0, I w11 .01111;4r t r)'.. r t Association of Physicians of Pakistani-descent of North America Volume 16, Number 1 Spring 2006

President's Message 7006 ssalam-u Alaikum! I have learned tinue with the firsthand that no mortal can pre- same zeal for years President A dict what time or future would to come. When an Abdul Rashid Piracha, MD bring. When I took over as the President individual does some of APPNA on January 1, 2006, I was charitable work, our President Elect looking forward to putting my energies religion teaches us Nadeem Kazi, MD into realizing the agenda I had set for to keep it quiet, Past President myself during the campaign. Then the between Allah-u- Hussain Malik, MD monstrous earthquake tragedy hit our Taala and oneself. people in October last year, causing dev- However, when an organization does Secretary astation and loss of life never ever seen charitable work, it needs to be publicized Mahmood Alam, MD before. However, many devoted members so that more and more people can bene- of APPNA, particularly members of the fit from it. I am pleased to say that Treasurer Social Welfare Committee, by the grace APPNA has now been recognized as a Shahid Usmani, MD of Allaaho Taaalaa, responded to the praiseworthy charitable organization in emergency in a truly timely fashion and Pakistan, as is evidenced by the various participated in the reconstructive efforts news items that have appeared in Publication Committee in a fashion expected of a compassionate Pakistani newspapers. Chairman and humane group. I have been periodi- A famous adage from our religious Rizwan A. Karatela, MD cally sending communications to all of philosophers is that when you build your you about the great benefit that our own house, it is built keeping in mind that Co-Chair prompt and effective response has you are building something in which you Raana Akbar, MD brought to the victims. might not be living the next day, but when Editor: We carried out our relief work in stages. you build a public institution, it is to be In the acute stage, our group provided built keeping in mind that its use by peo- Zia Moiz Ahmad, MD shelter, medical care, medical equipment, ple will never come to an end. I hope that Editorial Assistant: medication, and many physician volun- through my actions as your President, this Lynette Zeitler teers. The Social Welfare Committee philosophy is translated into what APPNA report provides the details of our effort. is currently doing in our motherland. APPNA Journal is the Bi-Annual publica- Now in this later stage, our main focus Many of the APPNA committees, tion of the Association of Physicians of is on establishment of a state-of-the-art including the Social Welfare, Member- Pakistani-Descent of North America rehabilitation facility in Rawalpindi and ship, Young Physicians, Publications, (APPNA). The Journal is dedicated to providing useful information to the Mansehra. This will be a commitment of Office Management, Advocacy, Constitu- Association's members, with special at least three years, and we hope that by tion and Bylaws, as well as other commit- emphasis on organizational matters. The the end of this period, all the victims of tees, have had multiple conference calls views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the offi- the earthquake will have been treated over the last three months. The enthusi- cial position of either the Association or and fitted with prosthetics and orthotics. asm and zeal that I see at the present time the Editor. APPNA does not assume any This rehab facility will be named APPNA in the APPNA membership can take responsibility for the authors' assertions Rehabilitation Institute at The Rawalpin- APPNA to heights never seen before. nor does it authenticate their validity. Products or services advertised in the di General Hospital. After its primary Some of the decisions that we make Journal are neither endorsed nor guaran- purpose is served, this institute will con- could be made better, but such perfection teed by APPNA. Reproduction in whole tinue to benefit the indigent and needy could be possible only if the future reveals or in part of the materials contained in this itself to one. The best results of human Journal without prior written permission patients of Pakistan. We have established from APPNA is prohibited. ourselves as a charitable and caring efforts reside in united struggle. I am not organization, and hopefully we will con- continued on page 3 APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Spring 2006 1 Day on the Hill

Editorial

PPNAs Day on the Hill 2006 was a realities and a different world, the Pakistani tremendous success. Fifty APPNA mem- American physicians cannot afford to sit on the Abers, all busy clinicians with hard-to- sidelines and live in our proverbial ghettos (dif- spare time, took three days out of their busy ferent from traditional ghettos because of the schedules to travel to Washington DC from all high rent real estate and luxurious settings but over the United States. They went around the ghettos nevertheless) and socialize only among Capitol and met senators and congressman high- ourselves. We need to step out of our shells and lighting the problems faced by our community. It actively participate in the larger American soci- was an act of active engagement in the political ety. We need to become members of PTA, be process of our adopted homeland to try and help active in our city councils, volunteer our time in Zia Moiz Ahmad, the country of our birth. The issues of US visas the local charity organizations, participate in MD, FACC for medical graduates from Pakistan, long delays food drives for the poor, make donations in in security clearance resulting in lost training fund raisers for the Police and Fire Dow graduate, class of 1982. Completed opportunities, and discrimination faced by Department, and above all engage in a dialogue Internal Medicine Pakistani Americans were brought forth and dis- with our neighbors and co-workers. We need to residency in from cussed. The role of Pakistan in the war against counter the barrage of negative stereotypes University of Ken- terrorism and the high price being paid by the broadcast daily into the television and radios of tucky, Lexington, Pakistani society to conduct this war was empha- our native-born friends and colleagues. We are KY. He completed sized. We congratulate Dr. Piracha for organizing fortunate to be a group of educated and finan- cardiology fellow- a very successful event and placing this on the cially secure American citizens of Pakistan ship at Wake Forest top of his agenda. descent. We have to fulfill our obligations of cit- University, Winston- The Day on the Hill crystallizes who we are izenship and, and in the process, repay the debt Salem, NC. and what we need to do. With the changing of Pakistani society.

CONTENTS President 1 Advocacy, Legislative and APCNA 27 Editorial 2 Governmental Affairs 14 President elect 3 Young Physicians 15 Report of The Alliance 28 Secretary 4 Rehabilitation Committee 18 Treasurer 6 Finance 20 SAYA 30 Nomination and Elections 21 Articles YP and RESA Program 22 APPNA Time 7 Death, Despair, Destruction Alumni Reports Advertisements and a New Beginning 8 Fatima Jinnah Medical College 23 Zeelaf Munir 16 DOGANA Celebrates its Mahmood Alam 17 Committee Reports 25th Anniversary 24 Shifa International 22 Communication 10 Cardiologist 28 Research and Scientific Affairs 11 Chapter Reports SBFC 28 Social Welfare Projects and New England Chapter (APPNE) ..25 Xavier University 29 Disaster Relief Committee 12 South Florida Chapter 26 Mercy USA 32 2 APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Winter 2006

Preside nt-Elect Report

Volunteers Needed for a Successful 2007

ear APPNA members my Salaam and focus on education. To educate our members regards. APPNA is at the height of its regarding the civil right issues we are facing D achievements. We already started one and how to deal with them, educate our leader- rehabilitation center in Rawalpindi and another ship regarding the governance of an organiza- one is in progress. Soon, Inshallah, we will build tion, educate our community regarding the a permanent clinic and school in Khatai area. Our social unjust many are facing in US and vocational school is operational in Khatai and Dr Pakistan and educate our leaders on how the Piracha recently delivered furniture and syllabus legislative process work. We will arrange semi- to the Khatai School. We will continue our sup- nars on these issues during our Annual port and fulfill our obligation to help the earth- Meeting 2007. quake victims. However, we need your continuing I am looking forward to the year 2007, where Nadeem Kazi, MD support and I urge you to get involved in your we will focus on issues in a very positive and pro- Dr. Nadeem Kazi, grad- local community and remind them that this disas- gressive manner. I am happy to announce that we uated from Sindh ter is not over yet. have contracted with Rosen Shingle Creek Resort Medical College, class of Our membership showed their compassion- in Orlando, Florida for our annual 2007 summer 1986, completed his resi- ate side towards the earthquake victims. Still meeting. This resort gave us good rates for the dency in 1993 and fin- many are sending donations, several still want whole meeting and is more spacious than the ished his gastroenterology to go and serve in affected areas, and our chap- Gaylord Palms. I urge you all to attend this meet- fellowship in 1997 from ters are organizing fund raisers. The media is ing with your families and let's all gear towards a Loyola University not covering the earthquake and it is our successful year. Medical Center, responsibility to reach out to our neighbors I ask all of the members to aid me in making Maywood IL. Currently and community. Recently the Arizona chapter 2007 a very successful year. We have several com- in private Gastroenrology arranged a fundraiser where half of the atten- mittees which need volunteers to help run the practice in Arizona. Also serving as a Chief of dees were local non Pakistani's who greatly organization. I request you to email me at Internal Medicine at appreciated the information presented to them [email protected] if you are interested in working in Casa Grande Regional and as a result, are eager to help us in raising any of the committees (list of the committees is Medical Center and funds and awareness. on our web site). Once again thank you for your President of Pinal Next year, as a President of APPNA, I will support. Together we will serve each other. County Medical Society.

President's Message continued from page 1 embarrassed to say that I still some- ing your opinion about a certain deci- it to a greater future. Some of us who times find the partisanship that exists sion or a project that may not be to have been in this association since its in APPNA frustrating and dishearten- your liking. I assure you that my cam- inception should now be on the side- ing. To me, APPNA is one large family. paign promises of transparency, abid- lines, giving our advice rather than Granted, blocks of different people ing by the constitution and sticking to being in the limelight and on every page vote in the President and other office the ethics of our organization will con- of the next chapter. Their contributions bearers, but in the end we're all one tinue to hold through out my tenure. and the work done for this organization family. The Executive Committee and Items on my agenda include increas- deserve honor and respect, but the way the President make decisions based ing the membership and internal reor- should be made for the next generation, upon what is sincerely thought to be ganization of the office. I strongly specifically encouraging more involve- best at that time for the organization, believe that at this time the younger ment of the graduates of the North and not to promote personal agendas. members of our organization should American medical schools and the chil- Please keep that in mind when express- take charge of the association and lead dren of APPNA members. 3 APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Winter 2006 Secretary's Report

