APPNA JOURNAL A BI-ANNUAL publication of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani-Descent of North America Volume 10 • Number 2 Winter 2008

Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America

Dr. Maya Angelou APPNA JOURNAL PUBLISHER The Association of Physicians of Pakistani-Descent APPNA Time An American Treasure of North America President ...... Mahmood Alam, MD President-Elect ...... Syed. A. Samad, MD Furrukh S Malik, MD Past President ...... Nadecm. Kazi, MD Dr. Malik is a graduate of King Secretary ...... Sajid Chaudhary, MD Edward Medical University class of 1988. He is an advanced heart Treasurer ...... Manzoor. Tariq, MD failure and transplant cardiologist. Presently he is the Chair of the Publication Committee Cardiovascular Medicine and also Chairperson ...... Shahid Athar, MD the Chair of the Heart Center at Co-Chairperson ...... Salman Zafar, MD the Centennial Cardiac Center of Editor ...... Furrukh. S. Malik, MD Excellence in Nashville Tennessee. Urdu Editor ...... Asaf. Dar, MD Editorial Assistant & Designer ...... S. Rehman

When you get, give. Disclaimer: APPNA Journal is the Bi-Annual publication of the As- “I am grateful for being here, for being able to think, for being able sociation of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North to see, for being able to taste, for appreciating love, for knowing it America (APPNA). The Journal is dedicated to provid- exists in a world so rife with vulgarity, with brutality and violence ing useful information to the Association‘s members with and yet it exists. I am grateful to know it exists.” special emphasis on organizational matters. The views As I sat and listened to these words of wisdom from one of the great- expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily est American personalities, Dr. Maya Angelou, I tried to put them in represent the official position of either the Association or context. A context in relation to life and upbringing of this American the Editor. APPNA does not assume any responsibility treasure, a tumultuous and triumphant journey in the epic meaning for the authors’ assertions nor does it authenticate their of the word. validity. Products or services advertised in the Journal are neither endorsed nor guaranteed by APPNA. Reproduc- For starters Dr. Angelou is an 80 year old African American, born in tion in whole or in part of the materials contained in this Missouri and grew up in the segregated south. Her life was full of Journal without prior written permission from APPNA hardship and of such intensity that it left her mute for six years. She is prohibited. attributes her voice to her vocal teacher in school. Her career took her to west coast, across Atlantic and in the Nile delta. Against this Postmaster diverse backdrop she is an acclaimed author of 30 books. Her famous Please send address changes to: APPNA Journal, 6414 S. title “I know why the caged birds sing” is an all time classic. She has Cass Avenue, Westmont, IL 60559. won three spoken word Grammies, a National book award and has been nominated for Pulitzer Prize, an Emmy and a Tony. She is flu- Subscription ent in six languages, has earned 50 plus honorary degrees and was Free with APPNA Membership. To apply for member- awarded the first Reynolds Professorship of American studies at ship please go to the APPNA Website at: Wake Forest University. www.appna.org

She has written songs for musicians such as B.B King. She recited her Advertising, Submission of Articles original poem “on the pulse of Morning” at the 1993 President and Correspondance Clinton inauguration. Presently the accomplished octogenarian is Denise Burt/ Sidra tul Muntaha, APPNA Central Office completing two books and hosts a weekly radio show. 6414 S. Cass Avenue, Westmont, II. 60559 This is what she had to respond to a query about her life and how Phone: (630) 968-8585/ Fax: (630) 968-8677 she made it through. “I do not complain. I will protest like the dick- E-mail: [email protected] ens but I will not complain. No matter how bad it gets, I am always grateful to know that I do not have to stay with the negative” The Editor reserves the right to edit all submitted material. She attributes her fortitude to the lessons of her Grandmother in the segregated Arkansas of her childhood, her famous, The deadline for submission of materials for “When you get, give and when you learn, teach.” n the Summer 2009 issue of the Newsletter is March 30, 2009.

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 3 APPNA JOURNAL A BI-ANNUAL publication of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani-Descent of North America Volume 10 • Number 2 Winter 2008

Editorial The Editors would like to thank the APPNA Time: Dr. Maya Angelou ...... 3 membership,contributors, advertisers and the Executive committee of APPNA for all the APPNA Organization support in the publication of this journal.We APPNA 2008 – The Year In Review, Mahmood Alam, MD ...... 5 would like to extend good luck to the 2009 Publication committee and its members. President Elect’s Message, Syed A. Samad, MD ...... 7 Treasurer’s Report, Manzoor Tariq, MD ...... 8 Empowering Community – Empowering Pakistan, Mahmood Alam, MD & Naheed Usmani, MD ...... 9

On The Cover Committee, Alumni, Chapter & Member Reports Punjab Medical College, Shahnaz Akhtar, MD ...... 11 Dr. Saira Maliha, Artist: “This painting, en- KEMCAANA Report, Mubasher Rana, MD ...... 12 titled, ‘Earthquake’ is my interpretation of a moving photograph of a young girl and her AIMCAANA Report ...... 14 infant brother. In the photograph, the two DOGANA 2008 Review, M. N. Qureshi, MD ...... 15 are huddled together within the warmth of APPNA Membership Committee Report, Asif M. Rehman, MD ...... 17 her shawl, protected from the bitter cold and Social Welfare & Disaster Relief Committee Report, Shahabul, Arfeen, MD . . 18 destruction around them. The image was cap- APPNA Publication Committee Report, Shahid, Athar, MD ...... 19 tured by my sister-in-law while on a medical re- APPNA Finance Committee Report, Manzoor Tariq, MD ...... 20 lief visit during the aftermath of the earthquake President’s Visits, Mahmood Alam, MD ...... 21 that afflicted Pakistan in 2005. This painting is APPNA Medical Student Section, Asima Ahmad and Adeel A. Butt . . . . . 22 about the refuge of human love and comfort in Ayub Khan Ommaya Scholar, Arif A. A. Toor, MD ...... 23 the face of the most trying and unimaginable Dental APPNA, Mian K. Iqbal, DMD ...... 24 circumstances. Today, this image is the face of APPNA Members On Tour ...... 24 Palestinian children and the horrible circum- APPNA Arizona Chapter Annual Report 2008, Asim Khwaja, MD . . . . . 25 stances they face every day.” APPNA Georgia Chapter, Roohi Abubaker, MD ...... 26 Impact Of Muslim Physicians, Nadeem A. Kazi, MD ...... 27 APPNA SEHAT ...... 29 International Education & Research, G. Naheed Usmani, MD ...... 33 Tele-Healthcare Initiative, rizwan Naeem & Atif Mumtaz ...... 34 Advertisements Human Development Foundation . . . . 2 Articles A Ray Of Hope, Zainab Alam ...... 35 SA International ...... 13 Pakistan: A Dream Gone Sour, Salma Tirmizi, MD ...... 36 APPNA Summer Meeeting ...... 16 APPNA Receives Dr. Zakir Husain Award 2008, Farzana Bharmal, MD . . . 37 Golden Opportunity Recruiters, Inc . . .20 Life And Times Of South Asian Diaspora, Syed Ehtisham, MD ...... 40 Shalamar Hospital ...... 21 Photo Gallery ...... 43 PDM Healthcare ...... 28 Urdu Section ...... 47 Commercial Real Estate ...... 38-39 Roshni Homes ...... Back Cover

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 4 From the Desk of the President APPNA 2008 – The Year In Review

(ACCME). More involvement of the accoun- committee and office management commit- tant and the executive director at the central tee. The opening of wellness center at office was sought. The RESA committee’s APPNA Center is symbolic for Free Medical potential to promote educational and Clinics initiative by APPNA. Many APPNA research work is under appreciated. Nothing activists and fraternal organizations have substantial could be achieved without fund- expressed their desire to develop such facili- ing from the pharmaceutical industry. The ties in order to give back to the society. This key is to apply for grants early in the year. philanthropic venture would be much appre- ciated in the country where the crisis of The ad hoc Health Education Committee healthcare coverage is deepening progres- for Pakistan also known as Medical sively. Education and Research Investment Mahmood Alam, MD Taskforce (MERIT) was established in Dr. Ayub Omayya Memorial Scholarship APPNA President 2008 2007. It was given the status of a standing Award was established in the fall council committee of APPNA at the fall council meeting. A brief report on this subject by the meeting 2008. The future of this committee Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee is being Dear APPNA members, is bright and promising. The promotion of published in this journal. It is suggested to Assalamo-Alaikum and Happy New Year. international standard medical education have a modest start by funding one medical that will hopefully translate into better scholar from Pakistan each year. Initial t was a very humbling experience to serve patient care in Pakistan, arrangement of arrangement for the scholar’s training is APPNA as its 29th President. Empowering short training fellowships for the teaching being arranged at the University of Pittsburg. Community through activism and solidar- faculty from Pakistan, and helping to estab- Similarly, Ayub Omayya Memorial lecture is ity was the theme of the year. APPNA meet- lish the centers of excellence in the areas of also suggested to be held at the Annual Iings and our programs throughout the year patient care that are urgently needed and Meeting CME program. were reflective of our commitment to serving lacking in Pakistan are within the preview of Relief Fund for Baluchistan Earthquake and empowering our community both here this committee. (Please see Winter Meeting Victims and IDPs of Tribal Area is in the US and in Pakistan. I would like to report for brief up-date on APPNA MERIT Established: Social Welfare and Disaster thank all the members of APPNA Council activities in Pakistan). Relief Committee (SW&DR) for their support, the board of trustees for has estab- The Code of Conduct for APPNA their advice, and the Chairs and members of lished a fund to provide emergency relief to Elections: various committees whose hard work helped The Council at its spring meeting the victims of Baluchistan earthquake and approved the final version of Election us to move forward. It is imperative to take a internally displaced people of Northwestern Code of conduct moment and review the whole year to see by an overwhelming Tribal Areas. More than $50,000 were col- what we have achieved and what needs to be majority. This document will now serve as lected and spent for the earthquake victims. done. the policy and procedure for elections over- Members are encouraged to contribute gen- seen by election and nominating commit- erously. About 58 new homes were built in Research Education and Scientific Affairs tee. one of the remote villages in Ziarat Committee (RESA): Excellent Continuing Baluchistan under the direct supervision of APPNA Health Center: APPNA Health Medical Education (CME) programs were APPNA through its Pakistan office. I had the Center was inaugurated in August this offered throughout the year. APPNA Council opportunity to visit the area and meet with year at our headquarters, Westmont IL. at the spring meeting approved to hire a full the residents during my recent visit to The space acquired next to APPNA office time secretary to assist RESA Committee Pakistan. provided the compensation for such services last year is the initial place selected for this Advocacy For Civil Liberties: will come from RESA accounts. The CME wellness and screening clinic. The clinic is APPNA had paperwork will be handled by the central equipped with donations from APPNA organized a series of events in collaboration offices. More clarity was brought to the members and is being run by volunteers of with its partners at the summer meeting to RESA accounts to achieve compliance with Pakistan Physician’s Society (PPS), a chapter address the issues of visa issuance to our the requirements of the Accreditation of APPNA. The future of this clinic is envi- young physicians and the delays in their Council on Continuing Medical Education sioned as an independent organization run- security clearance, delays in the issuance of ning the clinic overseen by APPNA executive green card and citizenships, ethnic profiling,

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 5 APPNA 2008 – The Year In Review

and US-Pakistan relations. The contribu- model system in a charity hospital in Mardan, APPNA’s major focus during the Summer tions of the PAK-PAC, the Muslim Advocates, in which a state of the art dedicated internet Meeting, which is not a true face of APPNA. and the Center for Voter Advocacy were of access via VSAT Satellite, was established APPNA is a medical professional organiza- great help for the success of these events. recently. The inaugural ceremony and a day- tion of Pakistani-descent physicians, which The Day on the Hill was held on June 26, long medical camp at the Mardan clinic were was created as an educational and charitable 2008, which was cited the most successful held on December 27th 2008. non-profit organization. According to the and productive event during our Summer Council’s decision, all political forums at Communication Committee: APPNA Meeting. More than two dozen Senators, APPNA meetings would require prior Council approved a Bimonthly E-Newsletter Congress representatives, and their staffers approval from the Council. at the spring meeting. The first issue was attended the luncheon reception. Senator brought in October 2008.The new Web Recognition of Chief Justice (CJ), Mr. Joseph Biden unveiled his plan to providing site was also initiated with approval of funds Iftikhar Chaudry, by APPNA: APPNA is a Pakistan $1.5 billion per year for the next at the fall council meeting. The blue print is non-political, professional, and charitable several years in non-military aid. This legisla- ready and final version of the Web site is organization, which represents about 15,000 tion, if passed, provides an unprecedented expected to be launched in early 2009. Pakistani-descent physicians in North opportunity to increasing support for America. At the same time Pakistani-descent Pakistan in the fields of education, health- The Canadian Chapter of APPNA was physicians have always expressed to play a care, and economic development. This ses- established and formally incorporated as role in promoting a tolerant society in sion was followed by a meeting with the the component society of APPNA in the Pakistan with moderate outlook that is gov- secretary of Homeland Security, Mr. Chertoff, fall council meeting. erned by democratically elected public repre- at his office. The Society for Future Physicians (Student sentatives. I felt that recent movement for The Committee for Young Physicians con- Section of APPNA), and the Pakistani up-holding the rule of law and promotion of tinues to provide assistance to our incoming Dental Society of North America (Dental justice was a significant contribution to the young physicians in pursuit of their training APPNA) were given the status of Auxiliary Pakistan by the lawyers. I suggested APPNA in the US. The interactive Web site for organizations of APPNA. Auxiliary organi- Council to express our gesture of compli- Young Physicians was up-dated by the com- zations work under APPNA charter, report ments to Mr. Chaudhry during his visit to mittee this year. A research competition for their activities and finances to APPNA the US in November 2008. In fact, he came the resident physicians was held at the Council, and can use APPNA tax ID num- to receive the Medal of Freedom from the Washington DC summer meeting and also ber. The rules and regulations for their gov- Harvard Law School for his courageous at the Winter Meeting in Lahore, Pakistan in ernance should be consistent with APPNA commitment to up-hold the supremacy of collaboration with RESA committee. constitution and bylaws. The president of law in Pakistan. An emergency meeting of Society for Future Physicians and of Dental the Council was called for its approval. I am APPNA Tele-Healthcare Project: APPNA APPNA will seat in the APPNA Council as proud of Council’s approval to recognize CJ procured a grant for capacity building of its non-voting members. Similarly, the for his stand and service to the people of lady health workers in rural Mardan via use Graduates of South American and Pakistan. The award was given to the CJ on of ICT-based telemedicine from USA Caribbean Medical Schools have organized November 22, 2008 at a prestigious gather- National Academy of Science (NAS). This is themselves under one Alumni Association ing attended by scores of APPNA members an extension of pilot project (Jharoka) of and would be part of APPNA as one of its in New York. APPNA and Stanford University on provid- auxiliary organizations. ing telemedicine help to earth quake region Young Professionals Network (YPN): The via physicians in USA. This grant highlights Political activism in APPNA: A motion was need for social interaction of our youngsters a new paradigm as how APPNA can work passed in fall meeting to control the debates in an organized manner was felt over the with US funding agencies to provide help on Pakistani politics during APPNA meet- years. YPN is a platform for APPNA related and promote medical education and transfer ings. The critics of politics at APPNA meet- professionals who come across each other to of technology from the US to Pakistan. The ings cited controversial crossfire at a political find a future partner for their life amongst credit goes to Dr. Rizwan Naeem from forum held during the summer meeting. The APPNA Community. First such successful APPNA who jointly worked with Atif proponents of the motion to control the event was held at the summer meeting. The Mumtaz, IT fellow at Stanford University to political forums at APPNA had argued that second event held at the fall meeting, which procure this grant. Mr. Mumtaz has setup a media portrays such political activities as (Continued on Page 11)

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 6 President Elect’s Message

his dedicated staff at our Chicago Office. I honor my commitment to these dedicated will personally ensure that the office staff APPNA members. extends maximum courtesy to APPNA members. I would also request our members Our homeland Pakistan now has a vibrant to be appreciative of the hard work that our democracy at all levels of the government office staff undertakes throughout the year. I but is nevertheless passing through very will request all the committee chairs and tumultuous times. Pakistan is facing major members to help make APPNA a truly economic challenges that have impacted, vibrant and professional body which will and will continue to impact, Pakistan for help groom volunteers for future years. foreseeable future and will shrink the limited InshaAllah, you will see our committees public healthcare even further. In a country, working in tandem, taking APPNA to higher where polio was once made extinct, it has Syed A. Samad, MD levels of professionalism. slowly begun to arise again. Healthcare APPNA President 2009 infrastructure is crumbling rapidly. The With changes occurring on the political recent catastrophic earthquake in Ziarat and landscape of the U.S., we find ourselves pass- mass migration of refugees has clearly Assalam-o-Alaikum APPNA Members ing through some very interesting and exposed the almost non-existent healthcare ay the season and coming year “changing” times. President-elect Barak system in Pakistan. On the other hand, turn out to be blissful and produc- Obama is coming in with a strong message APPNA has seen increasing collaboration tive for all of us and APPNA – of hope and change. His policies include with academic healthcare institutions in ameen! major changes in healthcare, bringing Pakistan. Our members would like to see M Americans closer to a universal healthcare APPNA do more for Pakistanis. It will be a As 2008 draws to a close and a new year system. As an organization of medical and major challenge for our team members to begins, APPNA is faced with many new related professionals, we need to closely identify optimal channels for working col- opportunities and challenges. But these are examine the Barak Obama healthcare plan laboration with healthcare institutions in also very exciting times as much has hap- and help our members understand its poten- Pakistan, while constantly striving to improve pened in our two homelands, the U.S. and tial impact. We will also explore a possibility APPNA’s resources to undertake such work. Pakistan. of preparing a document to be distributed to Without generous financial and logistic sup- our members to further help them under- port from APPNA members, we will not be As I look at my checklist for 2009, I see my stand the expected changes to be seen in the able to create miracles, which inshaAllah we work divided into three main spheres. First future. In addition, we will be working will, if we all work as a team. and foremost is enhancing the professional- closely with the new U.S. administration to ism in APPNA at every level. I intend to explore opportunities that could enhance I would like to take this opportunity to achieve this with the help of numerous APPNA’s profile as a vibrant professional thank you for electing me as APPNA’s presi- APPNA volunteers, many of whom will body with its unique membership profile. dent. I would also like to confirm that I take serve in APPNA committees and deliver for Another area in which I am particularly this trust very seriously and know the mag- our members, inshaAllah. I am also counting inclined to work in is the active participation nitude of Herculean challenges that face our on the dedication and commitment of of APPNA members helping its community team. I humbly request your prayers and APPNA’s executive committee for 2009. at-large to open community clinics for the goodwill and sincerely hope that if our team Our guidance and support will also come indigent and under-served across the U.S. I members ask you for help, you will be gener- n from our board of trustees, past presidents, have been asked by many members to aggres- ous in your support. (Executive Director) Dr. Tariq Cheema and sively pursue this possibility and intend to

The publication committee would like to request articles, medical news and other information of interest for the summer issue of the journal. Vintage pictures or member news can also be submitted. Issues of concern can be sent as letters to editor for inclusion in the next issue. The articles can be submitted to [email protected]. The last date for submission is April 30th.

