India Post News Service
ATLANTA: Over 250 delegates from around the nation attended the annual Governing Body Meeting and Diwali-Dussehra Celebrations organized jointly by the national American Association Of Physicians Of Indian Origin (AAPI) and the Georgia Association Of Physicians Of Indian Origin Chapter from October 7th to 9th, 2022 at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Hotel in Atlanta, GA.
India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Shree V. Muraleedharan and the Consul General of India in Atlanta, Dr. Swati Kulkarni were the chief guests at the Gala, which began with the lighting of the traditional lamp, symbolizing the celebration of India’s national festival, Diwali that represents celebrating Light over Darkness.
CME topics encompassing recent advances were well received by the AAPI fraternity. Meticulous planning of the events made the delegates feel that they were attending a national convention with the most delicious food, elegant decorations, unique entertainment, great CME and late night Mehfil. The Bollywood and Garba Nite by popular artists led by Samir and Dipalee was the icing on the cake.
The gala began with Dr. Uma Johnnalagadda, President of GAPI, Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, and Dr. Raghu Lolabhattu, welcoming community members, family, friends, colleagues, and sponsors. “We, the AAPI-GAPI team worked hard to stick to the mission of AAPI, for education and charity to serve humanity. We thank each and every member that attended and supported the event. Our special thanks to all our Sponsors,” Dr. Jonnalagadda said.
In his presidential address, Dr. Ravi Kolli, president of national AAPI thanked “GAPI leadership Drs. Uma Jonnalagadda, SreeniGangasani, Raghu Lolabhattu, Raj Alappan, Tarak Patel, Amol Takalkar, SyamalaErramilli, Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, Brahma, Amol, Chandana, Mukul, Uday and the rest of the organizing committee for the wonderful teamwork for a Governing Body, GALA & Fundraising Campaign.”
September is recognized as “National Suicide Prevention Month.” AAPI Women’s Forum initiated a fundraiser to support Suicide Awareness programs. During and post Covid, physician burnout and the suicide rate among physicians had gone up. Every year about 200 + physicians die by suicide. Suicide has a devastating effect on the lives of family members and society. In 2021, in the US alone, more than 47,000 people lost their lives to suicide, Dr. Udaya Shivangi, Chair of AAPI’s Women’s Forum pointed out. “By learning the signs, starting conversations, understanding barriers, and sharing resources we can all contribute to preventing this loss of precious life.”
The amount, of $15,000 raised during the Gala has been donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Georgia Chapter whose mission is to help save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. A check was presented to the Board Chair for the Georgia chapter of AFSP Cheryl Cloar during the GAPI-AAPI Gala on October 8th. Dr. Shivangi thanked all, for their hard work.
Dr. Kolli urgedAAPI members to come and attend the next edition of the Global Healthcare Summit planned to be held in Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, from January 6th to 8th, 2023.
For more details, please visit: www.aapiusa.org/ And to register for the GHS 2023, please visit: www.summit.aapiusa.org
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