Grassroot Involvement, Membership Recruitment and New Chapters

ssalam-u-Alaikum, abruptly made a sensational disclosure in his I would like to thank the membership report. He said that he had trouble verifying 88 A for giving me the opportunity to serve memberships for the election because there was the association as Treasurer last year and as bulk mailing and payments that were mostly sent Secretary this year. It has been a great honor and by money orders. He said that this membership privilege and I will work to the best of my capac- had come from five different locations. This gen- ity to make our organization strong and effective. erated a heated discussion in the Council. We have held a number of meetings this year. Members who believed him were dismayed; oth- A Special Council Meeting was called for ers felt that his announcement was premature and consolidation of The Earth quake Relief Effort in inflammatory since the Membership Committee Mahmood Chicago, January 14, 2006. It was very well Chair had not yet recommended these members Alam, MD attended. A complete review of the effort was to the President-elect for verification. According to our constitution the Membership Committee Dr. Alam is a undertaken. Important decisions regarding proj- graduate of Allama ects selection and dispersal of monies were made. has to review all the membership forms and then Iqbal Medical A Special Tele-Council Meeting was recommend these to the President-elect for verifi- College, Lahore, requested by the President on March 9, 2006 to cation. The Chair of the Membership Committee, class of 1983. He is discuss membership fee reduction on the recom- Dr Javed Suleman, had not even looked at the an Interventional mendations of Membership Committee. membership forms. A few members advised Dr Cardiologist located Three other Tele-Executive Committee Kazi to stay impartial as APPNA tradition has at Central New Meetings were called to discuss other urgent always held that the President-elect should be Jersey. important issues. neutral during the election process and it was on New Component Societies: Three com- this basis that the duty of verification had been plete applications have been received: Greater assigned to the President-elect in the new bylaws. Cincinnati Chapter, Heart Land Chapter, and The premature announcement, according to some Punjab Medical College Alumni Association members, smacked of bias. A law firm is retained of Michael Mosher, Report of the Chairman Board of Esq. to assist APPNA in legal issues pertaining to Trustees: Dr. Shabbir Safdar announced that its 501 C (3) status. Dr. Ihsanul Haq of Michigan, a founding mem- Spring Council 2006 unanimously approved ber of APPNA, was selected as the new member a resolution to retain 5% of all charitable collec- of the Board from the nominations that were tions to defray the administrative cost related received from the Council. He also announced with charitable work. the formation of the new Ethics and Grievances The 2006 spring meeting was held at Committee with Dr. Latafat Hamzavi of MI, as Wardman Park Marriott Hotel, Washington, DC. the Chair. The Day on the Hill was held on April 6, and was Report of the Constitution and Bylaws organized by APPNA's Committee on Advocacy, Committee (CARL): This report included rec- Legislative, and Governmental Affairs Commit- ommendations on an impeachment clause pre- tee. Members lobbied with lawmakers to advo- sented as an Appendix "Recall of an APPNA cate for the Visa and Immigration issues of Officer" and also reduction in the function and Pakistani Physicians and expressed their con- duties of the Board of Trustees. There was some cerns about Civil Rights asking them to Support debate whether the present committee had dis- the Senate Bill 2138 and End Racial Profiling Act cussed this matter during 2006. Dr. Atiq argued (ERPA). Targeting of Muslim Charities particu- that it had been discussed in 2005 and that the larly of funds earmarked for Earthquake relief present committee was supposed to be the con- efforts was a concern for discussion. tinuum of the last committee. Dr. Sultan Ahmad, Notable discussion during The Council APPNA parliamentarian, suggested discussing Meeting, spring 2006 the changes in the Trustee section with the 2006 President Elect's Report: Dr Nadeem Kazi CABL committee before bringing the issue up 4 APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Winter 2006 for discussion in the council. The CABL committee report expressed his dissatisfaction with the Council's decision to was tabled for the summer meeting. approve the Greater Cincinnati Chapter. He reiterated his APPNA Sehat. Dr. Hassan I. Bukhari suggested buying a arguments and moved to refer the matter to the CABL com- building for Sehat offices in Islamabad to avoid high rentals mittee. This motion was passed after some discussion with 10 and to build acuity. votes in favor, one against, and one abstention. Punjab Medical College. Dr. Shahnaz Akhtar, President ARY Contract Dr Piracha reported that this matter was of Punjab Medical College (PMC) Alumni Association still unresolved and the Council gave authority to the APPNA requested the approval of their society as a component organ- Executive committee for dealing with this issue. ization of APPNA. This was granted after the Secretary's The Affiliation status of HDFNA with APPNA. review and some discussion. HDFNA had applied for this status for which they qualify The Greater Cincinnati Chapter. Dr. Farooq Mirza pre- according to the new APPNA bylaws. The council suggested sented the Greater Cincinnati Chapter for approval as a com- the formation of a task force to develop recommendation for ponent Society by the Council and argued that a number of a long-term association between APPNA and HDFNA. Dr. States had, at this time, two chapters in the APPNA Council. Piracha was authorized to form such a task force. Dr. M. Raza Khan, President of the Ohio Chapter vehement- This was a successful meeting and the efforts of Dr. Abdul ly argued against the approval and cited the new bylaws which Hameed Peracha and his team were greatly appreciated. In require more than 100 members in the state as requirement the end I would like to identify some important issues for for the formation of a second chapter in a state. There was a APPNA as an organization and will, inshallah, complete them great deal of discussion. Dr. Piracha asked for the expert during my term as Secretary; opinion of Dr. Sultan Ahmad since there was an impasse. Dr. APPNA central office management by a professional and Sultan Ahmad felt that although the new bylaws were clear qualified Executive Director and increase in working hours about having 100 or more members for the second chapter to of our part time accountant be accepted as legal component, there was historical prece- Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) for discussion and dent against this clause. He said in matters of such controver- approval by the APPNA Council for smooth execution of sy, precedent is always followed. Dr Ahmad's statement paved governance by the Council the way for voting. The Council approved the Greater Separate accounting of Continuing Medical Education Cincinnati Chapter as the component society of APPNA with (CME) funds 13 votes in favor and 9 votes against it. Hiring of a qualified person for continued action on Sunday session of the Council: Dr. M. Raza Khan Advocacy issues on per diem basis.

M. Raza Khan, MD, Sajjid Chaudhry, MD, unknown, Javed Suleman, MD, Shahid Sheikh, MD. APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Spring 2006 5 Treasurer's Report

The Largest Donation in APPNA's History

ssalam-u-Alaikum. have an impact on the total revenues. APPNA faced a multitude of chal- APPNA retained the services of a new Alenges over the last year in the form of Accountant Mr. David Lade last year who has multiple natural disasters both in the United worked very efficiently in streamlining our States and in Pakistan. Even though the natural accounting and budgeting practices and has disasters were responsible for tremendous helped in our Auditing. I am honored to state that tragedy in the form of loss of life and property, we have completed the audit for 2004 accounts they also created an opportunity for the APPNA and have started the process of 2005 Audit. I membership to show their compassion for the thank all of you for your help in providing all the suffering of the victims. APPNA membership necessary bank statements for the completion of Shahid F. raised $155,250 for the Tsunami Relief effort in 2004 Audit, and I request all of you to also please Usmani, MD South Asia, $91,278 for Hurricane Katrina Relief provide the 2005 year-end bank statements as Dr. Shahid Usmani fund and $1,520,342 for the Pakistan soon as possible. This will facilitate our comple- is a Pediatrician in Earthquake Relief effort. This presented us with tion of the 2005 audit in a timely manner. We Orlando, Florida. a unique challenge of effectively managing the have also transitioned to the accrual form of He is a graduate of largest donations in APPNA's history and ensur- accounting starting in 2006, which presents a Universidad ing that the money was spent in the most effi- more realistic picture of the financial health of our Tecnologica de cient manner maximizing the value to the victims Association. Timely auditing practice reflects well Santiago(UTESA) of these natural disasters. APPNA has undertak- on APPNA and demonstrates that we are a main- in the Dominican en this responsibility without a single dollar spent stream organization, which conducts its business Republic, class of on administrative expense till the spring meeting. according to the accepted principles of account- 1986. He complet- At the spring meeting in Washington, DC ing in a transparent manner. ed his residency in APPNA executive Pediatrics from Nassau County council approved to Medical Center in transfer up to 5% of East Meadow, New the funds collected York in 1989 and for disaster relief has been in private for administrative practice of General expenses. These Pediatrics since funds will be used 1991 in Florida. only towards the Dr. Usmani is also office-expenses Chief of Medical directly related to Staff at Health disaster relief. This Central Hospital in Orlando. will help APPNA meet some of the unexpected expens- es that we have incurred because of the large outpour- ing of donations. The executive council had also decided in mid March to decrease the membership fee for the remainder of 2006, which may 6 APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Winter 2006 APPNA Time

Relief and Rehabilitation Thank You America

ight seconds of tremors on the tragic adopted homeland of mine. The American sol- October morning left thousands dead and diers showed compassion in their selfless service E millions homeless. The powerful earth- to a population that had not seen this beautiful quake leveled cities and thriving communities... side of the American mosaic. Thank you America, Words fail to do justice to the extent of destruc- a job well done. tion. On my first visit to the area in November April 8, 2006 marks the sixth month anniver- 2005, the scene was of total chaos. We could only sary of the disaster. The day also marked the end reach the outskirts of the city of Balakot as there of relief and recovery phase, heralding the begin- was no transportation onward. Many thousands ning of the rehabilitation phase. It also marked were left in the open air despite tremendous the with-drawl of American forces from the relief Farrukh Sayyer efforts by a multitude of organizations. The efforts. As I stood at the airport to bid farewell to Malik, MD largest earthquake relief effort in the Northern American troops I reflected on the bravery and Pakistan and Kashmir saved many thousands and professionalism of the American personnel. They Dr. Malik is a provided hope for millions. The civilian popula- tirelessly served the quake destitute for six graduate of King tion of Pakistan was at the forefront along with months, saving thousands of lives at great peril to Edward Medical International Help. I want to single out help and their own self. University ,class of resources offered by The US military. It was only The rehabilitation phase requires millions of 1988. He is a after the arrival of the giant Chinook helicopters dollars. A concerted effort is again needed to Heart failure/trans- that a meaningful relief and recovery effort took raise funds and help rebuild Balakot, plant cardiologist place. The worst natural disaster claimed 74000 Muzzafarabad, Shardah, Atth_mukam, Garhi- at the Centennial lives and 3.5 million people were left homeless. dupatta and countless small and large towns in Cardiac center of excellence in US military pilots and staff faced harsh flying the northern areas. I request all APPNA mem- Nashville Tennessee. conditions bravely and their mighty Chinooks not bers to donate their mandatory Zakat towards only provided relief supplies to thousands but this cause. On the ground, things have improved, also carried out medi-vac missions. According to much has changed, some for the better. Through an estimate, US Chinooks delivered over 14,000 combined efforts, many thousands are alive today tons of relief supplies and helped transport some and with continued efforts, many would survive 19,000 people. I have never been so proud of this to see their children grow.

APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Spring 2006 7 Simulta neous Endovascular Repair of Descending Thoraci c and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Now Possible

New technology is making the endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms safer and more effective than ever before.

beautiful countryside once charming Fellow, an Anesthesiologist, a Nurse Midwife, a and breathtaking destroyed in a matter Medical Student, and myself, an obstetrician/ A of three minutes. The people who sur- gynecologist. We ventured up to Muzzafarabad vived the ordeal described it as 'the end of the and Balakot, Pakistan. Kashmir has been consid- world'. Rubble, dust, destruction, and death ered one of the most beautiful regions in the world. beyond what the naked eye could see. The chok- Majestic mountains, scenic rivers, calm breezes, ing smell of rotting corpses permeated the air and the bluest skies one can imagine. A lot of peo- while the locals yearned to learn the fate of their ple have believed this to be heaven on earth. On loved ones...many days after. Homelessness in the contrary, what we saw was sheer hell. every direction. No sign of women and children. The epicenter of the earthquake was close to Tahir A. Chauhdry, Injury and despair filled the air. Every person had Balakot, a city of 200,000, which was completely DO; FACOG a story to tell. leveled. According to one local resident, most of Southern Tier As I watched this catastrophe in horror from the population still lay buried in the rubble. Women's Health ten thousand miles away, I could only imagine the Others stated that they had heard cries and Center pain and suffering that these people were endur- moans from under the rubble for several days Hornell, New York ing. As a Pakistani-American, I realized that I after the quake could not sit on the sidelines. For the first time in The drive from Balakot to Muzzafarabad was my life, I dropped everything for a cause. What treacherous. The infrastructure was severely dam- made this expedition more difficult was fasting aged. Nonetheless, we arrived at our base camp 2 during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Leaving my hours later. I still could not fathom the disaster we family, friends, and patients for two weeks in would face in the morning. The next morning October 2005, was also difficult. My family, revealed the true extent of the horror. The city of albeit nervous, was proud of my actions and sup- Muzzafarabad, the capital of the province, was portive. Under the circumstances my patients annihilated. People were walking in the streets in a were understanding and compassionate for my daze. I did not see any children or women. A man leave of absence. in the camp explained that this was the "Day of I was very fortunate to be part of the first civil- ian, U.S. led, medical coalition. Approximate- ly thirty physicians left New York City for Kashmir. The team comprised of General, Vascular, Orthopedic Surgeons, Internists, Family Physicians, Anesthesiologists, and me, the only OB/GYN. Throughout our flight, physicians designed strategies and plans of action. Later on to our dismay we came to real- ize that we had under- estimated our mission. My team comprised of a Vascular Surgical 8 APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Winter 2006 second Cesarean, the generator malfunctioned. We per- formed the Cesarean with only a flashlight. Without over- head lights or a surgical scrub nurse, this was by far the most interesting surgery I have ever performed. To make my experience more special, two mothers later on named their children after my eldest daughter, Anisah and me. My surgical expertise reached new heights. I had to assist on various surgical procedures including amputa- tions. This was very disheartening. Performing such pro- cedures on children was emotional devastating. Our worst night was when a little boy aspirated on some food. His mother did not realize what had transpired. We attempt- ed to resuscitate him for twenty minutes. Our efforts were in vain. To make matters worse, she lamented that she had lost her husband and three other sons during the quake. Approximately 75,000 dead are accounted for. Local estimates put the figure at 200,000. This is an ongoing tragedy. Majority of the people are living in makeshift Judgment." At 8:45 AM on October 8, 2005, the ground shook, tents without heat. Northern Pakistan and Kashmir have the mountains crumbled, buildings collapsed, and boulders were frigid temperatures and snow falls of up to two feet. Pakistan hurled from every angle. After the three minutes of hell, he real- is a poor country. Food, clothing, sanitation, and basic neces- ized that he had lost his wife at his home and his four children sities are generally scarce. With today's political and religious at the local school. Life as he knew it, had changed. climate, it is hard for Americans to understand the full mag- The field hospital was our base camp. This was no more nitude of this calamity. I have realized that I am very lucky to than a large circus tent partitioned into sections. A triage be alive and be a husband, a father, a brother, a son, a friend, area, pharmacy, supply room, patient wards, operating room, a colleague, an American, an Obstetrician/Gynecologist and and a delivery room. With the shortage of nurses, we had to most importantly, a human. tend to our patients at all hours. This tent had a dirt floor without heat. The temperatures ranged from 60 F during the IANTI) AKIITAR Mn day to a low of 40 F at night. Our team, along with four other Pakistani physicians would see approximately 1000-1200 patients every day. The majority of patients needed basic medical care. Wound debridement, infections, burns, frac- tures, dislocations, GI ailments, were par for the course. This was medical knowledge that was from when I was a medical student. It was amazing to see all these physicians working so hard in such primitive conditions. Practicing Obstetrics and Gynecology in Kashmir was extremely difficult. The social and ethnic taboo of a male physi- cian examining women was a distinct disadvantage. I was prob- ably the first male OB/GYN ever in Muzzafarabad. With the help of Stacia Birdsall, a Nurse-Midwife Student, I had the pleasure of delivering 5 babies. Our operating room suite was very basic and consisted of a small-enclosed trailer, which pri- marily consisted of an Anesthesia Machine, table, and primitive instruments. Under the circumstances sterilization was a prob- lem. Nonetheless, we tried to place the instruments in a hot water bath. I performed two Cesarean deliveries. During the APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Spring 2006 9 Report of the Communication Committee

A New, Highly Professional Web Site/Message Board/Online Registration

ssalam-u-Alaikum, on and less work for the secretarial staff in cen- We are very excited and pleased to tral office. Aannounce that APPNA now has a new On the artistic side, we have a banner which highly functional professionally designed web encompasses various themes of country of origin, site. www.appna.org. I am grateful to the mem- country of adoption and our professional identi- bers of my team for working diligently to make it ty. This theme was arrived at after a laborious happen in a matter of few months. process of giving our membership a chance to Unfortunately, owing to non performance of participate in its design. Canada from where the previous vendor we were placed in the posi- some of our members come, is acknowledged. tion of waiting until the end of the year before In a nutshell we have the following major fea- Sajid Chaudhary, launching the next vendor's website. Luckily for tures. MD APPNA, the council of 2005 sensing the need Message Board where members can create and urgency, authorized appropriate financing topics of discussion, post messages and have an Graduate of Allama Iqbal Medical for our new website. We are therefore mindful of automatic message feed service which sends any College, class of the urgency and importance that our council further posting of topics that the member has 1985. Residency attaches to this very important medium. We have expressed interest, directly into their e-mail box. from Brown hired the company that was APPNA's first web Members are therefore able to communicate with University of RI, designer. This company thus has some exposure each other but not have their mailboxes filled up Fellowship from about the working of APPNA, its annually occur- with topics that do not interest them. University of ring changes and its functioning as an institution. There will be rules of participating in the mes- Massachusetts, Visitors to our website will see that it is a an sage board and these will posted on the site as Currently practicing enterprise level vendor and has top notch client soon as they are approved by Council. Infectious Diseases base such as Amtrak, Daimler Chrysler, Blue Online Summer Meeting Registration for in Kissimmee, FL. Cross Blue Shield, Mopar, Skillman Foundation everything including CME, guests, banquet, reg- and many others. istration, trips, miscellaneous services all with In the last four months numerous live interac- secure Verisign credit card payment modality. tive phone and high speed web demonstrations APPNA does not have access to nor does it keep have taken place where many members of CC credit card numbers on file if there is online reg- 2006 were able to see the key features on the istration. screen and approve them stage by stage. Some of Efforts are underway to complete a section these meetings occurred at 9 am EST during where the humanitarian and charitable working days when we had to assume our clinical underpinnings of our organization will be duties in hospitals, clinics, surgical suites etc. I highlighted e.g. relief efforts in Tsunami tidal am grateful to the members including the wave of 2004, Katrina floods of 2005, President who made themselves available for Earthquake of 2005 and other missions such as such live web demonstrations to take place. the droughts and floods in previous years in Taking into consideration two major key fac- Pakistan. Donors and prospective members will tors; security and functionality, the web is elegant therefore be able to see our accomplishments. but easy to navigate site where a casual visitor APPNA Sehat has its own site and links to it have can quickly get to the span of informational base been provided. Young Physicians resource of our organization. For the members there is a center has a link on the main page. password area that is secure and private for all of Content Management System. This is going its contents including the process of on line reg- to be a key component for it allows the trained istration for our upcoming summer meeting in APPNA office bearer or Central Office staff to July this year. I am happy to state that members change content on the website without having to are actively using this service, as of now over 300 go back to the web design service. members have used this facility. This will give the 6. Many of you have received some communi- Local Host Committee rapid information to act continued on page 19 10 APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Winter 2006 Report of the Research and Scientific Affairs Committee

Supporting the Mission of APPNA

he Research, Education and Scientific had to be changed. Ninety physicians from the Affairs committee of APPNA continues to U.S. participated. The topic of the conference Tsupport the mission of APPNA. The char- was Disaster Relief. Several prominent speakers ter of the committee is broad in nature; the focal from the United States were invited. Dr. Saud point of effort is to improve CME. I am happy to Anwar spearheaded that effort and I am thankful report that we are continuing to provide quality to him. Many of our participants also provided educational programs to the membership to medical services to the needy. enhance the care of our patients. Local APPNA chapters and alumni organiza- The membership had embarked upon having tion continue to offer the CME programs through international CME conferences. Objective of those APPNA. have been to increase the interaction between the Listed below is the summary of the CME for Raza A. Dilawari, FRCS, FACS APPNA members and the medical professionals of 2005: Total number of APPNA sponsored activities 7 the host country. Our last conference in March of Chairman RESA 2005 was held in India and it achieved this objec- New England Chapter-Spring 23 Participants 1 Hour committee of tive to the fullest. Dr. Rizwan Naeem, the co-chair DOW Alumni APPNA of RESA, was given the task to organize this. He 13 Participants 4 Hours coordinated with CII and the result was an excel- International Conference lent CME program in Delhi and Mumbai. There 135 Participants 15 Hours was participation from Indian professionals and our Annual Meeting Houston members. The program was diverse and balanced. 375 Participants 14 Hours It allowed for excellent exchange of information (Nearly 500 registered only 375 certificates issued because that was the number who turned in their certificate of attendance) and interaction. Fewer than 35 of our members New England Chapter Fall participated. One of the most important parts of 21 Participants 4 Hours the CME activity in this fourth international con- SMC ference was that the host country bore most of the 16 Participants 11 Hours expenses related to CME, thus a considerable sav- Winter Meeting ing to APPNA. For this, we should thank Dr. 90 Participants 14 Hours Total 673 Participants 63 Hours Rizwan Naeem. Total amount of Commercial support 13,500.00 Last year's summer meeting at Houston was very Total income received-registration 76,025.00 well attended. This meeting had a lot of firsts. First Total expenses 60,622.00 time a Noble Laureate graced our meeting. First Several challenges are facing our program. CME time internationally known giants of our profession remains under-funded. We have not been able to spoke at our meeting. Extremely eminent raise sufficient funds from commercial support. In Pakistani Physicians honored us by their presence. my opinion, the lack of a permanent committee of Dr. Adib Rizvi gave an exhilarating lecture on the people committed to raising the funds on an ongo- achievement of transplantation in Pakistan. The ing basis is the major reason. most significant first, in my opinion, was organizing The accounting of CME expenses and income the residents and fellows symposium. They present- is often not communicated to the RESA commit- ed their research. A committee of our academicians tee on a timely basis. There has been a significant selected four papers for oral presentations and sev- lack of open communication between the central eral others for poster presentations. To promote the office and the committee. interest among our young and budding members, a The committee is in the process of applying for reward was given to all the participants. The CME re-accreditation from ACCME. The annual ad hoc committee at Houston and its chairman report for 2005 was submitted to ACCME in deserve our thanks for working very hard often March of 2006. Having an accredited program is under some distractions to bring this through. expensive and we need the support of the mem- Due to the devastating earthquake in Pakistan, bership as well as the executive council to contin- the location and the theme of the winter meeting ue providing the state of the art program. APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Spring 2006 11 Report of the Social Welfare and Disaster Relief Committee