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 7 Treasurer’s Report

make APPNA’s finances transparent for our We also teamed together and offered finan- membership. cial aid to the victims of the tragic earth- quake that occurred this year in Baluchistan, The role of treasurer also involved oversight Pakistan. As a community, we donated over of APPNA’s finances and enhancement of $17,500 for earthquake relief from St. APPNA’s fiscal stability. My accomplishment Louise, MO. in this regards was obtaining several grants for APPNA. These grants include an unre- I am looking forward to serving you in 2009 stricted grant of $20,000 from Biotronic for as your secretary. As always, any comments our summer 2008 meeting, $10,000 from and or suggestions are appreciated. n Boston Scientific for our fall 2008 meeting, Best Regards, and another $5,000 from Biotronic for Manzoor Tariq, MD, FACC, FSCAI CME at our fall 2008 meeting. I have also Treasurer, APPNA 2008 Manzoor Tariq, MD received commitment for future grants from Secretary, APPNA 2009 FACC, FSCAI, FACP, FCCP several other pharmaceutical and medical [email protected] APPNA Treasurer 2009 equipment companies.

Dear APPNA Members, APPNA SUMMARY BALANCE SHEET Assalam-O-Alaikum: as of NOVEMBER 30, 2008

t has been my pleasure and honor to serve ASSETS you as your APPNA Treasurer for the year of 2008. I tried my best to uphold the Checking accounts 110,782 office of Treasurer in the best manner possi- Ible. During my term, I made visits to our Securities - SmithBarney 843,585 APPNA Central Office in Chicago to have Real Estate 330,345 personal meetings with our office staff, including our CPA, Mr. David Lade, and Receivables from Affiliates our Executive Director, Dr. Tariq Cheema. (for summer mtg) & These visits allowed me to personally view prepaid expenses 137,150 our finances. I am thankful for the general ------support from everyone which made my term TOTAL ASSETS 1,421,862 an excellent experience and very successful. Special thanks go to my Finance Committee who made significant contributions to LIABILITIES APPNA’s finances and were very productive. I would also like to thank the Executive Deferred Revenue - receipts for Committee which was instrumental in help- Australia and Winter Mtgs. (76,540) ing me reach our goals. Accounts payable and At the beginning of my term in 2008, the other accrued liabilities (103,779) Financial Procedures and Policies were revis------(180,319) ited and reinforced. During the spring meet- ing in Louisville, Kentucky, the council approved that APPNA should have an out- lined budget in order to make meetings NET ASSETS profitable, or at least budget neutral. Unrestricted Fund Balances 16,334 For the first time in APPNA’s history, we Lifetime Dues 1,051,585 provided a financial record for viewing on Restricted Funds 173,624 the APPNA website. I am hopeful that this ------will become a tradition and will be updated = $1,421,862 - $180,319 1,241,543 on a regular basis. This fulfills the promise to ======

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 8 Empowering Community – Empowering Pakistan APPNA Winter Convention at Lahore – the Grand Finale 2008!

Mahmood Alam, MD & Naheed Usmani, MD

he last APPNA event for 2008 was College (AIMC) and the Winter Convention in Lahore, for two hours in the Pakistan, held from December afternoon at the Pearl 20-25. There was no better time to visit Continental (PC) TPakistan to show our support and solidarity Hotel. APPNA CME with its people than this winter, as the cur- in collaboration with rent geopolitical status is uncertain and grim AIMCON 2008 was for our motherland. The last APPNA meet- inaugurated by Chief ing held in Lahore was in 2000 during Dr. Minister of Punjab, Mr. Javed Akhtar’s presidency. In 2005, due to Mohammad Shahbaz the Kashmir earthquake, the executive com- Sharif. The third CME mittee of Dr. Hussain Malik moved the session was held on winter meeting from Lahore to Rawalpindi December 23rd at the Seminar, Role of Expatriate Pakistanis in uplifting our Nation, at PC Lahore APPNA Winter Banquet, from left to right are, Mubasher Rana in support of APPNA earthquake relief King Edward Medical (moderator), Zaheer Ahmad (Chair TMF), Javed Akram (Principal efforts. The visiting team of APPNA physi- University (KEMU), AIMC), Mahmood Alam (President APPNA), Babar Ali (Chair BOT, cians was extremely productive, delivering Lahore. The visiting LUMS), Ahmed Bilal Mahboob (Executive Director, PILDAT), and high quality of medical education, develop- APPNA CME faculty Zafarullah Khan (VC, KEMU) ing cooperative and collaborative areas of included Drs. Ashfaq interests, participating in medical college Shuaib, Asif Bashir, Shaharyar Sheikh, Faisal Young Physicians Research Competition convocations. Cheema, Naheed Usmani, Syed A. Hosain, and Career Counseling Seminar was held Adeel Butt, Mobeen Rathore, Waqar Azeem, Continuing Medical Education (CME) on December 22, at the Pearl Continental Arif Siddiqui and Immad Sadiq. hotel attracting more than 350 young physi- Program: Under the untiring leadership of cians and medical students. Dr. Mahmood Dr. Adeel Butt, 12 hours of category 1 Educational Activities, Reception, and Alam, President APPNA gave a brief account Continuing Medical Education (CME) cred- Convocation at Allama Iqbal Medical of APPNA’s contributions to young physi- its were given over the period of 3 days, in College, (AIMC): The educational activities cian’s issues related with residency training in three different venues. A potpourri of general at AIMC were organized under “AIMCOM the US. He reassured the audience that medical and surgical topics was carefully 2008” in collaboration with APPNA and APPNA will continue its role for the advo- selected by the CME committee in which the Allama Iqbal Medical College Alumni cacy of Pakistani physicians coming to the faculty from both US and Pakistan partici- Association of North America (AIMCAANA). US for training. KEMCAANA President, pated. An initial review of the evaluation by The theme was, “Join hands, Promote Dr. Mubasher Rana extended KEMCAANA’s the participants rates the whole CME activity healthcare”. A Community Health Awareness full support for the young physicians for favorably, reflecting the excellent work done Seminar jam packed the auditorium of their academic endeavors both in Pakistan by the Winter CME Committee. A 46-page AIMC on Saturday December 20, 2008. and in the US. For the research competition, APPNA Winter CME magazine was pub- Principal AIMC, Professor Javed Akram, Dr. the selection committee chose about 30 lished outlining the complete program includ- Mahmood Alam, Dr. Sajid Chaudhary, Dr. research papers for poster presentations. ing the CME and young physician’s research Babar Cheema, Dr. Saeed Elahi, and Dr. Amongst these, 6 were selected for oral pre- competition abstracts. For the first time in Ashraf Chohan were the panelists. The semi- sentation. The judges expressed great satis- APPNA and JPMA history, a special supple- nar faculty focused on common ailments in faction with the quality of basic and clinical ment of Journal of Pakistan Medical the community and discussed guidelines for research by the presenters. Cash awards were Association (JPMA) was produced commem- the prevention of heart diseases, stroke, and distributed to the participants by APPNA. orating the young physician’s research compe- infectious diseases. The main focus was on tition, which included all the abstracts. the therapeutic value of life style changes to The career counseling seminar generated an reduce the pandemic of coronary heart dis- overwhelming interest amongst the young The inaugural CME session was held jointly ease in urban population. A mushaira pro- physicians and students. Dr. Faisal Cheema, with Pakistan Society for Family Physicians gram was held in the evening in which many research scientist Columbia University, spoke on Sunday December 21 at the Avari Hotel APPNA delegates participated. about research track careers in medicine. Dr. for 4 hours. Dr. Hassan Bukhari and Dr. Asima Ahmad, a student of MPH at the Mubasher Rana were the Co-Chairs of the Association of Pakistani Cardiologists of Harvard School of Public Health, gave an first and second sessions, respectively, along North America (APCNA) also held a overview in public health careers. Shehryar with local faculty. The second CME session hands-on workshop in collaboration with Ansari, Managing Director, Eli Lilly Pakistan, was held on December 22nd, for 3 hours in the Cardiology Department at the Jinnah threw some light on Pharmaceutical careers the morning at the Allama Iqbal Medical hospital. for the physicians. Dr. Adeel Butt guided the

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 9 Empowering Community – Empowering Pakistan

participants about preparing a competitive Improve Post-Graduate Training: College Ali (LUMS), Ahmad Bilal Mahboob, residency application and told the audience of Physicians & Surgeons of Pakistan (CPSP), Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development how to interview. held two working meetings with APPNA and Transparency, Dr. Zaheer Ahmad, and KEMCAANA leadership to discuss the Tameer-e-Millat Foundation and CEO of MBBS Curriculum Reform Colloquium many initiatives CPSP has launched to main- Shifa International hospital, Islamabad, Dr. Elicits KEMU Commitment to Reform: tain the high standard of post-graduate certi- Zafar Ullah Khan, Vice Chancellor KEMU, The King Edward Medical University fication and training in Pakistan and to and Dr. Javed Akram, Principal AIMC. Dr. Auditorium was the venue for a standing- request collaboration from APPNA to help Alam reiterated in his welcome address that room-only gathering of KE faculty for an in launching new training programs and APPNA is committed to bringing positive all-day international colloquium on improving existing ones. CPSP plays the role change in the social fabric of Pakistan by Undergraduate Medical Curriculum Reform in Pakistan that American Specialty Boards improving education, healthcare delivery, on Wednesday, December 24th 2008. Jointly do in the US. CPSP offers Fellowship train- and by prompting social justice in society. sponsored by KEMU, KEMCAANA, and ing in 53 disciplines and Membership in 10. He stressed the need to bring out the moder- APPNA MERIT, the colloquium brought More than 5500 training slots have been ate and tolerant outlook of Pakistan in the together Vice Chancellors, Deans, Professors, awarded in 125 CPSP accredited medical international arena. Dr. J. Akram asked the and medical students from the US and institutions throughout Pakistan. APPNA delegates to give back to their Alma Pakistan. Presentations focused on the cur- Maters, to improve medical education and rent state-of-the-art in evidence-based, com- CPSP President Prof. Zafar Ullah provide better healthcare in the public hospi- petencies-oriented undergraduate medical Chaudhry, and Regional Director CPSP tals where most of the population is treated. education internationally, the status and Lahore Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal, hosted Dr. Zafar Ullah Khan reviewed the MBBS challenges of MBBS teaching in Pakistan, the APPNA team. Areas of mutual collabo- curriculum reform initiative at KEMU and and the lessons from recent pioneering edu- ration will include the development of fel- appreciated APPNA MERIT’s and cational reform initiatives in Pakistan. lowships in new specialties for Pakistan: KEMCAANA’s role in initiating the dia- KEMU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Zafar Critical Care Medicine, Emergency Medicine, logue. Dr. Zaheer Ahmad focused on the Ullah Khan, required the full KE faculty to and Pediatric Hematology Oncology. CPSP importance of literacy improvement in attend the colloquium, as an indication of also asked for qualified APPNA physicians to Pakistan and the positive role played by the KEMU’s seriousness about medical educa- participate as CPSP examiners for fellowship NGOs supported by the expatriates. As an tion reform. Following the colloquium he certification and serve on specialty curricu- example he cited the creation of Shifa met with KEMCAANA and APPNA MERIT lum panels. The college would be willing to International hospital by expatriates that is leadership to announce a set of concrete pay the travel cost as well as host the examin- providing quality medical education. Mr. reform steps which include: the establish- ers. An examiner for CPSP has to meet Babar Ali emphasized the importance of ment of a Medical Education Department at CPSP requirements such as board certifica- good quality higher education in the devel- KE; a request to KEMCAANA and APPNA tion and faculty appointment in a teaching opment of any economic infrastructure in MERIT to help revise the first 2 year cur- institution for 10 years. Pakistan. He shared his experience at LUMS. riculum based on semester system, modular APPNA visits Lahore University of Mr. Ahmad Bilal Mahboob declared that integrated teaching and early introduction of Management Sciences (LUMS): After a without investment in democratic institu- clinical medicine; formation of a curriculum guided tour of LUMS, by Vice Chancellor, tions, there cannot be improvements in reform steering committee of KEMU faculty Dr. Ahmad J. Durrani, APPNA delegates education and delivery of better services to and administration to shape the curriculum were hosted at a dinner reception by the the Pakistani public. He gave an introduc- reform initiative, with collaborative mem- Chair, Board of Trustees, Mr. Syed Babar Ali, tion of what PILDAT is doing to improving bers from KEMCAANA and APPNA Rector, Mr. Razzaq Dawood and other deans legislative development and transparency. MERIT. and faculty members of LUMS. Mr. Babar The seminar was followed by the dinner and 2008 Convocations: Convocations were Ali and Dr. Durrani focused on the develop- live entertainment by Jawad Ahmad. held at AIMC on Dec. 24, 2008 and at ment of the new School of Science and Heartiest congratulations and thanks are KEMU on Dec. 25, 2008. Syed Yousaf Raza Engineering and requested APPNA mem- owed to all the organizers of APPNA Winter Gillani, Prime Minister, Islamic Republic of bership for their support. Convention 2008, for their hard work, Pakistan was the Chief Guest at both events. APPNA Banquet and Seminar “Uplifting enthusiasm and participation for making APPNA delegates attended these celebra- Our Nation; Role of Expatriate Pakistanis this meeting a real success. n tions to support and encourage the young in Education, Healthcare, And Economic medical graduates from their alma maters. Development” was held on Tuesday Dec. College of Physicians & Surgeons of 23, 2008 at the Pearl Continental Hotel, Pakistan Asks APPNA MERIT to Help Lahore. The panelists included Syed Babar

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 10 Punjab Medical College Alumni Association of North America

Dear APPNA members and their families; PMC. Dr. Haq had a slide show which he Tariq also joined our meeting. They appreci- presented to all the participants. It detailed ated our success and encouraged us to grow he last meeting Punjab Medical the changes that both PMC and Faisalabad and expand our alumni base. We wrapped College Alumni Meeting was a great have gone through during the last 25 years. up the night with elections. Nominations success, which was held Washington, After the presentation, we knew so much of came up from the floor. I would like to pres- DC. The room was crowded with people, all the latest news that we felt as though we had ent to you the slate of new officers for Tof whom were excited to walk down the never left Faisalabad. After this, the floor 2009: memory lane. At this time, I would like to opened up to the audience. All the members’ communicate to all of you the proceedings President: Dr. Mohammad Ashraf, OH present recounted old memories through of the PMC Alumni Summer Meeting. The telling jokes, anecdotes, and by sharing per- President Elect: Dr. Mohammad Sadique, NJ evening began with opening remarks by Dr. sonal stories about the adventures they had Shahnaz Akhtar. These were followed by a Secretray: Dr. Mohammad Yusaf, AK during their college years. We were so caught recitation of a sura from the Holy Quran by up in the moment that we almost missed Treasurer: Dr. Tariq Aziz, NJ n Dr. Mohammad Ashraf. Dr. Khalid Wasim dinner. During our event, the Central then introduced the chief guest from Warmest Regards, APPNA leadership consisted of President, Pakistan, Dr. Arashad-Ul-Haq. Dr. Haq is a Dr. Shahnaz Akhtar Dr. Mahmood Alam, President Elect Dr. Professor of Medicine at PMC. He has also Trustee PMCAANA Syed A. Smad, and Treasurer Dr. Manzoor served as head of the Medical Department at

Year In Review (Continued from Page 6) was also well received. It appears that the was given at the fall council meeting by the Officers come and go but the institution YPN would be a regular feature at our meet- Committee Chair. The committee suggested remains. The work of APPNA is a contin- ings in future. that a comprehensive report on SEHAT is uum of initiatives we had taken during the not possible until after the thorough evalua- past several years. New ventures are being APPNA SEHAT: APPNA could not con- tion of the outcome analysis of this project added every year. I have no doubt in my tinue to support APPNA Sehat effective by an independent agency. mind that unfinished work will be swiftly September 2008 due to decline in earmarked taken by the new Council under the leader- funding over the last few years. So far, the Ratification of Amendments to the ship of president 2009, Dr. Syed Abdus deficit was paid from the general funds. Constitution and Bylaws: The process of Samad. There is a great deal of improvement APPNA Council in its fall meeting decided ratification of amendments to our constitu- needed in the areas of education and research, not to support the project from the general tion and bylaws by the general body could young physicians’ issues, social welfare and funds due to financial crunch. Only the des- not be achieved despite repeated requests to disaster relief, APPNA free clinics, and advo- ignated funds collected for APPNA SEHAT the membership. The proposed amendments cacy of our civil liberties. I pledge my full could be spent in future. APPNA Sehat was were approved by the Council in 2006 and support to enhance APPNA’s great potential stared as a landmark project of health educa- 2007. An affirmative approval from the 50% as the grass root organization of Pakistani tion for rural Pakistan 18 years ago. It pro- active members is required before these pro- Diaspora. Finally, I would like to thank cen- vided health education, awareness of com- posed amendments are enacted. tral office staff, Dr. Tariq Cheema, Denise mon diseases, and immunization in the few Unfortunately, we were few hundred short of Burt, David Lade, and Sidra for their valu- selected areas in Pakistan. An ad hoc com- required number. able contributions to the working of our mittee was appointed by the President to Dear Friends, I tried my level best to achieve secretariat. Thank you and God bless you. look into the present status and future direc- to promote the mission of APPNA this year. tion of this program. A preliminary report n

