AAPI Organizes National Retreat for 130 Physicians in The West Coast

Had the pleasure of hosting American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) West Coast Retreat in association with AAPI President Dr Sateesh Kathula and my Co-Convener Dr Anjali Gulati. What started as a small

experiment in a quiet/beautiful boutique hotel Wine & Roses in even quieter town of Lodi, CA, grew to about 130 Doctors coming from all over US. We were able to share pure joy and world-class educational lectures with the audience glued to the seats and yearning for more, even though the ambience and the weather being beautiful.

 

The Retreat offered an exceptional mix of continuing medical education (CME) by eminent speakers, networking opportunities, delicious food, a winery tour, a grand gala, and a vibrant entertainment.

Dr. Sreekar Reddy, Consul General of India, San Francisco, was an Honored Guest at the event.

 

Participants at the Retreat celebrated Women’s Day with the Pink/Red Theme, honoring the achievements and accomplishments of women.

 

A standout feature of the retreat was the “Hearts of AAPI,” where numerous Doctors participated in creating heart-themed artwork on canvas, concept by Dr. Jignesh Patel

 

The presence of national leadership added special importance to the event. Prominent among those who had attended the event were: Dr, Satheesh Kathula, President; Dr. Sunil Kaza, BOT Chair; Dr. Raj Bhayani, Secretary; Dr. Hetal Gor, BOT Member; and, Regional Directors Dr. Ram Singh and Dr Srini Gokarakonda; Past President, Dr Sudhakar Jonnalagadda; and, Past BOT Chair, Dr Seema Arora. AAPI Bay Area Chapter President, Dr Shashwathi Kale, BOT Chair Dr Amara Balakrishnan, EC members Dr Deepa Rathi, Dr Rinku Srivastava, Dr Meenakshi Jain and CME Chair, Dr Pankaj Vij.

 

Geetesh Iyer, an Indian Raga creative director, singer-songwriter, and a Grammy Award nominee, based out of the San Francisco Bay Area, provided entertainment with his excellent rendition of Indian songs.