APPNA Kathai Village and Other Projects

here and what is Kathai? are common. There is No farming is possible It is a tiny village in Northern part for livelihood or even food. W of Azad Jammu and Kashmir about 9- Solution: We have requested the Army Corp 10 km. from the line of control (LOC) between of Engineers to survey the blocked areas and with Chakoti (last town on LOC) and Chinari. The local help reopen the water canal. population is roughly 4880 according to the last Possible cost $ 50,000. official census in 1998. Recent surveys done by 2. Economic deterioration of the area. the Pakistan Army showed the following statis- There is complete lack of jobs, businesses are tics: Kathai : 1150, Sadhani : 501,Tilli Kote lost, and no farming is possible. :1775, Kotla : 690, Bibdori :723, Killi Gabbar Possible Solution: Chair: M.Javed :1460, Bandi Chakan :1127, Kona : 6000, Gujar A. Micro credits to restart small businesses Akhtar, M.D., Bandi :2700. Total population: 10,126 (shops, general stores, etc) FAGS Number of Deaths? B. Vocational School for young women like CO-Chair: Saima Kathai : 122, Sadhani : 28, Tilli Kote :118, sowing, knitting etc. Zafar, M.D. Kotla : 30, Bibdori : 45, Killi Gabbar :170, Bandi Possible cost $ 50,000. Chakan : 131, Kona : 199, Gujar Bandi : 125. 3. Lack of proper health care facilities and Total Deaths: 968 immunization program. Number of People Injured? Possible solution: Kathai : 87, Sadhani : 36, Tilli Kote : 35, Kotla We should build them a permanent Clinic with : 55, Bibdori : 43, Killi Gabbar : 214, Bandi a paramedic/nurse stationed permanently and a Chakan : 68, Kona : 325, Gujar Bandi : 247. local Doctor visiting at least twice a week. A very Total Injured: 1115 active immunization program should be imple- Houses Destroyed? mented using APPNA-Sehat Model. Kathai: 235, Sadhani: 64, Tilli Kote: 314, 4. Both school buildings are destroyed. Kotla: 138, Bibdori: 103, Killi Gabbar: 310, Possible solution: permanent school build- Bandi Chakan: 190, Kona: 418, Gujar Bandi: ings. 483, Total Houses Destroyed: 2255 5. Lack of good road access. How did APPNA find out about Kathai? Possible Solution: A paramedic from New York who was dropped We have to approach the Government on that there by helicopter called Dr. Saeed Akhtar and issue. told him about the bleak picture for the people of 6. Communication with the rest of the Kathai-no food, no shelter, road closed! world! What Has Been Done So Far? Possible Solution: We have provided more than 500 all-weather Somebody with an entrepreneurial mind can tents, more than 5000 blankets, more than 2000 start a PCO and a small internet café! We should sleeping bags, enough food to last thru March definitely consider providing couple of computers (the worst time of the year), one Large Marquee to the Schools. Tent for the Girls School and smaller tents for the A lot has been done but a lot still needs to be Boys School. done at Kathai. Between our last visit in Problems and their Possible Solutions November and the more recent visit in December, 1. There is no running water, and the main things have really improved. We found people artery which was feeding the village from a upbeat, willing to pick up the pieces and move on remote spring was blocked by the earthquake with their lives. We were very impressed with their and mudslides. The villagers have to get either intelligence and their willingness to actively partic- stagnant water or walk an at least 2 hours ipate in their destiny. The presence of APPNA has round trip to get water from a 900-1000 feet really made a great difference in this outlook. deep spring. Due to lack of clean running Their faith in God is very strong and they are very water diseases like Scabies and Gastroenteritis hopeful about their future. As the old farmer 12 APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Winter 2006 ploughing a bone dry field with his bulls, put it "I will be ready • We are still working with the local residents on the micro-cred- when God sends rain or water from the spring". God bless all it program. The main difficulty is the absence of local govern- of you who have brought a blink of hope to the denizens of this, ment infrastructure (no Nazims/ Naib-Nazims, no Number- a tiny remote village in the far flung and remote areas of dars). Access to the Village has been a problem because the Kashmir and restored smiles to the faces of their children. road has been mostly closed as a result of the mudslides. APPNA Village Kathai Rehabilitation Projects by APPNA • More than 559 tents worth US $84000 were distributed • Work at the construction of the rehabilitation hospital at RGH for immediate relief. is progressing well. Drs Piracha and Murtaza Arain from the • 2645 tin sheets for roofs worth $26000 were used through Rehabilitation committee have just visited the facility. the Pakistan army to build shelters in areas above 5000 feet, • A group of Prosthetists/Orthotists led by Mr.Shamshad is before winter set in. fitting artificial limbs • We wanted to build permanent housing for the residents with • PIPOS has sent a proposal and a MOU to run the the help of other NGOs but the Government has stalled the Rehabilitation clinic (outpatient) at Mansehra. Total cost process by saying that they will provide direct aid to villagers. projection is roughly 319,000 dollars over the next three Schools in Kathai years. Appna will pay 200,000 dollars and PIPOS will con- • We are currently running two schools with the help of Read tribute 119,000 dollars. Foundation of UK. They are currently operating out of Other Projects in Earthquake effected areas tents that we provided (including a large Marquee tent • Another container has gone with Dialysis machines and worth $5000). We are going to provide them with perma- other medical equipment. nent buildings once the Government comes out with the • APPNA is supplying equipment to PIMA sponsored inpa- new building specifications. tient facility in Muzzafarabad. PIMA is already running a • We have provided them with necessary books and furniture. very busy Clinic there. This is filling a huge void after the APPNA Medical Clinic in Kathai Pakistan Army had dismantled the Mash Unit. • Appna medical clinic is operating out of a tent with a tem- • APPNA is sponsoring a school at the Village of Hope porary physician and paramedic team. We are going to build established for Orphans by IMET. Opening ceremony took a permanent structure as soon as the Government will give place last weekend. The facility is going to house 100 us permission. We are keeping it stocked with needed med- orphans initially and then more will be accomodated. ications. We plan to keep it as an outpatient facility. Dr.Arshad Hussain and Rose Procter were kind enough to Kathai Water Restoration project accept my invitation to personally come and update • The army corps of engineers has conducted surveys and APPNA EC on this extremely worthy project. has agreed to do the necessary work. Bad weather and Other projects by APPNA mudslides have delayed the project some what. • Three containers of wheelchairs are on the way to Pakistan Micro credits and Vocational training already. APPNA has sponsored one container. Once they • Sewing machines have been provided for the girl's voca- arrive in Islamabad APPNA representatives with the local tional training school. continued on page 20

Arshad Hussain, MD, with admirers. (L to R) Miss Hussain, Raana Akbar, MD, Arshad Hussain, Javed Akhter, MD, Pervez Rasta, MD. APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Spring 2006 13

Report of the Committee on Advocacy, Legislative and Govern mental Affairs

Issues of Civil Rights, Immigration, Professional Concern and Strategic Partnership with Other Organizations

embers: AR Piracha (Chair), Naveed Pac, PAC, National Association of Muslim Iqbal (Co-Chair), Hussain Malik, Lawyers (NAML) and Council on American m Nadeem Kazi, Mahmood Alam, Omar Islamic Relations (CAIR). Atiq, Saud Anwar, Tariq Butt and Nasir Gondal. The mission of the Committee is to address the MEETING WITH THE ADMINISTRA- issues of Civil rights, Immigration, professional TION: It was held in collaboration with PAK- concerns, and to develop working relationships PAK on Friday, April 07, 2006 at the Offices of with other strategic organizations. The Department of Home Land Security, The agenda for this year was unanimously Washington DC. Representatives of the US decided by the committee and was comprised of Depts. Of. Justice, Homeland Security and Submitted by Nasir the following issues. State Dept were present. Issues of Visa and Gondal, on behalf 1. Visa and Immigration issues of Pakistani Security Clearance, NSA Spying, and racial of the Chair. Physicians, students and business personnel profiling were discussed and specific actions 2. Civil Rights Concerns: were requested. A specific racial profiling case a. Support the Senate Bill 2138. End Racial of a Pakistani Physician Nadeem Hassan was Profiling Act (ERPA) showcased. b. Lobby against the prevalent targeting of Muslim Charities especially for funds ear- LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM: marked for Earthquake relief efforts APPNA council members are potential future c. Lobby against the National Security Agency leaders of APPNA. Most are active in their com- wiretapping (Spying) Program. munities and are in leadership positions in vari- 3. Quick release of funds earmarked by the U.S. ous social, professional, and non-profit organiza- Government for Earthquake relief efforts. tions. The committee felt that they would benefit from leadership training. On Friday, April 07, DAY ON THE HILL: It was decided to hold 2006, an hour-long Leadership training program the Annual Advocacy Day at the time of Spring was held as a part of CME program. Ibrahim Meeting. The plan was to have a "Day on the Hooper, Communications Director and Arsalan Hill" on Thursday April 6th, and another meeting Iftikhar, Legal Affairs Director, both of CAIR with the Administration on Friday April 7th. conducted the program. The emphasis was to APPNA Officers, council members, committee enhance the leadership skills of APPNA council members including regular members were members. approached to reach out to their House Representatives and Congresspersons. FUTURE GOALS: We had a successful Day on the Hill. It started 1. Follow up on the Day on the Hill. Letters with a two-hour session on how to do better to the members of the Congress by the mem- advocacy. Corey Saylor Government Affairs bers and the APPNA President will be sent as Director CAIR, Farhana Khera President and follow up. Executive Director NAML, Naheed Qureshi 2 Streamline program. It will include addi- National Field Organizer ACLU were among the tional input received from the members and participants. APPNA members visited the the community at large after the Day on the offices of sixty-five Members of Congress. Hill announcement was made. Later a luncheon meeting was held in the 3 A leadership-training course is planned Rayburn House Building Room 2325. Sixteen at the Summer Meeting. Senators and House Representatives attended 4. Strengthen and expand strategic partner- and spoke at the meeting. Another fifteen ships with other organizations. offices were represented by their staffers. The 5. Interact and collaborate with other Day on the Hill was held in partnership with APPNA committees and component soci- other organizations including PAKPAC, PAL-C eties in fulfilling the committee's mission. 14 APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Winter 2006 MAHMOOD ALAM, MD, FACC. FRCP Candidate for President Elect 2007

Dear Friends, Assalamo-Alaikum: ongratulations on becoming a voting member of APPNA. Election process makes APPNA a strong and democratic f !institution. You have in previous years elected me to serve you as Treasurer and Secretary. I am humbled by your trust and seek your support for my candidacy now as President Elect 2007.