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 11 KEMCAANA Report

whole year. We will provide you the name approximate cost of the extension to LWH and background of the student you will be is $10,000. adopting, so you can communicate with • Document Verification Process has been them directly if you so desire. You can sign established and is operating very well. Our up for this program on our website: www. office staff at KEMU in collaboration with kemcaana.net. the Registrar’s office is now able to help • KEMCAANA Main Computer Lab for KE Graduates get their credentials and Students and Faculty of KEMU: documents from KEMU in an expedient KEMCAANA established a Main manner. Request for Document verifica- Computer Lab at KEMU. The Lab con- tion can be made on our website. We are tinues to help Students and Faculty in happy to announce that KEMU has also their Education and Research endeavors. been approved for online verification The visitors to the lab have steadily through ECFMG and we are facilitating Mubasher Rana, MD, FACP increased over last several years. The lab this process. has now been expanded to 56 terminals. • Charitable projects aimed at improving We have 3 very able staff members includ- Medical care at Mayo Hospital are ing our KEMCAANA Computer Labs worthwhile and are being undertaken. We EMCAANA Executive Committee: Manager Mr. Rashid Javed managing the are closely working with the KEMU Dr. Mubasher Rana, President; Dr. Labs. It is being done under the diligent Medical Students Welfare society (SPWS) Muhammad Haseeb, President-Elect; supervision of the Chairman KEMCAANA to identify and help with much needed Dr. Masood Akbar, Secretary; Dr. Tariq Computer Labs Project Dr. Arif Toor. We supplies. Recently, with the help of APPNA KJamil, Treasurer, Dr. Ijaz Mahmood, have Broadband Internet connectivity, members, we raised over $11,000 for Immediate Past President. Printing, Scanning CD, DVD writing and supplying Defibrillators to the Emergency technical assistance facility to users in this Assalaam-O-Alaikum. Department of Mayo Hospital. We Main Computer Lab. especially want to thank Dr. Arif Qureshi, It is my privilege to present the KEMCAANA • An electronic medical library comprising of Dr. Aisha Zafar and Dr. Shahid Latif (a report. We at KEMCAANA have been very medical videos covering almost all subjects non-Kemcolian) for taking the lead and busy this year. I want to again express my taught at KEMU, thousands of e-books making it possible. thanks and gratitude to the Executive related to different specialties, informative Council members and Committee chairs for • Anatomy Learning Center: This center articles and presentations, and slides have a tremendous job throughout the year. was established with the generous dona- been placed on the shared network over a tion of Class of 1980 to the students of We have a very strong and cordial working dedicated 160 GB hard disk donated by KEMU with a focus on enhancing their relationship with Professor Zafar Ullah recent graduates (the TSDocs). This educational experience. It continues to Khan, the new Vice Chancellor of KEMU. Electronic Medical Data is accessible to all function well. We thank him and the KEMU Academic the KEMCAANA lab users free of cost. Council for their continued support of our II. KEMCAANA Meetings • HEC has recently provided access to programs and initiatives. online Medical resources like www.access- • KEMCAANA Retreat: KEMCAANA had I. KEMCAANA’s flagship projects at KEMU medicine.com and http://site.ebrary.com/ a very successful Retreat on May 23–25 at Chicago. It started with an exciting boat • The scholarship program under the able lib/kemu to the university. These resources cruise and Mushaira. We had very produc- leadership of Dr. Masood Akbar has been are accessible to all users at all KEMCAANA tive Strategic sessions. The Saturday night going very well. We have steadily increased labs i.e. the Main Lab, the labs in different Banquet was exquisite with wonderful the number of Scholarships during the wards of Mayo Hospital, and the Hostels. entertainment. I want to sincerely thank past eight years. Up till now, we have been • Satellite Computer Labs & Internet Dr. Arif Agha and the Retreat Host awarding 32 scholarships to deserving Connectivity Project: KEMCAANA is Committee for their untiring efforts. students. also running Satellite Computer Labs & • Summer Meeting: KEMCAANA Summer • In October, 2008, we started an additional Internet Connectivity to several sites at Meeting was also very successful. We held 15 scholarships under auspices of “Adopt a KEMU, attached hospitals and hostels. In a joint seminar with APPNA and HDF on student” Program. We thank Dr. Aisha this regard we have established 6 Satellite “Strategic Approach to Enhancing Literacy Zafar for proposing this idea and making Computer Labs and are providing high in Pakistan”. Our Annual Summer Banquet it a resounding success. Under this pro- speed internet facilities to 45 sites on 250 was one of the best attended ever. Mr. gram you can adopt a deserving KEMU Computers. We are also planning to pro- Ethan Casey, author of a well written medical student for a mere $ 500/ year vide internet facility to the Lady Wellington book; ‘Alive and Well in Pakistan” was the which will cover their tuition for the and Lady Atchison Hospitals. The

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 12 keynote speaker. We raised over $ 150,000 in planning and arranging this program. Mahmood for his leadership in revising for our Flagship projects: Scholarship the CABL. • KEMCAANA Retreat 2009 will be held in Program and Computer Lab. St. Louis from March 27 to 29th. This will IV. KEMCAANA Board of Trustees Special Awards were given for Services to include a Mushaira, Dinner at the Historic Asim Malik, MD, Chair KEMCAANA and the Community. The arch, a CME Program, an Art and Mohammad Suleman, MD recipients for Services to KEMCAANA Literature Exhibit along with a Grand Durdana Gilani, MD Award were Dr. Raana Akber for her tre- Banquet Night/Music Entertainment Tariq Khan, MD mendous contributions to our organiza- program Hassan Bukhari, MD tion over the years and Dr. Faiqa Qureshi III. Website for proposing and championing our We are very grateful for the guidance and Scholarship program. The Community • A strong effective Website devoted to support of the KEMCAANA BOT through- Service Award went to Dr. Atiya Khan for Kemcolians and KEMU students has been out the year. They continue to contribute her untiring services to the Community at established. The important features of the tremendously to our Association and have large. website are: always been there when we needed them. • KEMCAANA Winter Meeting: This year Robust Kemcolian Database for Above I have outlined programs conducted we are proud to be hosting APPNA at the Networking under the auspices of KEMCAANA. Besides these programs, lot of Kemcolians in United Winter Meeting. We hope to devote a Online services like Membership and States and Canada are contributing to other major portion of the meeting at KEMU to Meeting Registration; Application for individually funded programs at KEMU. Medical Curriculum Reform. It is very Document Verification encouraging that Vice Chancellor, Our collective goal is and will always be to Professor Zafar Ullah and the KEMU Easy links to KEMCAANA Listserv, Young serve our Alma Mater and the KE Alumnus faculty are very interested in bringing Kemcolians network in the most effective manner. We will con- tinue to help maintain KEMU’s status as the meaningful change to the MBBS Young Kemcolians’ Forum for help with premier educational institution in Pakistan curriculum. Under the able leadership of Residency matching. Dr. Naheed Usmani, Dr. Hassan Bukhari and the world. Online sign up for our Visiting Faculty and auspices of APPNA MERIT, we are We thank all Kemcolians for their support and Students Electives program working diligently to make this meeting and participation. very productive and informational to the Please visit our website: Long Live KEMCAANA and our Great faculty and students of KEMU. We will be www.kemcaana.net. inviting speakers from United States as Alma Mater, KEMU. n • Constitution and Bylaws: This year we are well as Pakistan including the VC of Dow Mubasher Rana, MD, FACP in the process of revising the KEMCAANA University and faculty from AKU. They 1425 South Main CABL. The revision has been approved by have already initiated and implemented Walnut Creek, CA 94506 the KEMCAANA Executive Council. It is meaningful curriculum change at their Office # 925-295-6564 now being mailed to the General Body for respective universities. We also want to Direct # 925-295-4587 approval. We want to thank Dr. Khalid thank the APPNA Chair of Winter Fax # 925-736-3184 meeting, Dr. Adeel Butt for his assistance

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APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 13 AIMCAANA Report

IMCAANA has achieved most of featuring Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, will also result in smooth transition its goals set at the start of year 2008. Honorable Ambassador Hussain when AIMCAANA leadership switches It has successfully reached to over Haqqani, Lisa Curtis (Senior Research every year. 700 Iqbalians residing in USA and many of Fellow at The Heritage Foundation) and 10. AIMCAANA is collaborating with whomA are now actively involved in different Anis Haroon (Director, Aurat AIMC Principal Professor Javed Akram activities of AIMCAANA. Some of the Foundation). This was a memorable Akram and other faculty members in achievements are as below: moment in APPNA history as first time holding an educational conference titled two alumni associations worked together 1. AIMCAANA website was updated and as AIMCON at AIMC from December to arrange an event. I am positive that many new features were added. Payments 21 to 24 this year. Educational lectures this trend will continue to flourish in can now be made online using papal. and workshops focusing on different future. Social forum was well attended specialties will be arranged. APPNA 2. AIMCAANA blast email system was and was essentially the highlight of the CME will also be held at AIMC on developed that is now reaching more APPNA 2008 summer meeting, December 22, 2008. than 500 Iqbalians and has played an Washington, DC. important role in communicating with 11. AIMCAANA is also planning to adopt 7. AIMCAANA Endowment fund was the membership. few projects at AIMC including a model established and has reached $50,000 that diabetic enter and providing equipment 3. AIMCAANA Connection was pub- was more than our expectations. to pathology department. AIMCAANA lished, first ever AIMCAANA publica- Fundraising was also done for the schol- hopes that Professor Javed Akram who is tion, and was well perceived by not only arship fund for the medical students at a very dedicated person will take AIMC Iqbalians but also by other APPNA AIMC who require financial assistance. I to new heights and we plan to assist him members. am proud to report that my fellow in every possible way, inshallah. Iqbalians opened their hearts for both of 4. AIMCAANA elections were held through these projects and pledged around AIMCAANA has developed a team of dedi- mail ballot and both candidates and vot- $95,000 and almost 80% of these pledges cated volunteers this year that will continue ers demonstrated high level of morality have been fulfilled to this date. to assist Dr. Rizwan Akhtar (President 2009) and respect for each other. in fulfilling our plight to reach higher and 8. AIMCAANA loan program is being 5. AIMCAANA annual summer meeting higher levels with each passing year. established to assist Iqbalians who are had the highest ever attendance and AIMCAANA also thank Dr. Tariq Cheema seeking training programs in US and around 175 Iqbalians and their families (APPNA ED) for providing valuable assis- need financial assistance. shared old memories with each other. tance and guidance in different matters. In Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan was the keynote 9. AIMCAANA has moved its bank the end, we are truly thankful to all the speaker and ignited old memories when accounts to Chicago under APPNA in Iqbalians who have played a vital role in our his older brother Dr. Ijaz Ahsan was the compliance with the guidelines sent by achievements and without their love and principal of AIMC. central APPNA. This will result in better devotion we would not have fulfilled any- and timely accounting and auditing for thing. Remember Once Iqbalian, Iqbalian 6. AIMCAANA also arranged a social APPNA as we use its tax id number. It forever. n forum in collaboration with DOGANA

Association Of Pakistani Physicians Of North America 2009 Official Results Ballots Mailed ...... 1931 Envelopes To Be Opened . . 1467 President-Elect ** Dr. Zeelaf Munir . . . . 945 Envelopes Received . . . . 1555 Void Ballots ...... 23 Dr. Sajid Chaudhary . . . 497 Total Void Envelopes . . . . . 88 No Sbe ...... 15 Treasurer No Signature ...... 71 Identifying Marks On Sbe . . . 5 ** Dr. Saima Zafar . . . . .869 Incorrect Envelope ...... 2 Identifying Marks On Ballot . . 1 Dr. Tariq Mahmood . . . 562 Duplicate And Original Ballot . . 4 Blank ...... 1 SECRETARY ** Dr. Manzoor Tariq .Unopposed Postmarked After 6/20 . . . . 11 Overvoted ...... 1 Elected By Acclamation Valid Ballots To Be Tallied . 1444 **Elected

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 14 DOGANA 2008 Review

a complete, regularly updatable data base ex-principal of DOW Medical College and and is open to Dowites around the world. It Former Secretary of Health Sind. provides all Dowites a unified platform for The Social Forum is the DOGANA bench- communication and interaction with their mark event at the summer meetings. Dr. friends, as well the traditional utility of keep- Tanveer Imams’ leadership took this event a ing members updated and informed. step further, when this year DOGANA Dowlink was revitalized under the magical joined hands with Allama Iqbal Medical touch of Dr. Rizwan Karatela. DowLite College Alumni (AIMCAANA) to hold one International was revived after 25 years with of the most successful social forums, where regular electronic issues distributed to over 2000 within 10 minutes of start time there was not Dowites internationally whose information is even standing space available. available currently. The two issue of Dowlink DOGANA and DOW Medical College: The have been published and the final issue high- M.N. Qureshi, MD, PhD, FCAP roots of DOGANA are nourished by DOW lighting the history of DOW and DOGANA is President 2008 Medical College and Civil Hospital. The scheduled to go to print in December. spirit to give back to DOW has been alive Constitution and By-Laws: The need to this year as always. The ground work of he executive council of DOGANA update the constitution and by-laws of DOW Scholarship Fund, brainchild of Dr. took 2008 heads on with an agenda DOGANA was recognized in the first retreat Sohail Khan has been laid and over $20,000 to consolidate the great leaps in St. Louis. Three consecutive CABL com- has been pledged as a startup fund. We hope DOGANA has made in recent years, and mittees have worked on updating the the fund will grow each year and become a Tmove forward with a renewed enthusiasm. Constitution. We are proud to report that at major source of assistance for students of The success of this strategy has been obvious this year’s annual general body meeting a DOW Medical College. Dr. Shahid Naqvi in everything done by DOGANA this year, consensus document was presented by Dr. has spent the year organizing and raising from the exhilarating Spring Retreat to pic- Wajid Baig, chair of CABL Committee and funds for the DOW Class of 1983 Silver ture perfect Annual Summer Meeting. Below unanimously approved. We hope this docu- Jubilee Project. With the coordinated efforts is a brief summary of the activities of ment will serve us for many years to come. of the class of 1983 in North America, DOGANA during 2008. Pakistan, Europe and Middle East, a state of Membership Meetings: The spring retreat the art clinical laboratory is slated to open on Organizational Strategies: An organizational over the last 5 years has become the Hallmark December 29th, 2008. Similarly the class of plan was approved by the Executive of camaraderie of Dowites in North America. 1982 is actively working under the guidance Committee during its first meeting in early It also provides an opportunity for brain- of Dr. Parvaiz Alavai towards completion of January. The highlights of the plan include: storming and planning for DOGANA. This the Medical ICU, their Silver Jubilee formation of all committees, budgetary plan- years meeting was held in New York under Project. ning and approval, including hiring an the passionate leadership of Dr. Qadir accountant, fiscally responsible investment Sheikh, and, as always was a resounding suc- The annual DOGANA winter meeting at of funds, hiring professional help for website cess with over 300 Dowites and family mem- DOW Medical College will be held from development and maintenance, renewed bers in attendance for the Banquet. December 24th to 26th, 2008, with clinical emphasis on updating the constitution and rounds, hand on workshops and lecture Once again DOGANA was the largest alum- by-laws and involvement of membership. series. This year DOGANA will be present- nus in attendance at the annual summer The Executive Council and various commit- ing awards for best research efforts in basic meeting in Washington. Dr. Talha Siddiqui, tees have had meetings as needed other than and clinical sciences and to the best faculty Chair of the Summer Meeting has proven the planned monthly Executive Council members. meetings, resulting in thousands of hours of that no organization can move forward with- dedicated and coordinated effort. out infusion of new blood with new ideas I would like to ask everyone to join me in and fresh energy. From the intertwined red applauding the Executive Council, Communication Revamped: Membership and green balloons, registration desk and Committee Chairs and Members and many Communication is one of the feathers in food at the Annual General Membership other unnamed members whose hard work, DOGANA’s Cap this year. The website meeting to the “History of DOW” display dedication and selfless efforts have made which served well until now was redone in everything was done with an eye at perfec- 2008 a wonderful year for DOGANA. THE CMS (Content Management System) under tion. The annual lifetime achievement award SPIRIT OF DOW IS ALVE IN the leadership of Dr. Nasir Shahab. The new was presented to Dr. Shafi Quraishy, DOGANA. n website has interactive capabilities including

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 15 Welcome to Scenic San Francisco APPNA 32nd Annual Summer Meeting Marriot Downtown, San Francisco July 1-5, 2009

'%%.

APPNA’s 32nd Annual Summer Meeting • San Francisco • July 1-5, 2009 SAVE THE DATE! APPNA Membership Committee Report

APPNA bag, APPNA key chain, Pakistan/ fees. It was suggested that the lifetime mem- American flag pin and an APPNA pen, pro- bership fee, which currently can be paid in vide members with a list of APPNA approved installments within one year, should extend attorneys with expertise in human rights, to two years with smaller installments. immigration, real estate, etc., a slide show was created to demonstrate what APPNA is, The electronic and paper media of the both socially and academically; the Pakistani Pakistani communities have been contacted. media was contacted in order to market The central executive committee is in the APPNA to the Pakistani community. process of discussing all the legal ramifica- tions with the media so we can market The purpose of these recommendations is to APPNA to the Pakistani community to help attract a positive feedback for prospective recruit new members. Through some of the Asif M. Rehman, MD new members. We are continuing to meet above incentives we should be able to target APPNA Membership Chair with attorneys to discuss the option of offer- 15,000 potential members. ing reduced rates to APPNA members for their services and soliciting airlines and In 2007 with the help of the Central APPNA t is my honor and privilege to serve as insurance companies to provide discount office, we were able to verify total member- chair of the membership committee for rates as well. ship and three members were referred to be two consecutive years, 2007 and 2008, grandfathered in the organization for life- along with other dedicated members who Through the great efforts of Dr. Sarwat Iqbal time membership as they had paid their dues Ihave helped guide me. Together we have we were able to create the first ever dental before the new Constitution was effective in worked to improve membership and con- auxiliary society hoping to convert to dental 2004. tinue the growth of our organization as one component society after Constitutional of the most important associations of physi- amendment is passed. Dr. Javed Iqbal was I wish to thank my 2007 and 2008 team, cians of Pakistani descent. elected first President of the Society. who not only guided me but worked on their alumni and local chapters also. n As of November 2008 our total membership Canada has several active members without is as follows: any participation or organized chapters. Dr. Lifetime ...... 894 Naheed Chaudhry was named as a coordina- Dr. Asif Rehman is a graduate of Nishtar Annual ...... 1,337 tor to create a Canadian chapter last year Medical College in Multan, Pakistan in Physicians in training . . . 105 according to APPNA bylaws. This year we 1988. He completed his residency at Nassau Associates ...... 5 were successfully able to introduce the County Medical Center in New York and Total Membership . . .2,585 Canadian APPNA chapter. Dr. Arshed Saeed National Institute of Health (NIH) in is first President and Dr. Naheed Chaudhry Bethesda, MD; Cardiology fellowship at In 2007 we had more than 400 new mem- as President elect. Winthrop University Hospital in New York bers enrolled. This figure represents the and interventional cardiology fellowship at maximum new enrollments in one year. West Virginia was also added as a new chap- Tufts University in Boston, MA. ter of APPNA. The membership committee recommended He is in private practice as an interventional a comprehensive plan to help grow the orga- Dr. Faziz Bhora co-chaired membership cardiologist at St. Francis Hospital and nization. During the last 5–6 months we committee worked very hard to revitalize Director of the cardiac cath lab and interven- have had many teleconferences and discus- NAMA Hopefully the new generation of tional cardiology at Mercy Medical Center, sions to discuss ways of improving member- children born and raised in this country and Long Island, NY. ship. Two sub committees were formed to those who have gone to medical school will create an appealing package for new mem- have an opportunity to learn about and join bers and increase participation of medical APPNA. students in APPNA. Their recommenda- tions included: Membership ID card, Previously, several incentives were given including reducing lifetime membership

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 17 Social Welfare & Disaster Relief Committee Report

sponsored messages on Pakistani Television family, general, and pediatric care. Dental channels such as GEO. Efforts are underway services and eye screenings are also offered, to produce a 2 minute infomercial in Urdu. along with educational and social services.

