CHICAGO: An India born oncologist now settled in Indiana, Dr Bharat Barai may well be heading for a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest serving member of a State Medical Licensing Board in USA.
Indiana Governor Mike Pence recently announced appointing Dr Barai for the fifth term ending November 2019.He was first appointed to this prestigious Board in 2000 and with the fifth term he will have served nineteen years at the same position, the longest than any member in a similar position in any State of USA.
The seven-member Medical Licensing Board is the most powerful medical body in Indiana, and for that matter similar bodies in any State. Normally, it wields the power to issue revoke or suspend license to a medical practitioner. Besides, it can investigate complaints, discipline those who violate the law, conduct physician evaluations and facilitate rehabilitation of physicians when appropriate. State medical boards also adopt policies and guidelines related to the practice of medicine designed to improve the overall quality of health care in a particular State.
Indiana has 26,000 physicians practicing from internal medicine and family practices to different specialties. Dr Bahrain is a medical oncologist in Merrillville, Indiana and is affiliated with Franciscan St. Margaret Hospital. He received his medical degree from Baroda Medical College and has been in practice for 44 years.
With a first class academic record under his belt, he has endeared himself with the medical fraternity in Indiana by his professional competence, personal integrity and community services. His appointed to the licensing board along with Dr John P. McGoff [Marion County], who gets his reappointment to serve a four-year term through November 15, 2019
For the Indian community in Mid-west area, Dr Barai is a household name associated as he is with a number of social , religious and community organizations like Federation of Indian Associations, Manav Seva Mandir, Bharatiya Seniors, and host of others. He has helped conducting a number of health fairs in the area. He has bagged numerous awards, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
Ramesh Soparawala
India Post News Service