My Vi.i-lloij CJI),_ AP Pi IA 1)To make APPNA more effective by creating consensus among the EC, by hiring a qualified Executive Director and by using standard operating procedures for execution of APPNA Council decisions 2) To strengthen APPNA at the grass root level by organizing local chapters under unified bylaws and to bring clarity in the process of creating new chapters. 0 3) To Enhance the Social Welfare and Charitable potential of APPNA under SW & DR Committee and to expand APPNA- Sehat primary prevention program in Pakistan. 4) To Empower Committee on Young Physicians with adequate funding and support. 5) To promote the activities of Research, Education and Scientific Affairs Committee (RESA) by allowing RESA to take charge of CME funds overseen by the APPNA EC. 6) To strengthen the Pakistani-American community by building bridges with fraternal organizations and to safeguard our civil rights by promoting Legislative advocacy.

ACHIEVEMENTS A rr I 11:: P Fr-I P ETII:L rtn 1.Hiring of new accountant, accounting transition, completion of account consolidation. 2.Initiated better tracking and reporting of sub-accounts in a membership friendly format. 3. Accomplished Audits for overdue APPNA Financial statements - 2003 and 2004. 4.Highest disbursements ever made for Tsunami, Katrina, and the Pakistan Earthquake. 5.Transition from cash basis accounting to accrual basis for more clarity. 6.Helped organizing two successful council meetings in January & April, 2006.

DEAR MEMBERS, Our Association's future depends on the decisions we make today. I have a decade of commitment and services to APPNA. I have enthusiastically participated in the disaster relief efforts of Tsunami, Katrina, and the Pakistan Earthquake. I have always been supportive of Women issues and their rights. I have demonstrated my ability to lead with a capacity for sustained hard work. I want to make APPNA an independent professional organization where all shades of Pakistani Diaspora are accommodated with respect and dignity. I have no political agenda of self promotion. My agenda is to build a stronger Pakistani-American Community in this country. I seek your support to achieve my goals. I need your vote for continued action. Thank you and May Allah bless you. [email protected] (732-874-3705) Report of the Rehabilitation Committee

Summary of March Trip to Pakistan

•

ssalam-u-Alaikum! The Executive Com- Army Corp of Engineers tells us that there is mittee, the Rehabilitation Committee, no further danger of landslides taking place, Aand members of the Social Welfare which may block the water channels again. We Committee have all made trips to Pakistan, some look forward to starting this work within one of them more than once. I've myself made three month. visits there since the earthquake. The following is 6. APPNA is also sponsoring a vocational school a summary of my third trip, in March 2006. with micro-credits at Kathai village. 1.An office has been established, and three full- Rehabilitation facility at Rawalpindi time paid employees have been hired to staff it. General Hospital. They will run the office under the supervision Abdul Rashid of Dr. Saeed Akhtar and Sobia Hafeez. We Piracha, M.D. have also established and registered a new enti- HABILITALION CENTRE Dr. Piracha is a ty by the name of APPNA Pakistan, but it does Graduate of not have a tax-exempt status at this time. As Nishtar Medical soon as the attorneys finish the paperwork College, 1964 here and in Pakistan, we will transfer funds to Trained at Albany that entity for our relief work. Medical Center, of Association of Pakistani Physicians of North Aricrica 2. I met with the new head of the Government =I Society for Orthopaedically Handicapped Albany, NY in reconstruction plan, and he informed me that Internal Medicine APPNA couldn't build homes in Kathai village as and Cardiology. we had planned. The government has now taken Private practice in over that responsibility and will make cash pay- 1.The facility for physical therapy and for the cardiology in Princeton, WV since ments to families to rebuild their own homes. manufacturing of prosthetics and orthotics has 1972. 3. This leaves us with only two building projects: been built. We have sent a team of prosthetists A school and a clinic in Kathai village. At pres- and orthotists in January, with supplies, which ent, Kathai has a school, which prior to the are still stored in the new facility. Right now, earthquake had 150 students up to the 8th we have a certified prosthetist and orthotist grade, but now there are about 80 students. working at Rawalpindi General Hospital, and Hopefully the number will increase in the com- we hope that he will stay for two months. ing months when the new school is built. 2. A second team of prosthetists and orthotists Again, the government is in the process of giv- with two to three members went to Pakistan on ing directions as to what degree of earthquake March 25th. We provided the airfare and protection will be needed in the area where we accommodations for the prosthetist who is plan to build a school. The present school, sup- working at Rawalpindi General Hospital. The ported by APPNA in collaboration with Read second group, however, is a volunteer group, Foundation, is housed in tents. APPNA has and went without any funding by APPNA. provided the necessary books and the furniture 3. Rehabilitation center at Mansehra: We visited for the school. a rehabilitation facility, at Mansehra run by 4. The APPNA clinic will be built near the main Dr. Bakhat Sarwar, who also runs a prosthetic road, making it accessible to most of the pop- and orthotic school in Peshawar. This facility ulation. The local population has guaranteed us is already in operation with the financial aid of land, free of cost . some different NGOs. We have been asked to 5. We had promised the residents of Kathai vil- provide financial aid and help to run this facil- lage that we will provide and re- establish clean ity for the next three years, starting June 1st. water, for which we have allocated $50,000. I The total cost will be about $200,000 for the see it as the most important, essential and nec- next three years. The Rehabilitation essary relief work needed by the residents of Committee and I are in favor of supporting Kathai. The construction is on hold until the this facility. 18 APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Winter 2006

Report of the Committee for Young Physicians

Visa Issues, Residency Positions and Funds to Help Indigent Young Physicians

sslam u-Alaikum ficult time in convincing various programs to inter- The committee while continuing to view our candidates. On the positive side, some Awork on the visa issues is also going to programs interviewed a few of our young physi- increase its scope of work by helping the young cians. We have not heard back whether any candi- incoming physicians in obtaining positions in resi- date has been accepted. Unmatched American dency programs as well as for research and other graduates on the intervention of medical school elective positions. The committee has also initiated deans fill most of the positions in the match. This a fund to help young physicians in financial need, leaves very few positions for international medical who can meet the requirements set by ECFMG for graduates at the time that post match officially International Medical Graduates (IMG). opens. So the odds are not in favor of a young On March 14th, the committee for young physician who is on a B-1 visa and does not have Rubina Inayat MD. Chair, 2006 physicians made an all out effort to seek the help US clinical experience. The committee would like of APPNA and non-APPNA members in the to continue this practice in the future and would United States and request their assistance in the also like to help young physicians attain research post match scramble. We also requested young positions so that they may improve their chances physicians in need to contact us. of acquiring a residency. We cannot do this without We were approached by 35 or more young qual- the help of other APPNA members. ified young physicians who were either worried The above-mentioned scenario delineates the about the match results or who could not enter most important issue that the committee has the match process; the response from physicians been trying to resolve for the last three years: the in academic programs was less than desired. visa and security clearance problem faced by Nevertheless, there were many physicians who Pakistani medical graduates. volunteered to lend a helping hand to the young Let us look at some statistics here. candidates and responded to our phone calls on In 2003 of the total 1,133 J-1 visas for physi- the match day. We are very grateful for their help. cians approved by ECFMG, Pakistan was the top Without going into details, I can let you know country, securing 154 sponsorships and India close that the outcome of the hard work by the members behind with 142. But only 26 per cent of of our committee (who had worked tirelessly for Pakistanis were able to join their residencies on three weeks prior to the match and continuously time as opposed to 56 per cent of Indians, 98% of labored without stop on March 14 and 15) was not Canadians, 86% of Syrians and 93 per cent overall. what we had hoped for. In spite of some excellent In 2004, of the 161 Pakistani applicants, only 100 candidates and outstanding resumes, we had a dif- (62%) arrived to join their residency and of those only 57% arrived on time. Also significant is the fact that whereas in 2003 Pakistan had the highest number of physi- cians accepted in US residency programs, this number dropped in 2004 probably due to the reluctance of program directors to hire Pakistani Physicians on account of visa issues. In 2005, the situation became worse. According to the ECFMG statistics that year, J1 applicants from Pakistan who managed to Rubina Inayat with Somi Cheema, wife of Dr. Baber Cheema. continued on page 21 APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Spring 2006 15 Candidate for President-Elect APPN A

After consultation with several friends and well-wishers of APPNA, I feel honored and humbled to announce my candidacy for President-Elect APPNA 2007.

I have served the esteemed association for a decade and will continue to do so regardless.) am and always have been my own person, serving the interests of no other except the members of APPNA and the organization. My obligation and accountability is to the membership and will continue to be so.

I will strive to bring back the civility, professionalism, unity of purpose and effectiveness of APPNA as was envisaged by its founders in its glorious past. We will achieve this by working together as we move forward bringing APPNA

1 request and look to your support and vote.

Thank You, Zeelaf Munk', MD Secretary APPNA 2004 Treasurer APPNA 2003 APPNA also provided financial support to the following about the progress of our work. It will probably require sev- multiple facilities: eral visits by me, and perhaps by the other members of the 1. Holy Family Hospital has completed their physical ther- Executive Committee and Council members, to supervise the apy unit with our aid, and it is in full operation at this time. relief work. I need your moral and financial support to accom- 2. A fully equipped operating room is in operation at PIMS in plish the goals, which we have set. Thank you. Wassalam! Islamabad. 3. Financial aid was given to a facility for the paraplegic in Islamabad. However, this facility has now been taken over Communication Committee by the government, and the patients have been shifted to continued from page 10 the rehabilitation unit run by the government. 4. We have also given financial aid to an orphanage, prima- cations from the APPNA president. This was possible with a rily for the education of the orphans. proprietary email system blast mail which allows rapid General help from APPNA: communication to all members in the database pool from the 1.We are in the process of developing at two local hospitals in executive Council. This had not been possible in the past and Islamabad and Pindi, provided we get the full cooperation costly US postal mail was being used. of the local authorities. Future directions are in the works. We are thinking of 2. Emergency medical service is lacking and is almost non- streaming video where we can gain experience and resources. existent in Pindi, Islamabad, and probably in the whole of The magazines and newsletters will be placed online. Pakistan. In our winter conference in Islamabad, there Sometimes it is important for the executive council to know was a presentation by a physician for the emergency serv- the views of the membership and some polling may be need- ices in Lahore. We have been asked to provide assistance ed. CC is considering providing that facility as well. because of our human resources and expertise. The gov- Important: In case you are missing out on the exciting ernment of Pakistan has established a committee to devel- events such as direct communication with office bearers and op this program, and we may have a representation on would like to be included, please send your email address to that committee. APPNA central office at [email protected] so we can add It is difficult to give a comprehensive account of the relief it to APPNA blast send data base. work that APPNA has done so far, but gives me great satis- So sit back, relax & enjoy the wonder of new millennia, faction to say that APPNA is now being recognized in www.appna.org, just kidding! Pakistan as a caring and charitable organization, as evidenced However I am not kidding when I state that, your sugges- by a recent article in "The Daily News". tions, ideas, encouragement and critique are desired and will The Social & Welfare Committee, the Rehabilitation be taken seriously. Committee and I will continue to update the membership Let us stay in touch. APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Spring 2006 19 Report of the Finance Committee