BONE MARROW REGISTRY 3. Radio Talk Show (http://www.appna-swdrc.org/Bone%20 Volunteers of SWDR Committee have vol- Marrow%20Registry%20Drive.html) unteered their time and expert advice on a Aims to increase the potential donor pool of Radio Talk Show hosted by Dr. Mujahid Asians willing to donate if required. A regis- Ghazi on the Asian Broadcasting Network. tration booth was functional during the The show airs on AM 1590 every Sunday APPNA summer meeting. A further event and caters to an audience in Chicago and took place in Houston on July 19th in col- adjoining areas. Thus far, Drs. Shagufta Shahabul Arfeen, MD laboration with the Shifa Clinic. Siddiqui and Aisha Zafar have spoken on Chair SW&DR committee Breast Cancer in South-East Asian women, 2. Fiscal Support Dr. Sophia Janjua on Hepatitis C in Pakistan. Dr. Saima Zafar on cardiovascular diseases in Earthquake In Baluchistan Fiscal support for the year 2008 was provided to: Asians and Dr. Shahabul Arfeen on he SWDR committee was quick to Hypertension and Kidney Diseases. respond to the Baluchistan earth- Medicine and Endocrine Foundation, an quake of 2008. Despite consider- NGO housed in the Medical Unit of Jinnah 4. Telemedicine Project able logistical and weather related difficul- Postgraduate Medical Center. The SWDR APPNA is the beneficiary of a $180,000 Tties, volunteers of the SWDRC reached the Committee provided $15000 for establish- grant from the National University of Science affected areas within a week of the disaster. ing an e-library and a skills lab, where stu- and Technology to further the concept of Initial help comprised of food and basic pro- dents and residents will train for procedures telemedicine in Pakistan. visions for 100 families for a month. on manikins. Thereafter building construction material in The grant proposal was the brainchild of Dr. (http://appna-swdrc.org/mef.html) the form of GI sheets and other building Rizwan Naeem and was preceded by a pilot materials were provided to a village. In the ACLS training program in Pakistan. The program called ‘Jharoka’ conceived by Atif final phase we are building 60 winterized Lifesaver Foundation (http://www.lifesavers- Aslam of Stanford University and Rizwan shelters in the village of Kharboz which was foundation.com.pk/), an organization Naeem of Baylor University. The pilot proj- virtually destroyed by the earthquake. founded by APPNA member Saeed Akhter ect enabled Dermatological cases to be sent Construction is anticipated to be complete MD, has been providing ACLS and BLS from Skardu to Boston for consultation by before December 31, 2008. training throughout Pakistan for the past 8 Dr. Khalil Khatri. years. The original equipment, which was Anticipated costs thus far is $43,000. The telemedicine project aims to educate donated by members of SMCAANA, needed healthcare workers in the remote areas of 1. Ongoing Projects to be replaced. Funds were provided to pro- Pakistan. The Mardan Hospital is the next cure manikins, defibrillators and interactive APPNA HAYAT designated beneficiary of this project. EKG modules. Dr. Rizwan Naeem traveled to Islamabad in The focus of the project is to increase the Shifa Clinic Houston (http://www.shifaclin- August to attend a conference on Pakistan – awareness of Breast Cancer amongst women ichouston.org/) was the beneficiary of a US science and Technology Cooperation of South Asian descent. The website www. donation on $2549. Program to further the scope of the tele- appnahayat.org has informational material, medicine concept. in Urdu at present, and is being developed to Houston Shifa Services Foundation is a non- profit organization founded by local physi- incorporate brochures in the other regional 6. Earthquake 2005 languages. cians whose mission is to provide a commu- nity oriented alternative for those who can- Related Projects The SW&DR committee had an informa- not afford medical treatment. Shifa clinic APPNA sponsored School at Mohri Farman tional booth at the APPNA summer meet- serves people of any race, color or religion. Shah, Azad Kashmir. ing. In addition we plan to run APPNA Shifa focuses on preventive care, as well as (Continued on Page 19)

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 18 APPNA Publication Committee Report

Shahid Athar (Chair), Salman Zafar Rehman are working hard on the Urdu sec- (Co-chair), Furrukh Malik (Editor, APPNA tions of the winter journal. The incoming Journal), Asif Ali Dar (Editor, Urdu section), President, Dr. Samad is working on appoint- Abdul Rehman, Shahid Yourself, Tarzana ment of new chair and members of Brahma and the President of APPNA, Dr. Publication committee. He, and Dr. Mahmood Alam, as guest. Nadeem Zafar, Dr. Khawar, Dr. Alam and Dr. Furrukh Malik are working on next All the meetings have been conducted in a e-newsletter in coordination with executive friendly and cordial manner. The goals of director. Membership is requested to sub- the committee were published in the spring mit photographs taken by them in summer journal and last report in the summer jour- convention for possible inclusion the jour- nal. The first issue of the e-newsletter pub- nal or newsletter. Shahid Athar, MD lished in fall of 2008 has been liked by all. APPNA Publication Chair The winter issue of the journal is in the I and the members of PC Committee thank preparation and should be out by January APPNA president Dr. Mahmood Alam for 15, 2009. The editor has received several giving us this opportunity to serve APPNA PPNA publication committee met reports and submissions. The deadline has in year 2008. n four times during 2008 in telecon- been extended from December 15th to ference. The last meeting was on Respectfully submitted by, December 30th. Drs. Dar and Abdul DecemberA 11, 2008. It was attended by Drs. Shahid Athar, 12-13-08

Social Welfare & Disaster Relief Committee Report (Continued from Page 18)

The school built in collaboration with TCF APPNA’s NEW YORK CHAPTER pledged and expanded to construct three operating is functional and in full swing. US $200,000 as three-year funding of this rooms and a connecting bridge between the project. units and the OR. APPNA – PIPOS Rehabilitation Center of Mansehra In the year 2006–2007, the Centre provided The center is located on the campus of physiotherapy, prosthetic and orthotic ser- Rawalpindi General Hospital and comprises The Pakistan Institute of Prosthetic and vices to 593 patients. The centre manufac- of the following: Orthotic Sciences (PIPOS) is Pakistan’s pri- tured and fitted 271 assistive devices with mary prosthetic treatment center and the 1. Physiotherapy unit 103 prostheses and 168 orthoses. All services only school for prosthetic and Orthotic sci- were provided free of cost to the patients. 2. Orthopedic workshop and Artificial limb ences in South East Asia. PIPOS was infor- The net project cost to APPNA between center n mally created in 1979 by the German non- June 2006–September 2007 has been Pak profit GTZit and is affiliated with the Respectfully submitted Rupees 4.95 million (US $82,600). Peshawar University. PIPOS is distinguished Shahabul Arfeen as the preeminent amputee hospital in the APPNA Rehabilitation Center at Chair SW&DR Committee country and provides artificial limbs for Rawalpindi General Hospital: patients at five sites across Pakistan. The Mansoor Alam This project was undertaken by APPNA due PIPOS-APPNA Rehab Centre, situated in Co-Chair SW&DR Committee to the personal interest and commitment of the District Headquarter Hospital (DHQ) Professor of Orthopedics, Dr. Salim Chaudhary Shahid Yousuf of Mansehra, has been fully operational since at RGH who has been instrumental in com- Co-Chair SW&DR Committee February 2006. The center is well equipped pleting this project in record time. A budget of with the machinery necessary for the manu- $286,000 was allocated for this project by facturing of prostheses (artificial legs) and APPNA. An existing building was remodeled orthoses (body supports).

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 19 APPNA Finance Committee Report

Dear APPNA Membership, dividends, and interest income. The target of returns is to exceed inflation (CPI). With the Assalam-O-Alaikum: current unstable conditions of the stock mar- ket, our Finance Committee is keeping very am presenting this report on behalf of the close watch over our investments. We have Finance Committee. As you are aware, the made some changes to our portfolio to keep Finance Committee is responsible for in line with the current economic conditions investing the lifetime dues of APPNA in and we hope for a better return. Isuch a manner that they are used to provide for our association’s long-term objectives. Below you will find the investment portfolio Manzoor Tariq, MD This allows us to preserve capital and achieve for APPNA as of November 28, 2008. FACC, FSCAI, FACP, FCCP. consistent returns from capital appreciation, Treasurer, APPNA 2008

INDICES 2004 2005 2006 2007 YTD 11/26/2008 Dow Jones +3.15% -0.61% +16.29% +6.40% -34.20% NASDAQ +8.59% +1.37% +9.52% +9.80% -42.20% S & P 500 +8.99% +3.00% +13.62% +3.50% -39.50% MSCI EAFE +20.70% +14.02% +26.86% +11.62% -46.50% CPI +2.70% +3.40% +2.50% +4.10% +3.39% Blend +10.28% +4.33% +11.90% +4.79% -29.40% * *(48% S&P500 / 40% LB Long Credit Index / 12% MSCI EAFE) APPNA +8.04% +6.10% +11.30% +3.10% -31.10%

I would like to end this report by thanking Dr. Jalil Aziz Khan As always, I appreciate any comments, feed- the Finance Committee for their continued Dr. M. Azam Khan back, or suggestions. n support and excellent contributions. The list Dr. Abdul Majeed of members are as follows: Dr. Atique A. Mirza Sincerely, Dr. Aftab A. Naz Manzoor Tariq Dr. Tanveer Ahmad Dr. Furhan Yunus APPNA Treasurer 2008 Dr. Riaz A. Chaudhry Dr. Sajid M. Zafar APPNA Secretary 2009 Dr. Syed Faisal Jafri Dr. Manzoor Tariq, Chairman Cell: 314-378-1658 Dr. Aamir Z. Jamal [email protected]

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY RECRUITERS INC We recruit Physicians, Surgeons, and Subspecialty Doctors. If you are seeking a Job or if you are an employer looking for a Physician, please contact us. Contact Farah Zabe Phone 407-350-9800 • [email protected] Or just fill out the form at www.goldenopportunityrecruiters.com

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 20 President’s Visits To APPNA Relief & Development Projects in Pakistan

Mahmood Alam, MD

Visit to APPNA Baluchistan Ahmadon, Gogai, Tangi and Warchoom. Visit to APPNA Government Earthquake Relief Project After having initial assessments, planning Girls Middle School Kathai On 25th December, 2008 APPNA President meetings with FC Wam and Ahmedon On 27th December, 2008 APPNA team Dr. Mahmood Alam accompanied by Tariq camps, the team came up with the decision went to village Kathai, Azad Kashmir to see Cheema, (Executive Director) and Zeeshan for selecting Gogai, Tangi and Wam villages the progress at APPNA Government Girls Peracha (local coordinator) visited District for the food and shelter aid. In the initial Middle School. The road from Muzaffarabad Ziarat in Baluchistan to inspect the houses phase food and blankets were distributed to to the line of control is being rebuild hence being constructed by APPNA for the victims 100 households in the area. Following initial travelling conditions were not good. The of earthquake. Leadership met with the vil- assessment and paperwork APPNA build 58 quality of the construction work of Girls lagers and discussed the work in progress. house made of GI sheets, and thermo-pore school is excellent but slow due to the poor The following account gives the summary of sheets were placed between the inner walls of road and whether conditions hampering the the project. Lasani wooden sheets. transportation of materials. The Girls school is expected to relocate in its new building Some parts of Baluchistan were severely Visit to APPNA Rehab Center sometimes in March or April this year. damaged by the earthquake on 29th of & OT Complex at RGH November, 2008. Social Welfare and Disaster On December 26th, President visited Relief Committee came in action again to APPNA Orthopedic Center and help the grieved. APPNA raised more than Rehabilitation Center, a facility constructed $50,000 to cater for two basic needs; food in Rawalpindi General Hospital after the and shelter in the disaster area. Local team earthquake of 2005. It is a fully functional members including Dr. Saeed Akhtar and Rehab facility that caters for a large geo- Zeeshan Peracha visited the most affected graphical area for their orthopedic prosthesis parts of Ziarat District like Wam, Kargan, needs.

Dr. Alam visiting at the Police Hospital in Principal and Faculty Abbottabad, Pakistan. This hospital was re-build Members Required for by APPNA membership donations after the We care earthquake, 2005. a Medical College in Lahore - Pakistan

Visit to APPNA Police Hospital Abbotabad Applications are invited from suitable candidates for the post of Principal and Faculty Members for Shalamar Medical & Dental College. The College, now under construction, shall be a most modern APPNA delegation also visited Police education institution comparable with the best in the world. Following qualification and experience is required: - Hospital on December 27 in the evening where they were welcomed by hospital staff • Should be a full Professor having MRCP or FRCS, Diplomat American Board, Ph.D in Basic Sciences of Medical & related field with 10 years experience. members. This hospital the rebuilt by • Should have requisite experience to handle faculty and administrative affairs. Should have an APPNA and was completed in 2007. This amiable personality. • Should be familiar with preparing and executing operational plans for development of a facility caters mostly for the families of the Medical College. police employees in Abbottabad area. There • Age between 50-55 years (relaxable) • Salary : negotiable with qualification and experience. is an active out-patient department where • Requirement for Faculty members is MRCP, FRCS, Diplomat American Board and Post 30-40 patients were reported to be seen on Graduation in basic sciences of medical & related field with 5 – 10 years experience. daily basis. A 6-bed in-patient physical Submit your application, resume, copies of academic/other certificates, two letters of reference & a arrangement is also present without coverage recent photograph, latest by March 15, 2009 to: Project Director, by the physician around the clock. The Shalamar Medical & Dental College maternity unit also lacks proper equipment Shalimar Link Road, Mughalpura, Lahore-54840, Pakistan. Tel: 92-42-111-205-205 Fax: 92-42-6835555, and staff! n

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 21 APPNA Medical Student Section The Society of Future Physicians

APPNA stands to gain considerable market Pakistani-American community, it is our presence and membership growth via the responsibility to ensure that this “networking development of mechanisms targeting this gap” does not occur again. If these students sector of the Pakistani-American medical have the desire to get involved in medical community. work or research targeting the Pakistani population, is it not our responsibility to APPNA also faces another imperative: the provide mentorship and guidance to them? need to act in time as the culture of medicine – and, indeed, all of Pakistani-American It was with this goal that the Society of society – undergoes significant changes. The Future Physicians was started. The Society medical student of today is representative of hopes to provide: his generation, involved in aca- demic, social and entrepreneurial Asima Ahmad and Adeel A. Butt ventures from an early age and questioning the status quo in the society around him. For these hat began as the idea of a few indi- youth, life is not all about medi- viduals first came into realization cine; rather, medicine is but one in 1977 with the creation of component of their many ambi- APPNA, the nation’s first professional soci- tions. Wety for American physicians of Pakistani The Pakistani-American response descent. Its intentions were clear: to foster to the 2005 earthquake in South collaboration and dialogue within the Asia provides a particularly Pakistani-American diaspora and between revealing case study for this senti- the Pakistani and American medical com- ment. In the earthquake’s after- munities. math, hundreds of Pakistani physicians left • Mentorship and assistance medical stu- In the 30 years since its founding, APPNA their homes in the United States to help the dents and future medical students victims in areas of Pakistan and Kashmir. has successfully opened the proverbial door • Seek out and form relations with residents Though hundreds went, there were still of opportunity for many established physi- and physicians in order to encourage sci- thousands that wanted to provide assistance cians, residents and young physicians alike, entific and academic collaboration and but could not venture out to those regions. particularly for those graduating from also to foster a sense of community. Pakistan’s medical institutions. In the pro- One such group: American medical students cess, however, it has ignored one critical area of Pakistani origin, many of whom lacked • Institute ways and means to cooperate of potential growth: students enrolled in the contacts necessary to connect with the with other student medical organizations North American schools of medicine There Pakistani medical community and offer their and medical organizations in North are approximately 125 allopathic medical assistance in medical relief. Many students America schools in the United States with estimated spent months simply trying to find a contact • Encourage medical education and delivery averages of nine students of Pakistani origin who could help them guide them towards a of better health care in Pakistan per school – providing a pool of over 1,100 target population or hospital with which • Participate in medical relief and other medical students for APPNA to access and they could work during the summer. A for- charitable activities both in Pakistan and engage. (This estimate excludes the consider- tunate few were able to find mentors to in North America able number of students of Pakistani origin guide them through the process, and with who pursue their medical education in either their guidance they were able to assist with The Executive Council of APPNA deliber- Canada or the Caribbean or those enrolled disaster relief efforts in Kashmir soon after ated over several sessions over a 3 year in osteopathic schools.) While the argument the earthquake. However, most were unable period. After several presentations by their that these potential members could simply to go and help despite their desire to do so, representative Asima Ahmad and Council wait to affiliate with APPNA as a resident or due to lack of an easily identifiable mecha- a young physician (as some do currently), nism. As a medical society and a fertile (Continued on Page 25) ground for leadership development in the

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 22 Ayub Khan Ommaya Scholar An Award By APPNA

By Arif A. A. Toor, MD

ost of us have heard of and relate to Rhodes Scholar and received a doctorate in project in Pakistan and one here in the US “Ommaya Reservoir” the living clinical biology from Oxford University. but looking at the financial implications we legacy of Late Dr. Ommaya, a Past While in England, he was named the decided against the idea. The committee has President of APPNA 1981–82. In September Hunterian Professor in the Royal College of come up with a solution that could be well M2008 the executive council of APPNA Surgeons, a singular honor for the young publicized annually both here and in approved the concept of dedicating a project surgeon-researcher. Pakistan. in the Memory of Dr. Ayub Khan Ommaya. Dr. Ommaya could not get a suitable posi- We propose to create an “Ayub Khan I was asked to head the Committee with Dr. tion in Pakistan upon his return from UK so Ommaya scholar” award given to suitable Adeel Butt and Dr. Mohammad Haseeb as he decided to come to the Unites States. candidate to pay his/her fee for one year’s its members by Dr. Mahmood Alam who Here Dr. Ommaya joined the National training in conducting research at the also gave us the full authority to make the Institute of Neurological Disorders and University of Pittsburg. The cost of scholar- decisions. Stroke as an associate neurosurgeon. His real ship of would be $15000.00 per year. But Before I proceed to give you the details of genius, however, was to bring conceptual the beauty of the Program is that this indi- our deliberations and decision I would like theory of the mechanism of head injuries vidual will be interviewed and selected in to give you all some information about the into practice by bringing seemingly diverse Pakistan for a 3 year fully paid Residency Gigantic Personality that we are planning to disciplines to collaborate and find solutions. Program at the University of Pittsburgh. honor, here I acknowledge the most of this In the 1980s, as chief medical adviser to the I am very thankful to Dr. Adeel Butt for the material was written by another Past President U.S. Department of Transportation, Dr. original suggestion and its follow-up with of APPNA Dr. Amjad Hussain in the Daily Ommaya commissioned a comprehensive the University. This plan has passed through Blade from Toledo Ohio. report called “Injury in America.” His efforts the initial hurdles but is not finalized at this led to the establishment of the National Dr. Ayub Khan Ommaya was best graduate stage. Our unanimous recommendation Center for Injury Prevention and Control at of the Punjab University from King Edward however is that we should not look elsewhere the Centers for Disease Control. Medical College class of 1953. Not only a unless due to some unforeseen reasons this brilliant student he also was the best athlete We as the Committee to decide a befitting does fails the final approval from the as well as the best debater of the college. Memorial for such a gigantic personality University. n After graduation he went to England as a discussed the possibilities of having one

International Education & Research (Continued from Page 33)

in November and held discussions with vari- operated by Khalil Khatri in the Boston area APPNA MERIT: Please Join ous stakeholders there and other medical as a Dermatology Telemedicine initiative for APPNA MERIT is your vehicle to give institutions in Pakistan. If you can contrib- Pakistan-based doctors. something back to Pakistan that only you ute to this initiative, please send an email to can – your expertise, your knowledge, your [email protected] APPNA SUKOON Palliative Care mentoring, your professional outlook and Training Initiative ethics as a role model for Pakistani doctors- TELEMEDICINE Initiatives MERIT’s initiative for development of a in-training, and of course your compassion Rizwan Naeem, MERIT committee co-chair, Palliative Care and Hospice Specialty in as a physician for the patients in Pakistan presented the telemedicine/tele-training Pakistan is building in 2008 on its successful who deserve the quality of care your training project “Capacity Building of Lady Health seminar series delivered during December allows you to deliver. You can volunteer for care Workers in Rural Mardan, NWFP 2007 in various Pakistani cities. APPNA has short-duration 2-week teaching assignments, through the use of ICT-Based Telemedicine,” endorsed the INCTR Clinical Guidelines for deliver seminars and hands-on training on at Pakistan-U.S. Science and Technology Palliative Care in low resource countries. your visits to Pakistan, and join or help cre- Conference Islamabad. The project, funded Naheed Usmani will also be on a MERIT ate MERITnets in your specialty areas. Visit by HEC and USAID aims to train lady visiting faculty assignment at Shaukat the APPNA MERIT website at http://sites. health visitors using ICT based Tele-Health- Khanum Cancer Center and Hospital in google.com/site/appnamerit/ or email care. The Mardan facility is now operational. Lahore during December 2008, to help [email protected] to join. n Another Telemedicine initiative is being develop their Palliative Care program.

