the healthcare sector.
Reflecting on AAPI-NJ’s community-focused mission, former president Dr. Binod Sinha spoke about the charitable initiatives central to the organization’s activities. He recalled the significant contributions made during the pandemic, noting that in 2020, at the peak of COVID-19, AAPI-NJ was the first chapter to raise $300,000 for charity. Dr. Sinha described AAPI-NJ as “an organization with a purpose,” dedicated to supporting charitable causes.
According to AAPI-NJ’s website, the organization supports a range of charities, including Akshaya Patra USA, Cancer Research, Help Foundation, India Disaster Fund, Pink Foundation, and SACHI – South Asian Community Health Initiative, reflecting its commitment to community welfare and global health issues.
In his address, Dr. Maulik highlighted the unique vision of AAPI-NJ’s members and the importance of increasing Indian representation in medical research. He noted that 25% of the world’s population is Indian, yet their representation in medical research is disproportionately low. Dr. Maulik called for greater involvement in research to address this disparity and improve healthcare outcomes globally.
The sixth annual AAPI-NJ gala not only celebrated the achievements of Indian American physicians but also reinforced the organization’s commitment to education, community service, and cultural heritage. The event served as a testament to the significant contributions of Indian American physicians to the medical field and their dedication to advancing healthcare both locally and globally.
Source: theunn.com