Achievement of Consistent Returns

ssalam u Alaikum,. has consistently not performed well over the last The Finance committee is charged five years. The fund transfers were made after the Awith the task of investing Life Time Dues recommendation of the investment managers at in a manner that will meet our association's long Citigroup were considered and approved by the term objectives: members of the Finance Committee. Life time 1.Preservation of capital. Dues in the amount of approximately $62,000 2. Appreciation of capital by achieving consistent were added to the investment portfolio. returns from capital appreciation, dividends, The investment value at March 29, 2006 was and interest income. The target rate of return is Cash and Cash equivalents $106,767 (9.6%) + to exceed inflation (CPI) by five percent over a Preferred Stock and Fixed Income $307,892 Shahid F. market cycle of 3 — 5 years. The portfolio's bal- (27%) + Common Stock $693,23 (65.6%). Usmani, MD ance allocation of Cash/Fixed Income/Stocks APPNA's return compared to the popular indices Dr. Shahid Usmani is a (9.6%/ 27.8%! 65.6%) and the use of multi-dis- was as follows: Pediatrician in Orlando, Florida. ciplin investing in Large, Mid-size and Small He is a graduate of Universidad CPI +2.70% +14.02% +7.64% Tecnologica de Santiago(UTESA) companies, as well as the mixture of Growth in the Dominican Republic, class INDICES 2004 2005 YTD 2006 and Value and International stocks character- of 1986. He completed his residen- Dow Jones +3.15% -0.61% +4.65% cy in Pediatrics from Nassau izes the risk of our portfolio to be medium. County Medical Center in East NASDAQ +8.59% +1.37% +0.61% Meadow, New York in 1989 and The finance committee transferred $122,825 to has been in private practice of S & P 500 8.99% +3.00% +4.37% Hays Advisory Fund due to its superior and con- General Pediatrics since 1991 in APPNA +8.04% +6.10% +3.70% Florida. Dr. Usmani is also Chief sistent performance over the last five years. The of Medical Staff at Health Central Hospital in Orlando. account with Rittenhouse was closed as this fund Thank you very much for the opportunity. Social Welfare and Disaster Relief Committee continued from page 13

Rotary will distribute them. keeping close contact with him. • We are planning to arrange a group of medical students • We propose that additional 30,000 dollars that were from here to do summer rotation in APPNA sponsored approved for the IMANA clinic in BA area should be shift- clinics in the Earthquake effected areas There has been ed to Hidaya for a substantial project. IMANA seems to tremendous interest in this area. have enough money run their clinic for next three years • A team from Stanford has gone to Rawalpindi and is trying and we have not had good contacts with them. to establish telemedicine link with RGH. • We have financially helped over forty families affected by • Give-Light foundation of CA opened their Orphanage in hurricane Katrina through the Jefferson Muslim Associa- Banda Aceh area last December that APPNA had co-spon- tion of New Orleans. sored. Diane sent us nice pictures of the opening ceremo- • We are going to arrange free immunization for kids of ny with kids holding "Thank you APPNA" banners near Katrina effected families in the Houston area. the gates. GL foundation is also planning to open an • We are going to sponsor a summer camp for kids affected orphanage in Pakistan with another NGO. We may want to by Katrina in Germantown, TN. collaborate with them on this in the future, but do not yet • Thank you and God bless all of you who helped us raise have a proposal to consider. over 1.5 million dollars for the earthquake victims in • About 40,000 dollars were sent to Hidaya Foundation for Pakistan. I can assure you that every dollar you have donat- joint projects in Tsunami affected areas, as approved by the ed is being put to good use. I am extremely grateful to my council during the fall meeting. Even with matching funds team members from SWP/DR committee who have worked there is not enough money to build a hospital. Other proj- day and night to collect money, equipment and medicines ects under consideration are the "Mother and Child" facil- and arrange their transportation to Pakistan. God give ities. Mr.Waseem Baloch who attended the fall meeting is them reward for all that. This is truly the shiniest era in going to facilitate this. Dr. Arain from our committee is APPNA's history and we are truly blessed to be part of it. 20 APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Winter 2006

Report of the Nomination and Elections Committee

Please Run Clean and Decent Campaigns

he call for nominations for the election of Treasurer for the year 2007. Congratulations to the officers of APPNA for the year 2007 Dr. Rizwan Naeem for being elected un-opposed Twas sent in the month of February. The as Treasurer, for the year 2007. last date to receive the nomination for the post of We have received two nominations for the post President Elect, Secretary and Treasurer was of President Elect. March 15, 2005. The last date to become a mem- 1. Dr. Mahmood Alam (New York City) ber, to be eligible to vote, was March, 31 2006. 2. Dr. Zeelaf Munir (Delaware) The ballots are to be mailed out to the eligible The Committee hopes both candidates will run members May 31, 2006. The last date for the bal- a clean and decent campaign, free of personal lots to be included for counting will be June 24, attacks, and that they will be considerate in call- 2006. Any ballot that will be post-marked after ing the voters (not at odd times). Our recommen- Mohammad Suleman M.D this date will not counted. Ballot counting and dation is that they should only concentrate on Chairman, Election election results will be announced on July 8th their own accomplishments and their plans for and Nomination 2006 at the Annual Summer Meeting. making Appna a better and bigger organization. committee. This year there was only one nomination for the Good luck to both candidates and happy cam- post of Secretary. Dr. Shahid Usmani is therefore paigning. declared Secretary of the Association for the year The following are the members of the Election 2007. Congratulations to him and his family. The and Nomination Committee. committee has high hopes that he will be an Dr. Mohammad Suleman, Chair exemplary officer of the Association. Dr. Ahsan U.Rashid, V. Chair We received two nominations each for the Dr. M. Ishaq Chishti office of President elect and Treasurer. At our Dr. Shaukat Khan Council Meeting in Washington, D.C. Dr. Azam Dr. Mufiz Chauhan Khan who was nominated for the post of Dr.Aftab Ahmed Treasurer withdrew his nomination because of Dr. Raza Hassan personal reasons. Dr. Rizwan Naeem, the other Dr. Abdul Rashid nominee for the post, was declared un-opposed Dr. Farooq A.Mirza

Committee for Young Physicians continued from page 15

reach USA on time were still very low: 49% compared to 70% The Day on the Hill, April 6th of 2006 is another land- for India, 87% for Canada and 67% for Syria. The total per- mark occasion in the history of APPNA. We will again centage of candidates eventually reaching the United States to revisit this issue with US legislators and the Department of join their residency programs is 74% for Pakistan, 86% for Homeland Security to lobby for this issue and petition for India, 97% for Canada & 100% for Syria. The latest numbers re-evaluation of the immigration and visa policy towards show a marked improvement in the visa and clearance process Pakistani students in general, Medical students especially and we can attribute some of the credit to the relentless efforts and specifically for physicians allowing them to begin their that APPNA and young Physicians committee has exerted in much wanted training in time. We will be also be request- the last three years; through its lobbying efforts at the Hill, the ing a hearing with the Judicial Committee for the House state department and the US Embassy in Pakistan. We are and Senate. proud of our efforts. However this improvement is offset by The committee looks forward to your assistance in residen- the clear 37% drop in the number of Pakistani physicians being cy & research matters. Please go to www.ypprc.org to down- sponsored on J1. Given the visa problems, residency program load and fill the mentorship form or e-mail us at directors are now more reluctant and sometimes do not even [email protected] and join us in the effort of helping young invite Pakistani physicians for interviews. physicians from Pakistan. APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Spring 2006 21

YP and RESA Program

New Programs: Membership Issues and Seminars on US Residency and Fellowship Program

ear all, ship, career guidance in a specific field of interest, Committee for young physicians and how to find research of your interest etc. D Research Education and Scientific Affair If you have any questions please contact us at Committee (RESA) of APPNA are holding two [email protected]. significant new programs for the young incom- Dr. Rubina Inayat ing physicians, residents and fellows at the Hyatt Chair, committee for young Physicians, 2006 Regency hotel in Chicago during the summer [email protected] 2006 APPNA meeting on July 7th & 8th, 2006. Dr. Rizwan Khalid The programs will be as follows: Co-chair, committee for young Physicians, 2006 1. The first program is a seminar on residency [email protected] Rizwan Naeem, interviews and other information regarding res- MD idency and fellowship in USA. Program direc- Dr. Raza Dilawari tors from various specialties will be invited as Chair RESA committee guest speakers and panelists for this hour-long [email protected] seminar. The guests will share their expertise Dr. Rizwan Naeem. with young physicians and answer questions Co-Chair RESA related to residency interviews, choosing a pro- [email protected] gram and career orientation. 2. The second program is a one on one mentor-ship session and fol- low-up guidance for residents, med- PAKISTAN NEEDS YOU! ical students, fellows, and young physicians that will be held sepa- TAKE THE CHALLENGE OF SERVING THE rately. RESA committee will look COUNTRY THAT GAVE YOU A HEAD START for Physicians working in academic IN LIFE. YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE or clinical specialties who will be IS MOST IN DEMAND HERE! available to spend half an hour with young physicians to provide guid- ance in their special field of inter- Shifa International Hospital is a comprehensive est and career planning. This men- and tertiary healthcare facility located in the tor will be available to young physi- beautiful and peaceful city of Islamabad, cian to be a resource for further Pakistan. development in his/her career. The senior APPNA physician will work We require consultants in ALL SPECIALITIES as a mentor for the next few years and hopefully see the young physi- cian to go through the hurdles and Please mail/fax /e-mail your CV to: challenges of career planning. We would like to request young Dr. Manzoor H. Qazi Medical Director physicians to write to us and let us know if they plan to attend the semi- SHIFA INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL nar in Chicago. SECTOR H- 8/4, This is important to contact us and ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN write a brief introduction as the seats will be limited and physicians will Tel. No. 92-51-4446801- 30 Ext. 3342 need to reserve a spot with a mentor. Fax No. 92-51-4446879 Please specify your topic of interest E-mail: [email protected] i.e, choosing a specialty for the fellow- 22 APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Winter 2006