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 23 Dental APPNA A Platform for Dentists of Pakistani Origin

By Mian K. Iqbal, DMD, MS

he Association of Pakistani Physicians gratitude to her for all of the work that she benefit to develop vital contacts and oppor- of North America (APPNA) has has done. tunities to network and build professional covered a lot of ground in the last 30 skills. Some of the goals of the Dental years since its inception. Over the years The Dental organization was brought to APPNA include arranging continuing dental TAPPNA has turned into a strong organiza- APPNA because it was felt that dentists of education courses, dental trade exhibits and tion charged with promoting and protecting Pakistani origin in North America who opportunities to explore new practice oppor- the efforts of this fantastic community. On wanted to get involved in professional devel- tunities. October 11, 2008, at its fall meeting in East opment seemed to have limited interaction Brunswick, NJ the APPNA council approved with one another. In this regard a plenary If you or someone you know is interested in the establishment of Dental APPNA as one session of the dentists of Pakistani origin was learning more about Dental APPNA and of its auxiliary organizations. held during the 2007 annual summer meet- how you can help bring it into your com- ing of APPNA in Washington, DC. munity please join us at our next scheduled The establishment of Dental APPNA is an Approximately 40 dentists participated in summer meeting, July 1–5, 2009 in San event of historical proportion that has for the the meeting and elected the office bearers. Francisco. Similarly if you think you have first time provided a platform to the dentists the right ideas for Dental APPNA, please of Pakistani descent. Dr. Sarwat Iqbal has The Dental APPNA invites all fellow den- drop us a line. Dentists interested in joining been one of most active physician member of tists from North America to become a united the organization can e-mail at sarwatiqbal5@ APPNA and was instrumental in this achieve- force as contributor, collaborator and co- gmail.com. n ment. Dr. Sarwat took a leap of faith during workers in this fledgling organization. Over the formation of the Dental APPNA, work- the years all the APPNA chapter members Office bearers of Dental APPNA ing tirelessly and persistently on the promise have benefited and the similar opportunities Dr. Javed Iqbal – President that it would succeed. In short, without Dr. will be available to the Dental APPNA mem- Dr. Sami Jangua – General Secretary Sarwat, Dental APPNA would not exist. We, bers. By joining the Dental APPNA the Dr. Malik Mubarik – Treasurer as a dental community, owe a huge debt of Dental community of Pakistani decent can Dr. Mian Iqbal – President Elect 2009

APPNA Members on Tour

APPNA members from Bus #3 assemble before historical buildings of Pisa with the leaning tower seen in the background.

Sitting (L-R): Dr. Ijaz Mahmood, Dr. Rifat Saleem (rear), Sahar Aftab (front), Emaan Mahmood, Dr. Arif Muslim, Dr. Uzma Khalid (Eraaj standing), Ahmad Aftab, Dr. Javed Akhtar.

Standing (L-R): Saeeda Alam, Dr. Tasneim Suleman, Dr. M. Jan, Dr. Rajput, Dr. Mohammad Mirza, Dr. Aftab, Anwar Rahman, Mrs. Rukhi Jan (rear), Amina Rahman, Dr. Karim Nawaz Zafar, Mr. Najmuddin Saleem (rear), Dr. Ghazala Zafar, Dr. Mohammad Suleman (rear in shades), Dr. Khawla Khan, Helen Allen, Mr. Shahid Khalid, Yasmin Mirza, Dr. Nadeem Kazi (in sunglasses), Dr. Zubaida Rajput, Dr. Shahnaz Akhtar, Saeeda Mobinuddin (guide), Mrs. Talat Bukhari, Dr. Zahra Yousuf, Tipu (rear), Arifa Siddiqui, Anwar Siddiqui.

(Photo by M. Shahid Yousuf.)

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 24 APPNA Arizona Chapter Annual Report 2008

he Arizona Chapter of APPNA has Terrorist to Anticipate Attacks Via Our banquet. The AZ Chapter provided an had a busy year in 2008. This year Health System.” It is imperative that we sup- opportunity for its members to hear about some of our members became port independent research that can provide a the status of tort reform in Arizona by a rep- involved with a local free medical clinic that necessary counterweight to such publica- resentative from the Arizona Medical Twe, as a chapter, are committed to support- tions. For this reason in October 2007, at the Association. There was also an informative ing. Our goal is to generate a consistent Fall Council Meeting, the Arizona Chapter session on Avoiding the Pitfalls of Medical supply of volunteer physicians for this of APPNA pledged its support for an inde- Liability, by a representative from MICA, clinic, as well as funding and material sup- pendent study, the Muslim Physician Project our major malpractice carrier. In the banquet port. However, there is still a long way to go that is being started by ISPU. This study over 260 people were treated to an insightful in having this free clinic become a stream- aims at demonstrating the positive impact presentation by Dr. Brian Gratton, Professor lined operation. Nevertheless, we are hop- American-Muslim physicians have had on of History, Arizona State University on 401 ing to someday emulate one of the shining American society. In this regard we com- Years of Immigration: Race, Popular Reaction examples of free clinics that were described bined our Spring Meeting in May 2008 with & Policy, 1607 to 2008. The evening con- in a recent publication by the Institute of a fundraiser for ISPU. Over 50 physicians of cluded with an entertaining performance by Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) diverse backgrounds were in attendance, Hanif Noormohamed and his group. and presented at the APPNA Fall Council with the speaker from ISPU delivering his In conclusion, I am pleased to announce Meeting this year. ISPU is a think tank that message with great clarity and insight. I am the new Arizona Chapter Executive is committed to studying and analyzing pleased to say we have already been able to Committee for 2009. As President we will issues that are related to the American pay ISPU $30,000 and with IRB approval in have Dr. Taqi Azam, as Secretary, Dr. Muslim community. place, the study is about to move into the Rushda Mumtaz and as Treasurer, Dr. Azhar sample recruitment and data collection This brings me directly to our next endeavor Jan. It has been a hectic year and I thank all phase. for this year. Independent research and pub- our volunteers and supporters for their lished data by credible institutions are neces- We have also made it a priority to engage dedication and hard work. We will continue sary in the discussion of many sociological and build bridges within and outside of our to strive towards making this chapter more issues. Many think tanks and individuals community to promote unity and under- relevant for our physicians and an asset to have made it their priority to portray US standing. Hence our recently concluded our local community. n Muslims in a negative light by writing com- Winter Meeting was held in conjunction Submitted by mentaries and op-ed pieces for the print with a local organization, the Pakistani Asim Khwaja, MD media, as well publishing research and policy American Network of Science and President papers. Most recently in August 2008, JAMA Engineering Professionals. Each of our pro- APPNA Arizona Chapter, 2007 & 2008 published a review of the book, “Jihad and fessional sessions was conducted separately American Medicine: Thinking Like a in the afternoon followed by a combined

Medical Students (Continued from Page 22) sponsor Adeel Butt, the Council voted in its Adeel Butt is the Director of International Fall 2008 meeting to seat the Society of Asima Ahmad is a third year medical student Scholars Program at the University of Pittsburgh Future Physicians as an Auxiliary Organization at University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of School of Medicine. He has sponsored and men- of APPNA. Asima Ahmad was seated at the Medicine. To pursue her career goals in the area tored the members of the Society of Future Council as its founding president. of Public and International Health, she is cur- Physicians in their quest to join APPNA We have great hopes from the Society of rently pursuing a Masters in Public Health at Both Dr. Butt and Asima Ahmad share a pas- Future Physicians, and look forward to their Harvard School of Public Health. Asima is the sion for global and international medicine and presence and input in all matters of the founding president of the Society for Future health services and capacity building in resource Association for years to come. n Physicians, now a component society of poor settings, and have individually traveled APPNA. across the globe to set up programs.

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 25 APPNA Georgia Chapter Women Physician’s Meeting & Garage Sale

Roohi Abubaker, MD – Psychiatrist VA Hospital Atlanta

tlanta is a great city to live, known Dr. Mohammedy. This report is to highlight Dr. Roohi Abubaker and Dr. Sara Hayat as the capitol city of Southeast, the newly formed Women group. who worked very hard to organize this famous for its three C’s CDC, event. The main aim of the group is to present a CNN, and Coca Cola. Atlanta is a relatively broader view of the Women physicians. To The local group and community at large col- youngerA city, and only 150 years ago belonged show that Pakistani woman are smart, pro- lected items, the prices were very nominal all to the creeks and Cherokee tribes of native gressive and are an integral part of the com- under 5 dollars. On Sunday all the items Indians. Mostly destroyed in the civil war in munity at large. We have some great female were brought to Masjid for the grand garage 1864, it rose from the ashes and rapidly physicians and we hold a meeting every 3 sale. Large number of people from the com- grew; now it is a bustling city of 5 million, months. One of the recent activities of the munity visited it, and it was heart warming 9th largest metropolitan city in United women group was to help raise money for to see such a diverse Muslim refugee group. States. the immigrant community in the Clarkston I was moved at one woman’s gesture when Over the years it has attracted a diverse area the refugees are from the most troubled she bought one wall clock and then donated population and a large number of people of corners of the world, like Afghanistan, it to the Masjid. Pakistan descent. Besides a large Pakistani Bosnia, Congo, Gambia, Iraq, Kosovo, APPNA Women physicians volunteered for business community; it has a great number Liberia, Somalia and Sudan. They have a the event and we were able to raise 2000 dol- of professionals among which physicians small mosque serving as a community center lars, which was later donated to the Masjid. hold an important place. Recently there has as well. The Pakistani Women physicians Atlanta Women physician group is here to been a revival of APPNA chapter in Atlanta, held a garage sale in August to raise money stay and has great plans for the future also. thanks to the local leadership of people like for the Mashed. Dr. Gulshan Harjee has Long Live USA and Pakistan. n Dr. Yaseen Abubaker, Dr. Khaliq Rehman, been very enthusiastic about this project. Dr. Dr. Adnan Abbassi , Dr. Waheed Malik and Rana Hasan, Dr. Dureshehwar Mussarat ,

Female physicians at the APPNA Atlanta meeting.

(L to R) Dr. Seemi Mushtaq, Dr. Roohi Abubaker, Dr. Faryal Baloch.

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 26 Impact of Muslim Physicians On The US Health Care System – A Study We Must Support

Nadeem A. Kazi, MD

fter the Glasgow airport incidence policies, to determine the impact of such After a lengthy discussion and debate during last year the media in US tried to immigration policies on current and pro- the fall meeting seminar on Free Clinics, the portray all Muslim physicians to be spective Muslim physicians, and to zspecu- consensus was developed to conduct a potential terrorists. In fact, one book “Jihad late on the future demand for their services; national study to have for a better impact. andA Amerian Medicine: Thinking Like A (2) to review how these policies are affecting This will require additional $80,000 to com- Terrorist To Anticipate Attacks Via Our the productivity of Muslim physicians and plete the study. I will request the member- Health System” by Adam Frederic Dorin, is health outcomes across the country; and (3) ship to donate for this cause and send their trying to scare American people by citing to assess how Muslim physicians contribute donation to APPNA office and write in the numerous examples of clinicians who have to the U.S. healthcare system and how they memo “ISPU study”. Such studies are been convicted of murdering patients by serve the interests of this country and those extremely necessary to let the society know tainting IV solutions or injecting toxins. countries from which they hail. who we are and as a part of the society, what Subsequently JAMA wrote a review on this are our contributions. This study is the best This type of study requires careful methodol- book (JAMA August 13th 2008-Vol 300 No gift we can give to our future generation. ogy and is costly. Dr Lance D. Laird, a PhD 6 page 734). Many of us felt that this review These data are required to document our from Boston University School of Medicine brought a relatively unknown book to the service and commitment to this country. and Dr. Wahiba Abu-Ras, MSW, Ph.D. attention of healthcare providers. I believe it This is the first step that will help to argue Adelphi University, New York are the inves- is the time to stand up and show our our case with the lawmakers in order to tigators of the study. Initially we were trying patients, our neighbors and our lawmakers develop amiable policies for community. to do a pilot study involving Arizona Chapter who are we? How should we tell them about and New Jersey Chapter. Both chapters com- Dr Syed Adbus Samad will take over as the ourselves and our services to the people of mitted $40,000 each for the study. Dr Asim President APPNA 2009 soon and I have firm this country? Recently during the discussion Khwaja of Arizona chapter has already raised believe that he will take this organization to on this issue, one of our colleagues was very $40,000 and funded the study to be started. next level up and continue supporting and upset and said “we should boycott JAMA The NJ chapter is still in a process to raise expanding APPNA’ programs. Once again I and AMA. Is this the answer? Or should we the funds. Dr. Mahmood Alam has taken want to thank APPNA membership for their let them know who we really are through the upon himself to get support and raise funds trust and support. n scientific evidence. I think the scientific evi- in the New Jersey area. dence will prevail. Last year we engaged, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding to conduct a study titled “Impact of Muslim Physicians on the US health care system” with two goals:

I. Quantitative Study The major goals of this part of the study are: (1) to develop a detailed demographic over- view of Muslim physicians in the United States; and (2) to compare the Muslim physi- cians to the general physician population in terms of age, gender, medical specialty, and geographic distribution, (3) to assess the types and levels of civic engagement and community service in which Muslim physi- cians are engaged.

II. Qualitative Study The major goals of this study are: (1) to explore issues related to U.S. immigration

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Background f one, for a while, visualizes Pakistan’s national scene, one finds diametrically opposed trend not only at policy but also at the implementation levels. Even the primary healthcare system digresses from the basic principles enunciated during the Alma Ata Declaration Iof 1978. While the declaration emphasizes equity, proximity and participation of locals in provision of health services, and puts emphasis on health education, the current healthcare system of Pakistan works, apart from leaving people ill-informed and offering poor quality of services, with inequitable distribution (elitists bias – concentration in urban areas and accessible to the rich), without any well-greased program for community participation in health services delivery, scanty inter-sectoral coordination, and seldom taking note of cost-effectiveness and appropriate technology.

APPNA SEHAT (Scientific Educational Health Administrative Training) A subsidiary of APPNA was established and registered in 1989, when American physicians of Pakistani origin in an endeavor to repay moral debt to their mother land, to address health problems and to implement practically low cost primary health care projects for poor and marginalized rural communities. The APPNA SEHAT model of self-help is process of transformation of marginalized and ineffectual communities into effectual, self-reli- ant, organized communities taking development initiatives on their own to resolve local health and development issues. This positive behavioral change is ensured by intensive health education and cur- tailing ‘capability deprivation’ by capacity building. Community involvement in project implementation is properly A careful feasibility study, both administrative and social, is carried viewed not merely as a useful concept, but also a guided principle of out before getting a unit on board. Then census survey of the unit is APPNA SEHAT’s project intervention. carried out, target populations are listed in data collection tools which are subsequently updated on monthly basis. APPNA SEHAT APPNA SEHAT works by units – a unit is comprised of 500 or so field staff visits door to door, carried out project interventions, contiguous households in one or more adjacent villages. There are imparts health education on need basis. five paid workers and one unpaid facilitator constitutes the founda- tion of a unit. Appropriate field staff is selected and recruited essen- Management prepares a detailed Implementation Plan for every tially from the project area. The staff is trained by professionally three years (project duration) in consultation with community repre- trained supervisory staff. sentatives and APPNA SEHAT staff. The document enlists all activities to be carried out for an intervention in orderly manner with reference to time (in months) and space (units in each region) which lead not only to realization of objectives but also to measure the pace of achieving these stated objectives. Other forms of supervisory con- trols are month unit progress reports, monthly written staff knowl- edge and skill test and random monitoring visits and data is collected on APPNA SEHAT field monitoring form. APPNA SEHAT super- visory staff in monthly staff meetings discusses finding of field monitoring with the concerned staff to keep them on track. APPNA SEHAT is governed by a Board of Directors in Pakistan and the APPNA SEHAT Committee in the USA. From 2004, APPNA SEHAT graduates all those units which have completed three years tenure with APPNA SEHAT financial

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 29 APPNA SEHAT – A Brief Review of 20 Years of Its Service to Humanity

support. APPNA SEHAT imparts all basic skills and knowledge APPNA SEHAT also carried out same APPNA SEHAT field inter- deemed necessary for the empowerment of the graduated communi- ventions in 7 units for HDF Pakistan serving 14,437 populations. ties and gets the communities involved throughout in observing APPNA SEHAT also carried out 8 community development train- good results of improved and changed life style. Community struc- ings for Muslim Hands UK in Azad Kashmir. tures evolved during stay with APPNA SEHAT took the responsibil- APPNA SEHAT also implemented 2 APPNA SEHAT units in Golra ity to take care of health activities in close collaboration with APPNA Sharif serving 4,980 population which was funded by UNDP. SEHAT and APPNA SEHAT move on to another community. APPNA SEHAT is currently undertaking its project activities in four Reduction in Incidence of All Illness APPNA SEHAT administrative regions i.e. Mardan, Murree, Sahiwal and Badin. In APPNA SEHAT project units, the baseline survey reports showed that there was 19% of the total project population was suffering from Achievements and Impacts different illnesses during the last 30 days. of APPNA SEHAT interventions In 1989 when APPNA SEHAT launched its pilot project there were 16,357 people living in 2,200 households of 15 villages who were included in the project at four diverse rural locations in districts Mardan, Rawalpindi, Sahiwal and Badin. The scale and scope was very limited and data on EPI, TT vaccination, Morbidity and Mortality were collected initially. With the passage of time both scale and scope of the project was enhanced on the community demand. Currently, APPNA SEHAT is carrying out 18 different educational and demonstrative interventions for 74,940 people in 13,310 house- holds of 26 units. After APPNA SEHAT PHC and Community Development inter- So far 198,991 people residing in 30,120 households of 389 villages vention started, only 0.7% of the same population is reported to be in 59 units have been graduated out of active APPNA SEHAT finan- suffering from different illnesses. This means that 96 out of every cial support by completing 3years tenure. Had APPNA SEHAT 100 people are no more suffering from any kind of illness. implemented graduation policy right from beginning, it would have served population of 256,276 over and above current populations quoted. APPNA SEHAT also implemented Pakistan Tawana project in Muzafargarh and DG Khan Districts to serve 37,400 girls of 7 –12 years age in 435 girls’ primary schools. The main thrust of interven- tions was on Primary Knowledge of nutrition, balanced diet, its rela- tion with health (weight height), female child education, manage- ment of feeding, teamwork, collective decision making, and partici- patory monitoring. APPNA SEHAT also implemented the same APPNA SEHAT model in 32 field units for NCHD serving almost 78,000 populations in Crude Birth Rate Mardan and Badin. APPNA SEHAT has successfully reduced the crude birth rate (number of births per 1000 population) by 33% as evident from graph below.

