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AAPI represents 100,000 physicians of Indian origin in the USA. It also represents 20 per cent of student in US medical schools that are of Indian origin. It is the largest ethnic medical organization of a diaspora, globally, influencing important issues such as graduate medical education, physician work force and shaping healthcare delivery in the US. The 165 alumni, subspecialty and regional organizations are the backbone of the AAPI. Dr Jayesh Shah, President, AAPI, speaks to
India Empire’s Editor and Publisher Sayantan Chakravarty
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You’ve had a phenomenal rise to the top of the AAPI echelons, becoming the youngest ever president of this prestigious organization. It speaks well of the democratic processes within the AAPI…
I had started leadership in various organizations at an young age, but I have worked in AAPI for more than 15 years before reaching where I am today. I started early by getting involved with the local chapter in Texas and I have served in every capacity on that ladder. Yes, it surely speaks well of the democratic processes within AAPI.
What is your larger vision, and mission for AAPI?
One in seven patients in USA is seen by an Indian physician. With this statistic in mind, I see a much larger vision for AAPI. AAPI physicians should actively take part in health care reform and improve the health care in USA. AAPI has already taken a lead and formed AAPI global leadership council to connect with leaders from all over the country. Our vision is to work together with all Indian physicians all over the world with a common goal—to bring accessible and innovative health care.
What is your greater vision for yourself as an individual, and how would that vision blend in with AAPI’s objectives?
I want to continue to serve organized medicine in United States. I want to continue to work on health care issues nationally. AAPI with its strength in membership should be at the forefront for any health care reform, and personally I would like to merge AAPI’s vision into the broader vision of improving American health care system. Globally, AAPI should advocate for accessible, affordable and quality health care to every patient.
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| Dr.Shah with Neha at a AAPI convention |
Dr. Shah with Senator
and Ambassador Meera Shankar at Washington AAPI convention |
By and large the Indian medical community has built up a formidable reputation. We’ve all heard stories of Indian doctors being the preferred choice. According to you what has contributed to this remarkable branding?
US educated doctors respect Indian colleagues for their compassion, knowledge and work ethics. Indian physicians are a guide and philosopher to their patients in every community of United States. Their work at grass root level has contributed immensely to this remarkable branding.
Who are your greatest inspiration, and why? Please name one person living, and any other from history....
Mahatma Gandhi is one of my inspirations. He was a living example of selfless work to improve lives of people all over the world. He lived by his principles of truth and nonviolence. I was impressed by his quote, “My message is my life.” He was brought up in a Bania family from Gujarat, just like me. His book “The story of my experiments with truth” gives the message that any great person like Gandhi can have similar weaknesses that every human being has, but still he can overcome them and achieve his goals.
I derive great inspiration from Mr. Abdul Kalam. I was fascinated by his book “Wings of Fire” and Vision 2020. He also was born into an ordinary family and became an innovator, nuclear scientist, and then the President of India who continues to spread his message to bring about social change in the community even after his term. His message to bring harmony at home, community, society can bring peace all over the world.
AAPI has been at the forefront of bringing in good healthcare practices to India. Please tell us about your India vision…
AAPI has done extensive work since last several years trying to bring affordable, accessible and quality care to every individual in India. AAPI, in partnership with multiple global leaders along with Indian experts in various specialties are meeting together to develop best health care practices and guidelines for various diseases.
You have a conference scheduled in Ahmedabad in January 2014. What is the main agenda of that conference?
To be attended by nearly 1,000 delegates from around the world, Global Health Summit 2014 is a forum for exploring the most innovative, efficient, cost-effective healthcare solutions for India. It aims at advancing the accessibility, affordability and quality of world-class healthcare to the people of India. While seeking to identify ways for greater collaboration and cooperation between the physicians and health care providers in India with those of Indian origin and major healthcare providers abroad, the Summit will focus on prevention, diagnosis, treatment options and share ways to truly improve healthcare transcending global boundaries.
What are the principal challenges before the Indian healthcare sector?
• Access to quality health care
• Emergency medical treatment
• Biomedical waste disposal
• Guidelines for appropriate clinical trials
• Linking primary and community health care to academic health centers to provide quality health care
• Need for fellowship programs in Infectious diseases, emergency medicine and trauma
• Prevention of hospital acquired infections by providing good infection control practices.
• Shortage of health care providers
Medical Value Travel or Medical Tourism is a growing area in India. What your tips for success to the Healthcare Industry in India?
India is pioneer in providing best health care at cheaper rate. India has very talented physicians and with growth of corporate hospitals, medical tourism will continue to increase.
What are some of the fundamentals that have made healthcare system in the USA accomplished and sound?
• Standardization of acceptable practice of medicine and treatment guidelines,
• Accreditation of hospitals by regulatory agencies,
• Mandatory Continued licensing /Continuing ME requirement
• Support of trained allied health professionals, nurses to the physicians.
—Dr Jayesh Shah is a speaker at the first Global Indian Business Conference being held on January 10, 2014 at the Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi. For details log on to
www.gibc2014.com
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