Report of Fatima Jinnah Medical College Alumni Association

A Vibrant and Lively Group of Physicians

ssalam-u- Alaikum, members have delivered lectures at the college, It is a great honor & privilege to serve however we need to centralize the process and Aas the President FJMC alumni associa- improve its organization. FJ graduates are invited tion. There isn't a more vibrant & lively group of to submit their names by writing to us at pas- physicians in APPNA than FJMCNA. I wish our [email protected]. group would be more progressive & active in 5. Creating an effective & supportive men- APPNA, USA & in Pakistan. I am very confident tor ship program for the students at that if we tap into our strengths & pool our FJMC. resources together we can move mountains. 6. Establishing new committees. This year the office bearers are as following: We have initiated a new trend to have telecon- Dr. Shaheen Mian (Secretary), Dr. Sarwat ferences with members so that the office bearers Rubina Inayat MD. Iqbal (treasurer), Dr. Saadia Khan (immediate can incorporate their thoughts, ideas & sugges- President, 2006 past president), Dr. Naheed Chaudhry (president tions in our working manifesto. This is a way for elect). We make a cohesive team and started this members to join hands with the FJMCNA office year with regular teleconferences to discuss goals bearers and contribute to the growth of different and objectives and the process to accomplish projects and committees. The first such meeting them. As a team we need to focus on many new was held on March 12th and was very well attend- & old matters. Briefly our goals will be as follows: ed. We were able to establish four committees, 1.Increasing the membership to 350 mem- which are as follows: bers this year. This is the most important 1.Election and nomination Committee. project which will be given due attention. A let- [Dr. Shahnaz Khan and Dr. Sherry Gilani] ter will be send to alumni as well as EC mem- 2. Education and Research Committee. bers & volunteers will make personal phone [Dr. Asma Jaffri and Dr. Naheed Chaudry] calls to solicit members. Launching a new web- 3. Charity and Social Work Committee. site should help with this process as well. [Dr. Shaheen Mian and Dr. Farah Raana Zaidi] 2. Website to improve communication 4. Membership and Fundraising Committee. among alumni. The membership and EC of [Dr. Saadia Khan and Dr. Sarwat Iqbal] FJMCNA, have approved the budget for the Dr. Amna Buttar has graciously agreed to serve first official website and we hope that this proj- in an Advisory capacity to the Education and ect will be completed in a couple of months. It Research Committee. We hope to add more is a very exciting undertaking as the association members to these committees in our next tele- has not had a professional website since its conference. If an alumnus would like to join our inception and is one of the reasons that we lag next teleconference, kindly send us an e-mail and in the membership numbers. we will be very happy to add you to our e-list 3. Charitable work. We will continue the char- group. We hope to have a positive and productive itable work not only at our Alma Mater but also year and work together with APPNA to fulfill our spread it to communities in our homeland collective mission. Won't you join us in our through our sister organization in Pakistan; the endeavors? Association of Fatima Jinnah Old Graduates. AFJOG has done a tremendous amount of work including relief work for the earthquake victims. It will be worthwhile to join hands with them. Information about AFJOG will be made available on the website as well as presented to the members at the annual summer meeting. 4. Advancement of educational activities at FJMC. This is an ongoing process as many of our APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Spring 2006 23 DOGANA Celebrates its 25th Anniversary

Silver Jubilee • DOGANA • 1981 to 2006 Celebrating the Silver Jubilee - Summer Meeting in Chicago

We would like to acknowledge all our Association was established as a social, fraternal senior Dowites who had the foresight to and non-political organization. The General Body T organize Dow alumni activity in North approved a four-page constitution including by- America approximately 25 years ago. With a laws. Dr. Inayat Husain was elected as the first mere 80 Dowites they formed the organization President of Dow Graduates Association. that we now call DOGANA. Some twenty-five DOGANA plays an important role in not only years later we are at this point one of the most organizing Dow alumni activity in North America active alumni associations of Pakistani heritage. but also in many other parts of the world. This As Nadeem Zafar wrote, "For the founders of can only happen because of the teamwork devel- DOGANA - thank you for a job well done. For oped over the years. The creation of the Dow Ahsan U. Rashid, their participation in APPNA in a very construc- alumni office in Dow Medical College 2005 was MD tive way- thank you. For sharing your love with a historic event. Please join us in celebrating Dr. Ahsan is Dow us, your juniors- thank- you. It is our privilege DOGANA and Dow alumni activity in general. graduate, class of that we share your thoughts, hopes, aspirations While we are doing our best to get as many 1982. He complet- and vision. APPNA is stronger through Dowites as possible on board we do need every- ed his residency DOGANA, DOGANA is there because of your one's help to make Dow alumni associations training from vision" Here we reflect on our past ... stronger here and in UK, Karachi and world over. SUNY at Stony In 1979, a small number of Dow Graduates Highlights: Brook program in attended the annual meeting of Association of 1. Silver Jubilee DOGANA, 1981 to 2006 Internal Medicine Pakistani Physicians (APP) at the Renaissance Celebrating the Silver Jubilee 2. Dow Class and has private Center, Detroit MI. Among those who attended Projects, 3. Dow Endowment Funds Reports practice in Irvine- the meeting were Doctors Sultan Ahmed, Iltifat Donors list, updates, fundraising, 4. Golden Newport Beach Alavi, Aziz Arian, Inayat Husain, Mujtaba Jubilee Dow Class 1956 -From 1956 to 2006 California. He is the current Hussain, Rashid -Ul-Khairi, Ikram Ullah Khan, Celebrating the Golden Jubilee. The meeting DOGANA Iftikhar Salahuddin and Tariq Zafar. The idea of information is being posted on President. the Dow Graduates Association was conceived at www.dowalumni.com. Thanks that point. 1980.... Washington DC. The DOGANA General Body appointed an Ad Hoc committee consisting of Doctors: Sultan Ahmed, Iltifat Alavi, Salim Chowdhry, Inayat Husain and Pervez Illiyas Shah; with a charge that this com- mittee come up with a simple constitution with aims and objectives and to collect demographic data on Dow Graduates in North America. June 1981 ... Hyatt Regency Hotel, Chicago, IL. The Dow Graduates 24 APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Winter 2006 Report of the New England Chapter (APPNE)

Earthquake Relief, Fundraising and New England Community Participation

he chapter focused on the Pakistan Earth- ♦ Abbottabad Focus: Since a number of quake as its primary focus during the last APPNE members are from Abbottabad & Tfew months, while continuing to actively Mansehra area, APPNE decided to partner with participate in the activities of the New England first responders Abbottonian Medical Association community. Notable initiatives included: (AMA, a doctor-run NGO in Abbottabad) and ♦Earthquake Relief Volunteers: APPNE physi- their Disaster Management Cell at Ayub Teaching cians from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hospital (ATH) to provide relief goods and servic- Hampshire, and Connecticut responded immediate- es. APPNE provided funds for operation of the ly and served in the earthquake zone of Abbottabad, tent village on ATH grounds and for the purchase Muzaffarabad and Rawalpindi/ Islamabad. Drs. of an ambulance. APPNE is now working on a Naheed Usmani, Naila Mughal, Naheed Usmani, Syed Iftikhar Mobile Rehabilitation Service with AMA for phys- MD iotherapy/OT services for amputees and injured. Husain, Iqbal Ahmed, Tariq Malik, Zahra Ayub, President, 2006 Nadeem Afridi, were some of the volunteers. Another project is acquisition of medical equip- ♦Medical Supplies and Relief Goods: APPNE ment for ATH. APPNE is also sending scholarship doctors carried many cartons of donated medical funds for medical students who have lost sources and surgical supplies with them on their trips to of financial support as a result of the earthquake. the earthquake zone. Dr. Athar Usmani had APPNE also made a proposal to APPNA's Social Parkland Hospital (NH) donate two container Welfare and Disaster Relief Committee for a loads of medical supplies and Dr. Zahra Ayub and Rehabilitation Service based at ATH. her husband Saad Ayub worked with Direct ♦Media campaign: APPNE doctors appeared Relief to donate almost a $1 million of medicines extensively on New England TV and radio stations to Abbottonian Medical Association at Ayub and in newspapers to raise public awareness of the Teaching Hospital in Abbottabad. From New earthquake disaster and appeal for funds. The Boston England area, about 14 truckloads of relief goods Globe published an Op-Ed by Dr. Naheed Usmani. were sent to the earthquake ravaged area. ♦ Advocacy: APPNE doctors participated ♦Fundraising and Indian Medical Association col- actively in APPNAs Day on the Hill on April 6, laboration: APPNE doctors and dentists carried out 2006. They held one-one productive meetings extensive fundraising drives at their places of work with 3 Massachusetts US congressmen and 3 US and in their communities, raising about $200,000 in senators, as well as office staff of the 2 MA US earthquake relief funds. APPNE and the Indian Senators Kennedy and Kerry. Discussions focused Medical Association of New England (IMANE) held on Visa issues for Pakistani doctors, civil rights a joint fundraiser for earthquake relief, with all funds and profiling issues, and Pakistan-related issues. donated to the Pakistan relief effort. APPNE doctors ♦Co-sponsoring New England cultural activi- also made presentations at various Islamic Centers ties: APPNE remains a vital member of the New and churches, and delivered Grand Rounds on the England community by financially supporting and Earthquake at their hospitals. APPNE also partici- co-sponsoring cultural initiatives organized by pated in an earthquake telethon on Boston TV sta- other Pakistani and South Asian organizations. tion WB56 also simulcast on GEO TV. These include Farid Ayaz Qawwal concert as well ♦ Rotary International collaboration: APPNE as Ahmed Faraz Mushaira organized by Pakistan improved the impact of its fundraising by com- Association of Greater Boston, Pak-Millennium bining its funds with those of Rotary Conference 2006 "Celebrating Pakistani Women," International to get more relief goods to Pakistan. Mushaira by Aligarh Alumni Association. Rotary, the Wheelchair Foundation and APPNE ♦APPNE Fall and Spring Meetings: APPNE collaborated to send one container of state-of-the held its Fall meeting on September 24, 2005 in art wheelchairs to Pakistan for earthquake vic- Burlington, MA and its Spring meting was on tims. Rotary is also reprocessing APPNE match- April 29, 2006. There was CME as well as excel- ing-grant requests for mobile rehabilitation serv- lent entertainment programs. The New APPNE ice units to be based out of Abbottabad. executive committee will also take office. APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Spring 2006 25 Report of the APPNA South Florida Chapter

The Sunshine State Shines

he growing number of Pakistani Physicians in TSouth Florida had realized the need for South Florida Chapter over the past few years. After two years of meetings and planning APPSF was formed. The chapter was approved in July APPNA meet- ing 2005. The chapter has been very active and gearing towards Iftikhar Hanif MD holding major events for our com- munity of South Florida in general Dr. Iftikhar Hanif, is a graduate of and the Physicians in particular. Dow, class of 1984. Annual Meeting: He completed his Our annual meeting was held on residency training November 12, 2005, in Holiday from Wayne State Inn, Fort Lauderdale. The meeting University, MI. He was well attended. Our objective The first annual function of APPSF was attended by many physi- completed his was to bring APPSF and APPNA in cians of South Florida. APPSF General Secretary Dr. Zafar Pediatric Hem the forefront in the community Hamid was the master of ceremony. oncology training based cultural activities. Children from St Jude, opened the program with US and Pakistan sented APPSF and APPNA in the local fund rais- Hospital, Memphis National Anthems. The DVD presentation and ing and awareness press conference called by TN. He currently practices in Fort APPNA's role in Earthquake relief were the high- CARE local chapter. We actively participated in Lauderdale and lights of the meeting. educating the larger community about the devas- Director of the Earthquake: tation of the earthquake. In our annual meeting we program in his Realizing our responsibility to the needs of the raised $65,000 dollars in one hour. We would like practice. earthquake victims, we sough active participation to thank our patrons for their generous support. in Earthquake relief activities locally. We repre- Annual Youth Debate: APPSF is holding a Youth Debate 2006 for the middle and high schools children. We hope to evolve this into a larger scale youth activity in our community. We in APPSF feel that getting our chil- dren involved in their schools and community is vital. APPSF hopes to increase its membership and organize many events in coming months. The fol- lowing are some notable events. APPSF CME lectures 2006 APPSF Annual Debate for school children Spring/Summer 2006 APPSF Annual Function 2006 - October 28th 2006 The APPSF annual function opened by our children singing Please visit www.appsf.org for Pakistani and American National anthems more information . 26 APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Winter 2006 Report of the Association of Pakistani-Descent Cardiologists of North America (APCNA)