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 30 Crude Death Rate Likewise APPNA SEHAT has successfully reduced the crude death rate (number of deaths per 1000 population) by 37.5% as evident from graph below.

Maternal Care APPNA SEHAT educates the communities on importance of ante- natal and post natal care, conducts antenatal and postnatal examina- tions to identify at risk cases and refers them to an appropriate source of help. Some other Achievements Community Organization In each APPNA SEHAT unit communities are organized in the form of Cluster organization and Unit Committees to discuss and to take initiatives for local development. Now seven different Unit Committees have been registered as CCB.

Immunization The coupled interventions of ensuring the vaccinations of children under five and women of reproductive age and educating the com- munities on its importance have been successful in increasing the level of fully immunized children and women.

Nutritional Status of children < 5 APPNA SEHAT monthly monitors growth of all < 5 children on regular basis coupled with education of mothers on how to interpret Almost all the women that have been involved in assisting births, growth monitoring card and how to prepare balanced diet indige- including the known TBAs, are trained in conducting safe deliveries. nously with referral of severely malnourished children. Antenatal care has risen from 11% in baseline reports to 90% before delivery and postnatal examination from 6% baseline to 100% post APPNA SEHAT has been successful in reducing the malnourished project intervention. children in project areas.

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 31 APPNA SEHAT – A Brief Review of 20 Years of Its Service to Humanity

APPNA SEHAT’s role in humanitarian relief activities during October 2005 earthquake has been phenomenal. APPNA SEHAT distributed 12 metric tons of non-perishable food stuff as well as helped people to build 175 semi permanent homes employing the same APPNA SEHAT philosophy and working methodology. APPNA SEHAT adopted Ajmaira village to support all amenities for six months on from the disaster. APPNA SEHAT also acted a con- duit for APPNA and other organizations from North America to deliver services to destitute.

All the deliveries happened in project areas are 71% were conducted by trained assistant with increasing trend in early initiation of breast feeding.

Awareness APPNA SEHAT field staff persuasively educates rural masses while visiting door to door as well as in community meetings. The masses APPNA SEHAT provides a platform for philanthropic potentials to are educated on mode of spread and importance of prevention. be invested in social capital, health and development of marginalized and impoverished communities of Pakistan. APPNA SEHAT has demonstrated that how ordinary people are making extraordinary for themselves and for the future generations through mobilization and entrusting them for their abilities and potentials gained through practical participation in developing worth living environment. This all is done with trivial expenditure of US$2.5 per person per annum. All the contributions and support of APPNA membership made available to people of Pakistan through APPNA SEHAT has not only served hundreds of thousands of poorest of the poor segments of the The knowledge about prevention of these diseases rose from 7% and rural communities but assistance and support was provided to thou- 5% for TB and Hepatitis to 85% and 90% respectively. sands of affected by calamities. APPNA SEHAT persuasively believes communities have potentials to make change. They need guidance to develop local capacities to turn themselves into an effectual communities rather than looking for dole-outs.

But still thousands of people are looking up to generosity and kind- ness of munificent membership for help. n Prepared and presented by Hassan I. Bukhari, Chairman APPNA SEHAT Committee

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 32 International Education & Research Becomes Formal APPNA Focus

Anesthesiology MERITnet Website: Dermatology MERITnet http://sites.google.com/site/anesthesiolo- Leader: Khalil Khatri (SMC) gymeritnet/ Dermatology Telemedicine Project Anesthesiology MERITnet E-List: Leader http://groups.google.com/group/anesthesi- Dermatology MERITnet Website: ology-meritnet http://sites.google.com/site/dermatolo- APPNA Anesthesiologists Total: 357 gymeritnet/ Initial Discussions & Activities Dermatology MERITnet E-List: Anesthesiology MERITnet participants http://groups.google.com/group/dermatol- organized a lunch get-together at the ogy-meritnet American Society of Anesthesiology, Annual APPNA Dermatology Physicians Total: 32 meeting, Orlando, on October 19, to get acquainted and plan out activities. They Initial Discussions & Activities G. Naheed Usmani, MD decided that their MERITnet could be a Curriculum planned for 2-day Dermatology APPNA MERIT Chair great professional networking initiative not workshops in major medical universities in only to collaborate on initiatives for Pakistani Pakistan, Winter 2008-9 medical institutions but also as a Pakistani- PPNA Council voted at its fall American Anesthesiologists’ professional Neurology MERITnet 2008 meeting in NJ to make network in the US/Canada for jobs, research, Leader: Shahid Rafiq (RMC) APPNA MERIT a permanent and other activities. They discussed arrang- Medical Director, Stroke Program, standing committee of APPNA from the ing teaching and clinical workshops with Frederick, MD ad-hocA education initiative that MERIT major anesthesia conferences in Pakistan, Neurology MERITnet Website: had been since 2007. APPNA MERIT now clinical training in target Pakistani teaching http://sites.google.com/site/neurologymerit- represents APPNA’s permanent formal com- institutions with collaboration of their fac- net/ mitment to helping improve medical edu- ulty, international conference in Dubai for Neurology MERITnet E-List: cation and research in Pakistan via this the SAARC and Mid-East countries, a http://groups.google.com/group/neurology- Medial Education & Research International Journal of Anesthesia for Pakistan with peer- meritnet/ Training & Transfer-of-Technology reviewed articles, and collaboration with APPNA Neurology Physicians Total: 374 Committee. Pakistan Society of Anesthesia and its branches. They will also be building the Additional MERITnets Specialty-Specific MERITnets Anesthesiology MERITnet web site to in Development APPNA MERIT has launched a number of include more teaching material, presenta- • Orthopedics MERITnet new specialty-specific networks to mobilize tions and videos, create a more comprehen- • Radiology MERITnet many of the 15,000 APPNA specialists to sive database of Pakistani Anesthesiologists • Psychiatry MERITnet help create Centers of Excellence in post- and establish links with Anesthesiology graduate training in specific specialty areas in departments in Pakistani medical institu- Please contact [email protected] if you are Pakistani medical institutions. APPNA spe- tions. Naheed Usmani, MERIT Committee interested in these or other MERITnets. cialists will volunteer for 2-week visiting fac- chair, met with KEMU Vice Chancellor and ulty appointments, create curriculum enrich- professor of Anesthesiology in November to discuss the Anesthesiology MERITnet initia- MBBS Medical Curriculum ment in “Top Ten” topic areas for their spe- Reform Initiative, Winter 2008 cialty, deliver seminars and training programs tive. KEMU has expressed interest in partici- when they visit Pakistan, and volunteer for pating in this effort. APPNA MERIT and KEMCAANA will Telemedicine Panels to facilitate training and hold a day long Medical Curriculum Reform consultation from the US/Canada. You are Critical Care MERITnet Colloquium on December 24, 2008 at King invited to visit these MERITnet web sites, Leader: Iqbal Ratnani (SMC) Edward Medical University as part of join their e-list groups and volunteer your Editor, icuroom.net. Methodist APPNA’s Winter Meeting in Pakistan. time and ideas to make these initiatives suc- Hospital, Texas Medical Center APPNA physicians involved in medical cur- cessful. Contact the MERITnet specialty APPNA MERIT Visiting Faculty at riculum efforts in US/Canada medical leader for your specialty to join a MERITnet Dow, Nov/Dec 2007 schools have volunteered their time and ideas or email [email protected] . Critical Care MERITnet Website: to help Pakistani medical institutions update http://sites.google.com/site/intensivistsmer- their medical curriculum for 21st century Anesthesiology MERITnet itnet/ medical teaching and practice. To help lay Critical Care MERITnet E-List: the groundwork for a productive session in Leader: Iqbal Ahmed (KEMC) December, Naheed Usmani visited KEMU Anesthesiology Residency Director, http://groups.google.com/group/intensiv- Tufts University New England ists-meritnet/ (Continued on Page 23) Medical Center APPNA Critical Care Physicians Total: 252

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 33 Tele-Healthcare Initiative for Disaster Relief in Pakistan A Collaborative Project of APPNA Social Welfare & Disaster Relief Committee & Stanford University By Rizwan Naeem, APPNA, & The system will be designed so that doctors in the US can provide Atif Mumtaz, Reuter Digital Vision Fellow Stanford University the services from their home computer. The interfaces would be web driven so that we do not need to install any software on physicians systems. The system would rely on a basic broadband connection akistan has suffered from one of its worst natural disasters in that is now more prevalent in Pakistani towns and cities. its history. The earthquake of October 8 2005 was recorded at 7.6 on rector scale. There are over 100 villages and towns that Atif Mumtaz a fellow at Stanford University has a grant from are directly affected, including the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad. Stanford to work with APPNA and setup this system. Many SW and PThe statistics are staggering. The Earthquake affected over 2.5 mil- DR committee members have already involved with the project we lion of its citizens. More than 77,000 have died and many more are hope to see this in application sometime soon. severely injured. The death toll is still rising each day. And pandemic Atif has mentioned that the live feedback from doctors in the US and diseases are beginning to spread causing more widespread death and Pakistan would help us improve the basic software and hardware disease. In my recent trip of the affected area one of the major prob- solution that we will deploy in Pakistan. The feedback would make lems I see was lack of communication tools from the remote area to this solution ideal for any disaster to hit anywhere in the world. the cities. This was a major crisis for the immediate medical care and now an issue for all of us how to communicate on a regular basis for Cyber net Installs Satellite at UM Healthcare Trust the long-term rehab projects. There is no doubt that there is still a serious short supply of medi- cines, tents, warm clothing, and especially health care facilities including doctors is making matters worse.

Cyber net, Pakistan’s largest Internet Service Provider, as part of their What is needed is a Corporate Social Responsibility, has donated dedicated internet mechanism to provide access via VSAT Satellite to UM Healthcare Trust’s medical hospital healthcare services to in remote village of Zahidabad, Mardan District, NWFP, Pakistan. the affected using the The satellite based internet access will enable us to run Tele- Internet based technol- healthcare services in collaboration with APPNA doctors in the USA ogies. We propose to as well as perform analysis on medical records to track pandemic connect major hospitals diseases in real time using NUST’s SUN based cluster for high per- operating in the disas- formance computing. ter zone to be connected via Tele-medicine network that would provide support to the staff on the ground. The proposed Tele-medicine network would provide the following services. • Connect with doctors on the ground in Pakistan with doctors in the US. • Connect doctors via Webcam/Video Conferencing to provide face-to-face interactions. • Provide Email support whereby doctors in Pakistan can send cases This is yet another positive step towards the realization of extending to the US for second opinion and review. The results would be affordable healthcare to the rural and needy population of Mardan emailed back so that proper action could be taken District using ICT. • Provide a scheduling system online to manage doctors appoint- Cyber net and UM Healthcare Trust will be replicating these tele- ments live with hospitals in Pakistan healthcare services at other medical facilities in rural areas as well and connecting them with specialists and doctors in the cities. n

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 34 A Ray of Hope

By Zainab Alam

ast year in the midst of the detention disappearance of citizens who were brought reality, and if it can, is democracy the solu- of hundreds of lawyers in Pakistan, to his attention. In addition to the Harvard tion? If anything, Chief Justice Chaudhry’s one man was singled out for his efforts Law School award, Chief Justice Chaudhry efforts have given the promise of possibility. and put on a platform. A platform shared by was also chosen as the National Law Journal’s Not unlike President-Elect Obama’s victory, Lthe members of the Brown vs. Board of 2007 Lawyer of the Year and was the recipi- the support, both internationally and within Education litigation team; the very team ent of the Southern Illinois University’s Rule Pakistan, that the Chief Justice has received who worked so fearlessly to help integrate of Law Citation Award in May of 2008. is proof that positive measures can be taken schools so black and white students could Additionally, he recently accepted the under the right circumstances. The dream of learn side-by-side in the same establishment. esteemed distinction of becoming an honor- democracy may not be as far from reality as He was put on the same platform as the for- ary member of the New York Bar one would think. There maybe a ray of hope mer South African President Nelson Association. in this seemingly infinite sea of darkness. Mandela, a world-renowned Nobel Peace Lawyers are a crucial component of uphold- Prize winner who struggled for freedom and No one can argue with the fact that these are ing and maintaining the rule of law in any equality against all odds. This platform has dark times for Pakistan. The economy is at country. If lawyers in Pakistan are given been attained by a special recognition, which risk of bankruptcy; burdened with debt, direction and support, perhaps they will goes by the name of The Medal of Freedom. with inflation at 25 percent and rising. U.S. fight for the rights of Pakistan’s citizens. A The Medal of Freedom honors the accom- missiles are striking, borders are uncon- few months ago, The Society of American plishments of those individuals who have trolled, and internal refugee problems are Teachers awarded the Pakistani bar its “Rule struggled to defend the legal system’s funda- growing. Poverty is on the rise, there is a of Law Award”. For whatever it means; they mental obligation to liberty, justice and shortage of food, and both natural and man- too have garnered international acclaim for a equality. The Medal of Freedom is the high- made disasters are no longer a rarity. A year reason. Although it is easy to root for a hero, est honor the Harvard Law School Association ago The New York Times wrote that “the the unsung members of the Pakistani Bar has to offer, and last year, it was offered to task of stabilizing a collapsed Pakistan is Association should not be ignored. Let me Pakistani Chief Justice Iftikhar M. beyond the means of the United States and suggest, for a moment, that democracy is the Chaudhry. its allies”. Fatima Bhutto recently wrote in solution. The support that Pakistan needs the New Statesman that Pakistan’s financial need not be foreign in nature. A country Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry needs, per- crisis was so severe that “not even the Saudis” democratic in nature would provide a better haps, no introduction. He was once seen as a volunteered to lend a helping hand. It can livelihood for the millions of Pakistanis who pro-government lawyer partially responsible also be argued that in light of this, a new do not know where their next meal will for the legitimization of the military rule in enigma has arisen: who will, or rather, who is come from – if they are lucky enough to have 2000. However, he rose to the status of hero capable of giving that support? one. A true democracy would promote jus- when he was removed by President Musharraf tice for the common people. It would boost and insisted on his stand on certain vital Evidently, the solution does not appear to be the economy, help provide healthcare for the issues. Then he bravely stood up to in the hands of the current governance. The underprivileged and would improve the Musharraf’s plans to extend his own rule. main “problem” with Pakistan has been, and much needed low literacy rate. It must be When detained, Chief Justice Chaudhry continues to be its unfortunate fate with a understood that the power does indeed rest triggered a movement for the establishment series of corrupt leaderships. On the other with the people of Pakistan. In fact if there is of a democratic rule in Pakistan. Even those hand, Pakistan is seen by the West as a key to any progress to be made, it must come from who were once against his policies supported speaking to the Middle East and the rest of within Pakistan. Pakistan must live up to the his rallies and his legal battle with the mili- the Muslim world. In a recent article, for the true sense of the word “republic” which finds tary government. His efforts left a more Christian Science Monitor, political scientist its place in the nation’s official name. If independent judiciary and a bar which is John Hughes stated that “… If democracy Pakistanis can show, with valiant determina- more unified in its bid for the restoration of can strive and flourish (in Pakistan), that tion, that they are willing to pull themselves the rule of law. No matter what political fac- could be meaning for the promise of democ- together to fight for their rights, and that tion you support, Chief Justice Chaudhry racy in the Arab world…” The United States they truly want change, the dream can deserves a certain amount of appreciation has recently gleamed as an example of a become reality. Let me suggest that united and respect for his stance. Aside from his democracy at work; it is possible to have fair we stand, and stand we must. n recent “fame” Chief Justice Chaudhry has elections, it is possible to have a government had some perhaps under-acknowledged feats. elected by the people, working for the peo- He fought against the privatization of the ple. Pakistan is a fairly young country; but Pakistan Steel Mill in the interest of the many would argue that this should not be Zainab is a graduate of Rutgers University, nation and he advocated women’s rights by seen as an excuse. Pakistan calls itself a and has studied political science, Middle condemning honor killings and forced democracy, but most of us know that this Eastern studies and English. She is an award- underage marriages under sawara tribal tra- should not be seen as an answer. The country winning poet and a free-lance artist who is is a far cry from the democracy and urgently ditions. Additionally, he brought attention currently conducting legal research to backlogged court cases and issued orders needs to get itself back on its feet. The ques- to help solve the dilemma of the mysterious tion is can this dream of democracy become

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 35 Pakistan: A Dream Gone Sour

