By Ajay Ghosh
Chicago, IL: The first ever Virtual Summer Summit by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAAPI), held June 16-28 , 2020 called to continue the service by its members to humanity, while providing the AAPI members with a unique opportunity to learn, interact and be entertained from the comfort of one’s home, Dr. Suresh Reddy, President of AAPI, said.
With high level speakers including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Summit was packed with 8.5 hours of CMEs, virtual seminars, Nurses Appreciation, and cultural extravaganza. Speakers included: Soumya Swaminathan, Chief Scientist WHO, Susan Bailey, AMA President; and Jerome Adams, US Surgeon General.
“I am proud of the achievements and contributions of the Indian-origin physicians across the world in the battle against COVID-19,” Chief Guest PM Modi said in his address on June 27. He members of the powerful and largest ethnic medical association in the US, “I want to express my sincere gratitude (to you) for being the warriors who are committed to save the lives of so many during the pandemic.”
Indian Ambassador to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu called the Indian American physicians as the “real heroes” whose contributions are appreciated by US lawmakers. He thanked AAPI for support to the Indian Embassy helping Indian students stranded here due to the pandemic. Lauding AAPI’s charitable works in India, Amb. Sandhu pointed to collaboration between the two nations on cutting edge medical research in healthcare sector and science. With inexpensive medical supplies to 127 countries, India has become “a reliable partner in global supply chain of all healthcare needs.”
Dr. Anil Tibrewal led the felicitation of nurses by AAPI for their dedication and commitment to patient care, especially during the COVID pandemic. AAPI reached out to 110 hospitals in more than 40 states across the US to appreciate nearly 10,000 nurses recently under his chairmanship.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said in her remarks, “What is unique about AAPI is that you bring a global perspective to defeat the virus and serve the people.” She congratulated AAPI for raising money to provide PPEs across the nation. She offered to facilitate a dialogue between leaders of the Indian diaspora and Joe Biden when elected President.
Emphasizing the need for more qualified medical professionals, AMA’s Susan Bailey said, “Our nation depends on professionals from the immigrant community. They will care and provide much needed services to the nation.”
She added. “We need to safely reopen the economy knowing the risks and impact on people’s lives. We need to support policies expanding coverage of health insurance to the maximum number of people. Every sector of health care will benefit from telemedicine and we will work to have it continued after the pandemic ends.”
Dr. Jerome Adams, Surgeon General of America, gave insights on COVID-19 and how to prevent it. He recalled his very close association with many Indian American doctors and praised the thousands of them who provide services in rural areas across the nation.
WHO’s Dr. Soumya Swaminathan highlighted the examples of smaller nations and the state of Kerala in India in containing the virus spread through long term investment in education and healthcare and via decentralization. She spoke about the Accelerated Program to study and find the most effective drug/vaccination for Covid that is accessible to all the nations.
Ambassador Amit Kumar, Consul General of India in Chicago, inaugurated the summit. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois praised the sacrifices and generosity of AAPI members especially during these times of great adversity, adding, “You touch the lives of 13 percent of Americans, while serving 1 out of every 7 patients.”
“Cheers from Cinema Celebrities” session saw Kirron Kher, Bhagyashree, Pooja Batra and Padmini Kolhapuri.
Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda takes over as President of AAPI from Dr Reddy. Dr. Anupama Gotimukula is President-Elect.
Dr. Jerome Adams, Surgeon General of America, praised the Indian doctors who provide services in rural areas across the nation.
Indian Ambassador to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu
Dr. Suresh Reddy, the outgoing President of AAPI, Soumya Swaminathan, Chief Scientist WHO, spoke about developing the Covid drug/vaccine.