By Salma Tirmizi, Founder & President of M.J. APPNA Model School for Poor Children

was introduced to Pakistan at the age of remember but the scenes were repeated so We felt like we had entered paradise on earth. five or six. That was early 1947. Suddenly, often that it became my own memory. The next month we spent in Chittagong with I was hearing the word ‘Pakistan’ day and a family friend. We were welcomed by every- Suddenly, there was pandemonium outside night. Everyone was talking about Pakistan. one with such joy and love that we felt all on the street. We assumed our assigned posi- IChildren were raising the roof with shouts of Pakistanis were our family. We were full of tions, expecting an attack any moment. ‘Pakistan Zindabad’. Others were using their euphoria and there was no worry. We then Fortunately, it was only a young crowd cele- green dupattas to create makeshift Pakistani embarked on the final leg of our journey, to brating. flags with its crescent and star. West Pakistan, by ship. We were going to Soon I was barred from playing with close Karachi where brotherhood, love, honor and I was still puzzled about all this when my friends who belonged to anti-Pakistan fami- wealth awaited us. Who could know that our elder sisters encouraged me to chant ‘Pakistan lies. Although there were no major riots in days of happiness were coming to an end Zindabad’ loudly into our neighbor’s house the city, relatives and friends gradually started soon? from the top of the dividing wall. He was an vanishing. They were quietly leaving for Ehrari, who were against the idea of Pakistan. Two days into the journey we were shocked Pakistan. If the government found out about We wanted to rub his nose in the ground as with our first encounter with reality. The their intentions their properties were imme- Pakistan was becoming a reality. I felt like an news of Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan’s diately confiscated. Arrivals of refugees from important soldier of Pakistan and shouted at assassination hit us like a ton of bricks. Once Pakistan were increasing tensions. Muslims the top of my lungs. How much I succeeded again our eyes rained despair. cowered in their houses. The change hit in humiliating Anwar Mian, our neighbor, I home when my aunt, who was leaving for Our brief experience with pure joy came to don’t know but I did manage to startle my Pakistan in an army train, came to get our an abrupt end. The fate of our nation and sick and frail grandmother who thought only brother. He was leaving with her. My our family seemed intertwined. Although some calamity had descended into our house. mother said there was no future for him in my father quickly got a good job with the As the day of independence of Pakistan drew India. We cried and mourned all night. I government and my siblings settled in col- near, these activities increased in their frenzy. joined the mourning having no idea of the leges and schools, my mother left us shortly My mission was to make everyone I ran into reason. after depositing me in the school. As our aware by shouting my assigned slogan, to the family lost its tranquility so did the country. extent that I did not spare even our Hindu Soon we started receiving letters from Pakistan, Political instability followed Prime Minister acquaintances. describing a land of milk and honey, with Liaquat Ali Khan’s assassination. Governments freedom and abundance. I was transferred to As the days approached, the excitement fell again and again due to political intrigues an English school so I won’t have to learn increased, mixed with feelings of happiness, and dishonest and selfish politicians who Hindi. Any new friends I made would disap- apprehension, pride, sacrifice and resolve. sought to enrich themselves in a hurry. pear shortly. A new worry started eating at my Our relatives would gather in one of the While the first Prime Minister died with no mother’s bosom. In three or four years my homes every evening and make plans to deal bank account and a hole in his socks, the sisters had grown into marriageable age. Most with the unknown future. We made pitiful successors started looting the nation with eligible men had left for Pakistan. Fortunately, preparations to defend ourselves. We tore up both hands. Finally the infamous day arrived my uncle was posted as passport officer in sheets to prepare bandages. We dried bread in 1958 when the first army coup by Ayub Pakistan consulate in Calcutta. My aunt con- and hoarded roasted chickpeas and dried Khan set the course of the nation on a disas- vinced my parents that it was a golden oppor- molasses for emergency rations. My oldest trous path. tunity for us to migrate. Quietly my parents sister, who was fourteen at the time, was made the preparations. Us younger ones were I was married off to an army captain whose instructed to hide herself in a large cauldron not told for fear of breaching the secrecy. family was from Punjab. They called me in the granary if there was an alarm. Before leaving my mother went around the ‘Hindustani’, while my family and friends Finally, the night of Independence arrived. house crying and touching everything that taunted me by calling me a ‘Punjaban’. No All our relatives gathered in my house to wait was left behind as it was. Even our old servant one called me Pakistani, although I was a for the hour of midnight. Sadness of being did not know. We were going to Calcutta to Pakistani with all my heart and soul. left behind mixed with immense pride and see our uncle. We lived in Calcutta until my Marshall Law brought development but also happiness. The main gate was barred. father could get away. He was a doctor in let loose the demons of intrigue, bitterness, Everyone started recitations and prayers at government service. Once again, we embarked envy, greed, enmity, false pride, vindictive- Maghreb and continued till the long-awaited on a journey in secrecy. I did not know where ness, inequality, injustice and eventually announcement of Pakistan’s birth came over we were going but we saw the beloved green lawlessness and religious extremism. The fear the radio. Everyone fell into prostration, flag flying over the next station. Suddenly, and insecurity we felt we left in India praying to Allah (SWT) for her protection, there was a feeling of immense relief and survival and progress. I was too young to pride. Tears of joy and gratitude wet our faces. (Continued on Page 37)

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 36 APPNA Recieves Dr. Zakir Husain Award 2008

By Farzana Bharmal, MD

through Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Chancellor, Mr. Naseem Ahmad. The Jimmy initiative funded the camps in various popu- and Rosalynn Carter Foundation Award for lation centers in UP. Each camp cost roughly excellence in Campus-Community INR 50,000. The donation was used to off- Collaboration, is in recognition of the com- set that cost. munity service and polio-eradication pro- gram of the Aligarh Muslim University. FAAA has appreciated APPNA for donating generously for this cause. In the annual con- During the last four years, under the leader- vention held in August, 2008, FAAA has ship of the Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Naseem awarded Dr. Zakir Husain Award to APPNA Ahmad, the AMU has taken the lead in orga- for community service in India. The award nizing polio sensitization programs, immu- was received by Dr. Farzana Bharmal on nization camps and door to door vaccina- here are a number of places in this behalf of APPNA. This donation was made tions. Thirty such programs in five districts world where people are unable access possible by the generosity of Dr Hussein have been organized with the help of basic health care. One such remote Malik and the efforts put forth by Mr. Hasan UNICEF and Rotary International and place is the province of Uttar Pardesh (U.P.) Kamal, Dr. Shahid Rafique, Dr. Farzana organizations like APPNA. AMU and FAAA TIndia. The polio epidemic is worst in this Bharmal, Mr. Mohammed Inamullah, Dr. request APPNA to keep doors of generosity province of India, which reported 1241 cases Rizwan Naeem and Dr. Nadeem Zafar. open in the coming years to help achieve the target of 95% polio eradication in the tar- (65% of the global cases) in 2002. Therefore, It is worth noting that in Aligarh, India, the geted area. We are proud to be associated U.P. is the focus of major concern in the prestigious Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter with APPNA whose community service polio eradication efforts. Muslim children Partnership Award was conferred upon the efforts have no political, geographic and reli- are the maximum sufferers of this disease Aligarh Muslim University on October 28, gious boundaries. n because of illiteracy, ignorance, poverty, lack 2007. It is the first time that this award has of health facilities and false propaganda by been given to a non-American University. (Information in this article is provided by Mr. some vested elements. They accounted for The award was handed over to the Vice Hasan Kamal) 73% and 59% of the total polio cases in 2001 and 2002, respectively, in U.P. The problem continues unabated in 2003 also as out of 52 cases reported till February end, (L to R) 92% were from the Muslim community. Dr. Farzana Bharmal, With this reference, Association of Physician Mr. Hassan Kamal, Dr. Shahid Rafique, of Pakistani Descent of North America Mr. Mohammed Inamullah (APPNA) donated US $11,000 to Federation of Aligarh Alumni Association (FAAA) for holding camps in effected area in UP. FAAA

Dream Gone Sour (Continued from Page 36) returned with a vengeance in our own ‘Land Kaheen Firqa Bundy Hai Toe Kaheen Zaten cauldrons to hide our children in. I have of the Pure’. Hain turned the pages to reach the last chapter of my life but what of the wilting flowers and The 1965 war brought the nation together Kya Zamaney Mein Panapney Ki Yahee the young buds trying to blossom. Come! briefly but the unity did not last. Zulfiqar Ali Batein Hain? Let us resolve to protect and nurture these Bhutto fooled the people with his ‘roti, No one is eager to call himself Pakistani, young lives and hope they will set right the kapra aur makan’ slogan. His mechaniza- except for those unfortunates who are paying mess we have made. May this garden remain tions led to half of our brothers leaving us. It the price of their loyalty to Pakistan in green and fragrant for ever! fulfilled the long held ambition of India to Bangladesh. They still await their deliverance break up Pakistan. We were humiliated and PAKISTAN ZINDABAD! n 37 years later clutching the map of Pakistan derided. Our corrupt leaders sold us to this to their bosoms. Translation from Urdu power and that. We did not learn any lesson by Jamal H. Khan, MD from the debacle of East Pakistan. Today Kalashnikovs make us cower behind closed doors. We don’t even have the big

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 37 Commercial Real Estate Opportunities in a Down Market By Sajjad Chowdhry and Naveed Sheikh

There are not too many bright spots in the current time investors are seeing CRE as a more stable invest- US economy. Liquidity is running dry, the stock market ment option to the stock market by purchasing multi- is down about 40% this year and consumer spending is at family, office, and retail properties for between $600,000 record lows. and $3 million. Investors have also seen their portfolios take a sub- Rental income from leasable space generates income stantial hit this year. The values of both paper and hard for CRE. Rental rates are usually calculated as price per assets have seen a significant decline. For medical profes- square foot (for office and retail) or per unit (for multi- sionals, the situation is compounded with decreasing family properties). For example, the U.S. national aver- reimbursements, ever increasing mounds of paperwork age rental rate in 2007 for investment grade office space and skyrocketing malpractice costs. The question on was around $22 per square foot. Industrial buildings most peoples’ minds is how long will this downturn last generally rent at a lower rate, but they also have lower and what should an investor do in the meantime? overhead costs compared to an office property. Expenses With all these challenges there are still, however, on a commercial building can include real estate taxes, significant opportunities for investors who can draw on property insurance, and building improvements among ready cash to purchase assets at a substantial discount. others. Short-term investments will take a back seat to long term growth strategies as investors look at hard assets and Investment Advantages of Commercial Real Estate stable returns. Due to the current credit crunch, assets The inherent characteristics of CRE make it a prime such as real estate are being undervalued. Investors with vehicle for investment in the current market. One of the cash on hand can position themselves for the long-term most compelling benefits of CRE is the fact that it gener- by taking advantage of the short-term devaluation of ates cash flow on a monthly basis. Because these assets asset prices. This article highlights commercial real estate generate cash flow from rental income every month they (CRE) as one such investment which provides an attrac- effectively pay for themselves. Sustained cash flow in tive long-term investment. CRE is supported by two key attributes: long term leases and tenant diversification. What is Commercial Real Estate? Office and retail properties generally carry longer Loosely speaking, the term commercial real estate lease terms. For example, it is not unusually for some (or CRE) covers properties that are leased to tenants to leases to span a 10 year term or more, and are usually at generate a monthly cash flow. These properties can pro- minimum one year long. This gives the CRE owner a vide a workspace in the case of office or retail properties considerable amount of cash flow stability as long as the and can also provide a living space in the case of multi- building is occupied by long-term tenants. It is important family properties (usually defined as a property with five to note that selecting strong or established businesses as or more units/apartments). Commercial real estate tenants will provide more stability to a rent roll. These broadly includes office buildings, shopping malls, retail types of businesses may include credit rated tenants or shops, multi-family properties, warehouse/distribution, companies who are more shielded from fluctuations in and motels/hotels. the economy. Experienced investors who already own CRE prop- Another factor which supports cash flow in many erties have the ability to cash out of fully owned invest- commercial property types such as multi-family, office, ments to purchase and finance newer, larger portfolios retail, and mixed-use buildings is tenant diversification. (ranging from $5 million to $25 million or more). First A property with five or more tenants will not suffer a

Advantages of Commercial Real Estate • Commercial Real Estate investments pay for themelves • Risk is diversified among multiple tenants • Long term leases can secure a properties’ cash flow for 10 years or more

PAID ADVERTISEMENT huge fall in cash flow if one of the units is vacant for a to the asset. It is often stated that the top three things to short period of time. For example, if a commercial prop- consider when investing in real estate are location, loca- erty with 5 similarly sized units has one of its units tion, and location. The question then becomes - what vacated by a tenant, the building will still be generating makes a good location? For medical buildings, proximity roughly 80% of its income. This argument does not hold to hospitals is very important. Hospitals are a primary true for many residential real estate investments; when a driver and referral source for physicians’ practices. A tenant vacates a single or two family home, cash flow nearby medical center will also provide an opportunity to may decrease by 50% or 100%. The negative impact on lease office space directly to the hospital. Having a size- cash flow will affect the ability to pay expenses or financ- able portion of office space leased by a hospital will ing costs for the property. increase a property’s value, because of the stable long- A key consideration for aspiring medical profession- term cash flow that is generated. A highly accessible loca- als is property management. Many first time investors tion is also important. Being close to a residential neigh- frequently think to themselves, “I’m ready, but I can’t borhood or located on a main road will attract more deal with the hassle of managing a property.” Depending patients to an office and create more foot traffic. Another on the size of the property, an alternative to self manag- important factor regarding accessibility is having ade- ing an investment may be to hire a property management quate parking space for patients and staff. Keeping these company which will typically charge a fixed percentage key qualities in mind, physicians who are currently leas- of the gross rental income of the property as its manage- ing their spaces may find it opportunistic to explore ment fee. These companies can take responsibility for purchase options in order to invest in an asset which will day-to-day maintenance, collecting rents, bringing in new appreciate and provide a stable income stream for the tenants and negotiating lease terms. Investors should long term. always discuss terms with management companies to see if there are alternative payment mechanisms as well. Although residential real estate and CRE share some similarities such as the ability to generate revenue through Valuable Medical Office rental income, statistics show that the fundamentals of Properties commercial real estate are much stronger than residential properties. Home prices have declined severely over the • Are located near hospitals last year (insert % here) while CRE values have not seen the same dramatic drop-off. Moreover, even in the cur- • are easily accessible rent market CRE defaults and delinquencies are rela- • Have ample parking space tively stable and are much lower than within the residen- tial market. Medical Offices One of the strongest sectors in the CRE market How to Get Started today is medical office space. The demand for leasing For first time CRE investors, it may be best to ana- space is increasing and investors are taking advantage of lyze your current investment portfolio and get an idea of opportunities in medical office investments. According to your investment appetite. Employ the use of a real estate Real Capital Analytics, values of medical office proper- professional to find CRE which fits your investment pro- ties have increased 13% from last year. file. As credit criteria continue to tighten, investors CRE experts believe that medical office space is should be prepared to provide a higher down payment more recession proof than other property types such as than previously required (approximately 30% of the pur- retail or non-medical office. In a down economic market, chase price) if obtaining financing. Most, if not all, sales of prescription drugs and medical equipment tend financiers will require you to submit personal and busi- to hold up better than nonessential items. Also the coun- ness financial documentation. It is important to speak to try’s aging population and the ongoing need for health- financiers early on in the process in order to obtain the care in general help paint a positive forecast for the most current criteria for obtaining a mortgage. medical office sector. Accordingly the fundamentals of Investors should take a serious look at CRE as a medical properties offer more protection from market viable investment in today’s down market as the long volatility than other types of real estate. term prognosis for CRE remains relatively healthy. And When purchasing medical office properties, investors that is something that would make any medical profes- should pay attention to key qualities which will add value sional happy.

For more information visit www.zayanfinance.com or contact Sajjad Chowdhry or Naveed Sheikh at 877-Zayan123

PAID ADVERTISEMENT Life And Times Of South Asian Diaspora

one consolation prize of this cultural hege- acute shortage of skilled and unskilled man- mony was that young people went abroad power. In 1945 elections labor party won. for higher education. This is not to say that They introduced National Health Service. their own countries would not have attained British doctors boycotted it for a few years. the level of technical and scientific knowl- To cope with the short fall the government edge if they had not been over run. Japan, actively encouraged doctors from the Indian never directly ruled, developed faster than sub-continent to come to the UK and a large the western countries did, and managed to number of the latter came to occupy the over take them in industrial production, sci- lower cadres of the service. A senior labor entific discoveries and financial acumen in a cabinet minister told me that the Service matter of three decades, even after devasta- would not have survived without Indian/ tion of WWII. China has similarly taken Pakistani doctors. 2 giant strides. British government also offered all kinds of Syed Ehtisham, MD Most of the seekers of knowledge returned inducements and facilities for illiterate labor- home, sometimes bringing white wives of ers to immigrate and work in the country. It generally, though not always, and lower was most certainly not an altruistic move. social order in their own country. But these Working class was not only in short supply, were the children of the native elite or the but was in ferment too. Progressive move- outh Asians have a long and honor- rare one possessed of high intelligence from ment was on the upswing in all of Europe. able history of migration. They took genteel and impoverished stock, which They demanded a living wage, fewer hours, to high seas for adventure or to would be sponsored for higher education job security, disability and sickness benefits, escape political persecution for daring to with a view to marrying a daughter of the compensation for “on the job” injury, ade- Schallenge foreign rule. A substantial number house. These Students concentrated on law, quate pensions and decent housing. Manual left their homes to seek better future, as the medicine or literature. The former made up workers from the subcontinent did not ask countries of their birth had suffered from the core of the leadership of Indian for any thing. They flocked from Kashmir, plunder at the hands of colonists. Colonial Independence movement. Jinnah, Gandhi, Punjab and Sylhet and not only filled up the rulers transported a great number as inden- Nehru, Liaquat and most of their associates slots that could not be utilized for want of tured laborers to Africa and South America. were London trained Barristers. Professors in man power, but also the ones that striking We can find their descendents in practically Medical schools till nineteen sixties were native workers had left vacant. The welcome all countries of the world – in Sri Lanka, exclusively UK trained. US and locally they received from the establishment affirmed South America, Africa, West Indies and the trained physician joined the ranks later. the analysis of Marx that capitalists will use venerable Indian colonies in California and ethnic, racial and other divides to sow dis- British Columbia, Indonesian immigrants in My professor of Surgery, Lt. Col. Said sension in the ranks of the working class. Holland and Vietnamese in France. In the Ahmad, a man high wit, intellect and learn- Seeds of hatred sowed at the time between second half of twentieth century a lot of ing, told us this story when we asked him whites, blacks, browns and yellows persists Asians went west for higher education and about life in British Isles. He had gone to grew like weeds into a storm of racial riots. unlike their pre- and immediate post-inde- England in 1929, and stayed with a family pendence predecessors, many elected to stay for a while as a paying guest. He had heard In early years of post independence, there abroad. that English girls were very friendly and pro- were plenty of jobs at home left by the vided “emotional support” to forlorn Indians. British and in the case of Pakistan, by fleeing Europeans on the other hand were driven In his first evening in London, he went out, non-Muslims. Later on, with no further out by religious persecution and mass starva- and roamed around the cold, wet and dreary expansion of health and other services in tion. Adventurers were lured by the fabled streets, only to return after a few hours, shiv- India and Pakistan, many had to stay put, riches of India and the spices needed for ering and crest fallen, that no damsel had working in junior ranks with nary a hope of “preserving” food from going bad. I suppose accosted him, much less way laid him. a consultant3 or similar senior appointment you could call them state sponsored pirates. In their ignorance they called every land and In those days, British Hospitals did not pay Few foreigners attained the rank. Many people they came across after the country any salary to trainees. They only provided a joined General practice, earning as much (East Indies, Indo China, West Indies, and lodging of sorts. Neighborhood bakeries and money as consultants did. In law the latter American Indians). breweries donated bread, butter, cheese and were actually a bit more important, and were beer to keep body and soul together. On put on a pedestal by their patients. Their Subject people tend to look up to the rulers return post graduate degrees did not neces- only regret was that they had wasted so and try to ape their norms mores and tradi- sarily ensure a good job on the staff of a much time in Hospital service chasing post- tions, but usually succeed in only becoming medical school or as civil surgeon.1 graduate degrees and training. (At the time a caricature. It is a part of the psychological you only needed six months each in medi- depredation of captive nations. Their own WWII brought an earth change. Flower of cine and surgery to obtain a slot in General institutions are destroyed in the process. But British manhood perished. There ensued an practice). Scientists, lawyers, accountants

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 40 and academics also languished in junior level King, in conflict with Nasser had expelled arrived in the NY in 1974; Canal Street in jobs and gradually drifted to the Mideast, Egyptian caregivers. Manhattan had only Jewish discount houses. Africa and Far East where they were treated They were short with customers and in their Government of Pakistan, always in financial as skilled slaves. Saudis routinely called stilted English would tell non-whites, “You bind to the West, and being hard put to Pakistanis “miskeen” – pauper. Lucky ones want to buy, buy, or go away”. The whole “service” (payment of interest is euphemisti- found jobs in the USA. Canal street market used to close down for cally called service) the debt encouraged the Jewish Sabbath on Saturdays. When I left Unskilled laborers worked in factories and export of skilled personnel. Bhutto who had Brooklyn NY in 1980, one could buy mango municipal services (sanitary) or as waiters in been able to impart a bit of his self-respect ice cream on Saturdays and the natives spoke Indian restaurants. They lived in ghettoes, and sense of solidarity to other heads of courteously with Brownies. The community and often resorted to an ingenious arrange- Muslim states, successfully induced them to came to own large swathes of high priced real ment – twelve to a room, in four bunk beds, hire Pakistanis instead of non-Muslims. This estate in metropolitan NY, Chicago, Detroit in eight hourly shifts. They cooked highly self-respect did not last very long. and NJ, Florida and California and in most spiced and pungent curry. The smell drove Early sixties saw the trend change to Doctors of the other states as well. white neighbors away, and caused real estate passing ECFMG6 examination and going to values to plummet. Later this technique of Many Physicians like me moved from USA and Canada .USA, unlike the UK and getting whole blocks of flats vacated was suc- England to Canada and USA and had to go Canada where you just had to buy a ticket cessfully used many times, till the British through several years of training over again. (UK put restriction on immigration in June landlords got wise to the scheme and refused I escaped the ordeal, thanks to the recom- 1962 and Canada in December 1973), to rent the flats to South-Asians, however mendation of a British consultant (As men- screened visa applicants, so only the edu- well dressed. That led to many race discrimi- tioned elsewhere he was the one who used to cated or the rich investors could get in. This nation suits. They saved every penny they ask me to do all his work. He was better at measure was good national policy, for every could, built mansions in Mirpur (Pakistani politics than he was in orthopedics and was Doctor, Scientist and Engineer the country Kashmir) where white shalwar/kameez clad very well known in the USA. ) And landed a saved $200,000.00, it would have had to women carrying earthen water pots on their staff job right away. spend educating and training one of its own. heads was to become a common sight. And they did not even have to acknowledge US Hospitals made one work very hard, and The British laborer couldn’t go on strike, as the receipt of this aid! if you chose a surgical internship, it was liter- there were plenty of brown workers to ally day and night. But they paid about three Other educated persons and skilled workers replace him. There was a backlash; gangs of times as much as one got in England and it also made a conscious decision to make their hooligans with shaved heads5 would beat up was a two to four year well balanced training way to the USA. Engineers didn’t do particu- South-Asians who came to be called collec- program, (The British got their act together larly well till the influx of computer techs in tively called Pakis. only in 1995. Prior to that it was hit or miss, the waning years of twentieth century. mostly a miss in sub specialty training. I have Manual unskilled workers had to stay put in Accountants, Attorneys, Dentists and phar- discussed it in chapters on the UK). the UK. A large number could not assimi- macists had more bothersome restraints put late. Cultural, linguistic, racial and religious on them. United States Government (USG) By the time I arrived in the USA in 1974, a difference was too wide to be bridged. Their policy, as usual, was market driven. substantial number of expatriate Doctors descendents usually got educated, spoke in were well settled in private practice and Investors, mostly Gujratis, made a beeline the native accent, but faced racial discrimi- lucrative and academic hospital based jobs, for the land of promise. They are a linguistic nation in jobs, housing and in public ser- owned homes and had started investing in cultural group with unmatched ingenuity, vices. Britain was in an economic slump. Bad commercial property They were well on the initiative, financial skills, ingrained frugality times bring the worst in people. In later years way to becoming substantial citizens. Like all and nerve. At one time you only needed a large number of British born Asians were to upwardly mobile groups their next focus was $5000.00 to get an investor visa. These gen- be further alienated and reverted to funda- on professional organizations. APPNA tlemen recycled the money bringing dozens mentalism. This was especially true of (Association of Pakistani Physicians of North of men, their spouses and children for the Muslims. But that is another discussion. America) was founded in mid seventies, initial amount. USG, belatedly wise to the AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Awash in oil money, Saudi Arabia, Gulf subterfuge, kept on raising the figure till it Indian Origin) a few years earlier. Both bod- States, Libya and Nigeria decided to expand was a million, with out making a dent on the ies developed into formidable lobbies exer- their health services. Literacy rate in the influx .The community bought motels, small cising great influence on their communities countries was even lower than that in Indo- stores, news stands and gas stations. Now and governments back home. It is especially Pak subcontinent. They imported doctors, these amiable, low profile but shrewd people true of APPNA on Pakistani rulers and a few nurses and other health care professionals. (both Jinnah and Gandhi were Gujratis – of its leaders have parlayed their influence Pakistan had an in-built advantage as the Gujjus – a campus sobriquet) own more into cabinet level jobs back “home”. They people shared the same faith with those of than half of the country’s small and mid enjoy easy access to congressmen and sena- host countries. The largest export of heath sized motels. They have literally driven Jews tors, and actively participate in electoral care professionals was to Saudi Arabia, as the out of discount business. I remember when I

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 41 Life And Times Of South Asian Diaspora

process, fund raising and even running for levels in all professions. They have gone into gone to his office ready to be snubbed; instead I got an office. In due course they become members professions their immigrant parents found early appointment, received courteously by the minister who put me at my ease by joking that I should have of the establishment, belong to Rotary and difficult to break into, like Law, Finance and gone to the offices of the “Guinness Book of records” other civic clubs and send their children to Communications. assured me of his best attention to the matter. Ministers expensive private schools were admirably available to their constituents, but The trait of self-reliance, courage and inde- favored physicians even more. My patient, to my utter The groups do a lot of charitable and social pendence of young girls is particularly grati- surprise but not hers, got a six-bedroom house. She work. I would like to make a special mention fying. They assert themselves; take no such brought a Magnum of high quality champagne for me. of Asian American Network against abuse nonsense that they are delicate, dainty, help- 3 Consultant, top of the heap in medical profession, was (ANAA) which is one of the more vibrant less and emotionally labile beings, who the king of the roost with his own ward, medical and human rights Advocacy groups and lobbies should have half as much inheritance as their nursing staff, clinics etc. for legislation to eradicate gender discrimi- brothers, and half the vote as a witness. 4 The British till 9/11 followed the law of the land scru- nation, honor killing and dowry murders.7 pulously. The government routinely lost cases on We have come a long way from the portrait grounds of racial, ethnic and religious discrimination. In Dr. Amna Buttar, a former co-chair of of “innocents abroad” of five decades ago a famous case courts ordered the government to bring women’s caucus of APPNA, founded it. It and have come of age as a community, back an Afghan family they had exiled to Germany on has spearheaded a successful campaign to technical grounds. The minister had charted a plane to matured and stabilized into an integrated high light violations of HR and gender dis- send the family away and had to charter another to whole which owes allegiance to the land it bring them back. He lost his job and prospects of pro- crimination in Pakistan. lives and works in, and to which its future is motion. Things got worse after their own version of Foreigners, especially Muslims suffered a inextricably attached, yet find time, resources 9/11 known as 7/7. tremendous set back and lost a lot of ground and will to try to bring much needed solace 5 They were called skin-heads. They prided themselves post 9/11. But they have exhibited a great to our kith and kin left behind at “home’ as on this “paki bashing” Indians resented this sobriquet. They should not have. The British criminal were only deal of resilience and are inching their way most of first generation expatriates call the affirming what Gandhi, Nehru and Jinnah had firmly back into mainstream society. I have dealt countries of their origin. We were strong believed in – the last till the intransigence of the former with the issue in the chapter “America the enough to with stand, shaken, but not bro- forced him to change his stance. This race based gang- beautiful”. ken in spirit by the after math of 9/11. sterism traveled to Canada and the USA. The gangs, perhaps to compensate the much maligned Pakistanis This brings me to ABCD’S (American Born As a part of the global trend there has been called their outrage dot busting, referring to the red dot Confused Desis, another campus nick name). considerable regression to obscurantism. Hindu women sport on their foreheads. Having put five of my own through college I Christians, Hindus, Muslims and Jews, all 6 Educational council for Foreign Medical Graduates am eminently qualified to dwell on the sub- are affected. In the fifties and sixties liberal- was set up to evaluate the training of non-American Medical graduates. It set up an examination which all ject. South-Asian parents are highly focused ism and secularism dominated. As a reaction foreign doctors, except for Canadians, had to pass in (my American friends say obsessed) on edu- to neo-imperialist hegemony and inept non order to apply for and be accepted for training in the cating their children. They forego vacations; representative governments in Asia and USA. After a year of training you were required to pass some work two full time jobs to send the Africa which are unable and unwilling to FLEX – Federal Licensing Examination – also con- ducted by ECFMG that gave you a license to practice young ones to the most expensive schools tackle economic, health and educational independently. The system was later changed. All medi- they can get into. They make the children issues and have failed to eradicate social cal graduates, Americans and foreign, had to take the attend prep schools during vacations, (while crimes and control population explosion, a same USMLE – United States Medical Licensing their native peers are working summer jobs lot of people have sought shelter in ortho- Examination. and partying,) and get them tutored by pri- doxy, exclusivity and intolerance. With 7 I have dealt with the issue elsewhere. It will bear brief vate academies for SAT.8 I personally know empowerment of masses, freedom of expres- repetition. It is a euphemism for tribe/clan murder rooted in the feudal mind set and is a thinly disguised of instances when mothers have grounded sion, diversion of resources from the bottom- subterfuge for keeping land and other assets in the fam- kids for days if the school grades were not less pit of war machines to economic devel- ily. The case of a girl (and her friend) accused of illicit high. Their only competitors are Jewish opment, this reactionary phase will pass too, sexual relations is brought before a tribal court. She is mothers. but not with out a fight. n not allowed (if not already killed) to appear in her own defense, nor may she present witnesses. A guilty verdict Results justify all the parental dedications is inevitably handed down. The pair is executed by the and heartburn. These new Americans are up girl’s family. If the case ever gets into a formal court of 1 law, perpetrators are granted lenient punishment on the right citizens, and combine the virtues of In British India there used to be four luminaries in a district – Deputy Commissioner, Sessions Judge, Civil grounds that it was crime of passion. The practice in both the worlds. They are bold, confident Surgeon and Superintendent of Police. The ranks were various guises is very common in Pakistan and other and honest citizens. They stand up for their overwhelmingly drawn from white Britons. Many doc- Muslim countries and to a lesser degree in India and rights, are not easily cowed by state appara- tors joined the army or worked in junior civilian posi- Latin America. tus, challenge any slight or discrimination, tions. 8 Scholastic Achievement Test is conducted by an inde- yet remain loyal to family, faithful to friends, 2 I was an assistant GP with surgery next door to his pendent commercial group and is given considerable and considerate of the dispossessed. They are constituency office. I had sought an appointment with weight during the assessment process for college admis- him on the insistence of one of my patients who had sions. 1600 hundreds is the maximum number of marks articulate and social, and mix easily with thirteen children with a fourteenth on the way, living in one can get examinations. It is called the perfect score. “old” and “New” Americans alike. They have a two-bedroom apartment. She wanted me to request In my hinterland of Bath NY several students, all of done well in their careers, reaching executive her member of the parliament to get her a house. I had expatriate origin, made the grade.

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 42 2009 APPNA Winter Meeting Photos, Lahore, Pakistan

(L-R) Dr. Javed Akram, Principal AIMC introducing Dr. Mahmood Alam and Dr. Babar Cheema to (L-R) Mr. Shahbaz Sharif , Chief Minister Punjab and Dr. Mahmood Alam at the inaugural of CME at AIMC. Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Raza Gilani at the convocation. (Photo Dr. Hassan Bukhari) Below Dr. Faisal Cheema addresses a seminar for young physicians

Mr. Raza Gilani, Prime Minister of Pakistan addresses the convocation of graduates of King Edward Medical Univer- sity, Lahore, Pakisttan . (L-R) Dr. Mushtaq Sharif (IL), Dr. Mubashar Rana, King Edward Alumni Association President 2008 and Dr. Naheed Usmani, Chair APPNA’s MERIT Program

Outside AIMC auditorium venue of APPNA CME program (L-R) Drs. Laeeq Khan (TX),?, Mubashar Rana, Punjab Club (L-R) Dr. Javed Akram (Principal AIMC), Dr. Sheila J. Akram, Dr.Talat Bukhari, Dr. Hassan Masud Akbar, Atiya Khan, Talat Bukhari, Tariq Khan and Adeel Butt. (Photo Dr. Hassan Bukhari) Bukhari, Ayesha Akhter and Dr. Rizwan Akhtar (Photo Dr. Hassan Bukhari)

Members of APPNA with the regional offi cers of College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan (CPSP) (L-R sitting Drs. Mubasher Rana, Mohammed Haseeb, Naheed Usmani, Prof. Khalid M. Gondal, Mahmood Alam and Hafi z Ejaz Ahmed. Sitting in second row 4th and 5th from left Dr. Masud Akbar and Dr. Tanvir Zuberi

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 43 Dubai Trip and Fall Executive Meeting, New Jersey 2008

(Above) (L-R) Tipu and Dr. Mahmood Alam with the Hotel Al Burj in th eback ground. (Left) A group photo of the APPNA team in Dubai. Some members still carry warm weather clothes as a precaution while others were in shirtsleeves. (Photos Dr. Hassan Bukhari Dec17,2008)

Photo ABove ^ Winter Meeting Lahore2008 Fall Meeting (L-R) Dr. rubina Inayat and New Jersey Fall Meeting New Jersey (L-R) Hassan Usmani shares computer information Dr. Sajid Chaudhry Secretary (ABOVE) Dr. with Dr. Shaheen Mian Dr. Sarwat Iqbal, and Dr. Naheed Chaudhry (in rear APPNA 2008 (Photo Dr. Manzoor Tariq, standing) Hassan Bukhari) APPNA Trea- surer 2008

Photo Right.> Mr. Akram Chaudhry(center holding plaque) is awarded APPNA’s lifetime community service award. (L-R) Dr. Zubair, Dr. Mahmood Alam (President 2008), Mr. Arkram Chaudhry Dr. Perves Rasul and Dr. Syed Samad (President APPNA 2009)

Photo Above ^Qawwals at Fall EC <

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 44 APPNA Projects - Baluchistan - Kathai NWFP - Mardan NWFP, APPCNA

Baluchistan Earthquake. Photo shows in the bacground APPNA’s building structure to house victims of the 2008 earthquake. Dr. Mahmood Alam, (foreground) APPNA President 2008 speaks to the recipients of APPNA’s aid. Dr. Tariq Cheema, Exec. Dir APPNA (fi rst left). (ABOVE) Ongoing construction of AP- PNA Kathai Girls Middle School. Photo shows Dr. Mahmood Alam making a site inspection.

APPNA’s relief reach the affl icted in Baluchistan. A father and daughter have received basic essentials in rations.(Sep.10th, 2008)

ABOVE APPNA sup- pllies being unloaded for delivery to the villagers in regions selected by APPNA for relief operation.

Rough terrain of Ziarat Balochistan at the village adopted by APPNA to rebuild some 57 homes after the earthquake 2008.

APPNA’s Telemedicine Project in the village of Zahidabad, Mardan Dist. NWFP was accomplished in coordination with the Stanford Univ.(US) Reuters Digital Vision Program, APPNA and UM Healthcare Trust Free Hospital. The project allows consultation with specialist via Internet. Photo (L-R) National Univ. of Science and Technology coordinator, Mr. Mumtaz, Dr. Rizwan Naeem, Mr. Aamir Shafi (NUST) . Sattelite dish which allows internet connection in background. APPNA’s Reha- bilitation Center in Rawalpindi General Hospital. Photo shows Dr. Mahmood Alam making an onsite visit with Mr. Zeeshan Peracha. APPNA contrib- uted $400,000 Dr. Saeed Akhtar (4th from left) poses with his team of volunteers and workers involved in the distribution towards this center of releif supplies which included food items, tents, galvanized steel roofs, fi nished living structures and constructed from medicines. (Photo Below) APPNA employed workers bring supplies such as fl our, water, cooking oil and ground up other day to day neccesities in remote regions. APPNA chapters raised funds in USA. (Sep. 10th, 2008). The earthquake measuring 6.5 Richter scale struck on October 29th, 2008.

PMA House Karachi at the basic life support training program: Association of Pakistani Cardiologists of North America L to R : Cardiologist from NICVD; Immad Sadiq(RI); Arshad Rehan(IA);Javed Suleman(NY);Wajid Baig(RI);Rizwan Karatela(FL) and volunteer from Pakistan Medical Association. (Photo Dr. Wajid Baig)Dec17,08

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 45 ABOVE Fashion Show during Fall 2008 EC Dr. Hassan Bukhari (Former APPNA President) Co- Chair meeting. Pakistani women’s fashion trends were of the CME receives an award for his services at the APPNA highlighted by the volunteers Banquet, Lahore Dec. 2008. Dr. Mahmood Alam (Center) Photo Right>> Volunteers of the Women’s Forum Photo Below New Jersey Chapter who organized the children’s Amjad Sabri Qawwal and Humnawa enthrall the audience speech contest and other activities (L to R) Tina with their performances. The Sabri Brothers claim descent Mahmood, Dr. Saira Zubair, Zainab Rehman, Dr. from Mian Tansen the legendary singer of the Mughal Court Shahida Abbas (President Women’s Forum) and of Akbar Gulshan Awan.

The Speech Club participants. (Fall Meeting New Jersey) and organizers.

Dr. Alam addressing the inaugural session of Winter CME at KEMU.

APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 46 APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 47 APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 48 APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 49 APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 50 APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 51 APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 52 APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 53 APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 54 APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 55 APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 56 APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 57 APPNA JOURNAL • Winter 2008 58 2

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