The First Medicine/Specialty Chapter of APPNA

he Association of Pakistani-Descent (Chairman BOT APCNA), Prof. Sultan Ahmed, Cardiologists of North America is an Prof. Bunyad Haider and others. We were hon- Torganization founded in 2004. We are ored to have guests from Pakistan including Prof. pleased to see our membership steadily growing. S.M. Rab (Past Dean Faculty of Medicine, We hope to reach a wider audience of Pakistani Karachi University), Prof. Hafeezullah (renowned physicians with this report. The following are Cardiologist from Lady Reading Hospital, some of the activities APCNA is actively involved: Peshawar), Prof. Akbar Choudhry (Principal Earthquake Relief: Many of our members FJMC) Dr. Mrs. Akbar Choudhry (Professor of went to the affected areas and offered their serv- Medicine KEMC); and others. A very encourag- ices. Other members were very active in fund rais- ing message from Dr. Pamela Douglas (President ing and collection of medications and other med- of the American College of Cardiology) was pre- Wajid Baig MD FACC ical supplies, which were shipped to Pakistan. In sented to the APCNA members. It is an honor President, APCNA December several of our members participated in that APCNA was invited by the ACC to attend a the Second Biannual Cardiology Congress Leadership Training Symposium conducted Sr. Wajid Baig (Dec. 16-19; 2005) organized by the NICVD in by the Coalition of Cardiovascular Organizations graduated from Karachi. They presented lectures and moderated in Washington DC Apr. 21-23; 2006. Dow, class of 1983. the sessions. APCNA organized the Annual New office bearers APCNA were elected Practices non- Winter Cardiology Conference (December for 2006: Dr. Wamique Yusuf (Secretary), Dr. invasive cardiology 26th 2005) at the Armed Forces Institute of Asif Rehman (Treasurer) and Dr. Rizwan Karatela in Massachusetts. Cardiology (AFIC) in Islamabad. Dr. A.R. (President Elect for 2006). Our membership con- He is currently Piracha (President of APPNA and the founding tinues to grow and we invite all physicians president of member of APCNA) was also present at the meet- involved in cardiovascular medicine and surgery to APCNA. Email: baigwajid@ ing and gave his remarks. APCNA members Drs. join us. APCNA is having its lunch meeting in yahoo.com Sultan Ahmed, Javed Suleman, Tanveer Rab, conjunction with the APPNA Summer meeting in Bashir Hanif, Irfan Shafique and Wajid Baig pre- Chicago, on Saturday, June 8th, 2006 from 12 sented lectures on interesting topics in cardiology. noon to 2 PM. Foe details and registration please The interventional cardiologists performed angio- visit APCNA website at www.apcna.net plasty & stenting in high-risk cases. On December 27th 2005 APCNA held lec- ture sessions at Rawalpindi Medical College and participated in teaching the staff at Classified Ads RMC about the management of cardiac diseases with the limited resources available. Several of PART OR FULL TIME SURGEON WITH VASCULAR SURGERY our members also participated in teaching rounds EXPERIENCE NEEDED for a busy vein center in Brooklyn and Staten at Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi. APCNA Island to do ambulatory vein procedures, including laser ablation of members were also able to donate hundreds of saphenous vein and sclerotherapy. thousands of dollars worth of Cardiac Catheters; GENEROUS COMPENSATION AND LEISURELY WORK HOURS. Cardiac Stents and Balloons to the different hos- PLEASE FAX RESUMES/CV TO 718-435-3016 ATTN: IMTIAZ pitals in Pakistan, which will be used for indigent patients. Several Cardiac Pacemakers were also Busy two physician consultative GI Practice seeks a BE/BC Gastroente- donated to NICVD in Karachi. rologist and proficient endoscopist, ERCP and EUS training a plus Our 3rd Annual meeting in Atlanta, GA. on but not necessary. State of the art Surgical Center with Endoscopy suites March 12th 2006 was a tremendous success. Over under construction. Low managed care area, one hospital and excellent call a hundred physicians were in attendance. Our schedule. Competitive salary and benefits package with early partnership keynote speaker was Dr. Spencer King III (Past potential and productivity bonus. Enjoy the bliss of beautiful Southwest President of the American College of Cardiology). Florida weather, minutes away from the Gulf of Mexico and beaches. Many distinguished cardiologists were in atten- Excellent place to raise a family in one of Florida's best school districts. dance and included Prof. Shabuddin Rahimtoola FAX RESUME AT (941) 485-4779 OR CONTACT AT (941) 270-2743. APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Spring 2006 27

Report of The Alliance

Side by Side with APPNA

Sajida Arain ear Alliance and APPNA Members: Thursday July 6, 2006. This program includes Alliance Assalam-u-Alaikum. dinner, a cultural show, and an entertainment President 2006 D On behalf of the APPNA Alliance, it program. Please make your dinner reservations is a great pleasure and honor to serve as the as soon as possible as seating is limited. On Alliance President for 2006. The APPNA Friday night, July 7, 2006, the APPNA Alliance Alliance would like to join hands with APPNA to is arranging a Social Forum for young profession- help the Earthquake victims of Khatai village by al adults. On Saturday, July 8, 2006, the APPNA sponsoring a girls' school. The funds raised by my Alliance's General Body Meeting will be at 11 son, Seham Arain, at Brook Forest School in Oak A.M. and is open to all members. In addition to Brook, Illinois will also go towards this disaster the General Body Meeting on Saturday, the relief fund. APPNA Alliance is hosting a Ladies' Luncheon The APPNA Alliance will launch their own and Fashion Show. Fashion Show tickets will be Alliance website in the near future. This website complimentary to all APPNA Alliance member. will contain membership and upcoming event If you have any questions or comments, please information. do not hesitate to call. I am looking forward to The APPNA Alliance is planning to have an seeing you in Chicago! exciting program during the summer meeting on Thank You

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Society of APPNA's Young Adults

resident's Message: man Biology major at University of Miami in Miami, Florida. Salaam everyone. I hope everyone is having a great She is also minoring in Spanish and Psychology, and is active- p start to 2006. I know it's a busy time for everyone, but ly involved in the Islamic Society of UM, Council of Interna- summer is approaching fast and I know everyone is thinking tional Student Organizations, UM Ambassadors, and also about APPNA 2006 in Chicago. volunteers at Miami Children's Hospital. I think it funny that we all look forward to APPNA every year. I know it is one of the highlights of my year. However, I Treasurer: Arooj Sheikh think we lose sight of what APPNA means to all of us. Arooj Sheikh is a sopho- Besides one of the peaks of Pakistani social events for the more at the Ohio State year, I feel we need to move towards putting ourselves in a University in Columbus Ohio. better position as Pakistanis and more importantly as She is double majoring in Muslims in this country. Hopefully this year will give us a Political Science and History small step towards our larger goal. with a minor in Asian Now that I'm done preaching, I am very excited about this American studies and her year's events. I'm sure most of you have gotten your registra- intent is to go to law school. tion forms in the mail. I think we have set up great events for She is currently involved in the this year. The BBQ/Sports Event started out as an informal Pakistani American Student event last year, and now has grown to hopefully become a sta- Assocation, as president and ple SAYA event. I think its important to meet everyone before has been doing work to ease the weekend actually begins. I am really excited about our the discourse between the two dinner that is on a cruise this year! I really think that this year communities. will be a huge success. The other big thing I want to do with SAYA is take the Secretary: Saira Karim organization from something that only has events once a year She is currently a junior at to one that has events throughout the year. APPNA has a Rice University majoring in variety of events, I don't see why we can't either. I hope the Religious Studies, Political rest of you are excited about this year. If you have any ques- Science and Policy Studies. tions, concerns, or just want to voice your opinion, you can Reading and day time televi- all e-mail me at [email protected]. Take care every- sion seem to be her favorite one. I hope to see you all this summer. Khuda hafiz. pass times. Promoting gen- der equality and human Meet your 2006 Executive Board: rights awareness seem to be President: Shuja Shafqat her obsessions. As a mem- Shuja is a 19 year old junior Biology major at Wilkes University ber of the SAYA board last in Wilkes-Barre, PA, originally year, she was able to con- from Upstate New York. He is tribute her ideas and efforts involved in Student Government, in order to ensure a success- Plant Molecular Biology DNA ful meeting. This year she hopes to incorporate her Research, and teaches Organic experience to promoting a more diverse agenda for the Chemistry for the Princeton 2006 APPNA Meeting so that all members of the organ- Review MCAT Prep Course. He ization can benefit. plants to attend Drexel Univeristy College of Medicine Host Committee Liason: Abbas Khan in Fall of 2007. Abbas Mehmood Khan, 22, is a senior honors student at Loyola University Chicago where he is a Finance and President-Elect: Najia Biology double major. He's actively involved with the Hamid Human Development foundation and the American Najia is a 19 year old fresh- Diabetes Association. Abbas enjoys playing sports (golf, 30 APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Winter 2006 basketball and soccer) and Najia playing the guitar. Abbas [email protected] grew up in Rochester, (561) 358-3022 Minnesota but currently resides in Lake Forest, IL Saira with his parents and two [email protected] younger siblings. He looks (713) 248-4653 forward to improving SAYA by working with the board Arooj and active members. [email protected] (614) 218-6309 Events for the 2006 Summer Meeting: Abbas [email protected] So far, we have a great meeting (847) 909-4878 planned, On Thursday, July 6, 2006, we plan on holding a BBQ/sports social. This way, everyone can meet each other before-hand, and just hang out. Friday, we are working on getting a special guest to host the panel discussion. He is very well known, and I'm Announcements and Events sure if everything works out, the panel will turn out to be The events news and announcements awesome. of Interest Friday night is the big night for SAYA. Thanks to the hard work of the e-board members, we will be having dinner and The APPNA Summer Meeting 2006 entertainment on the Odyssey Yacht, which is the nicest boat in Chicago. It's a 4 hour cruise, 3-course meal, and DJ The APPNA Annual winter meeting will be held in Flawless and Dholi Kumbe will be providing our entertain- Chicago this year. There will be CME, sight seeing tours ment. For more information on the cruise, you can go to and the Banquet Dinners. http://www.odysseycruises.com/chicago/index.cfm The APPNA Annual Winter Meeting 2006. The Saturday, as always, is the infamous SAYA Fashion Show. APPNA Annual winter meeting 2006 will be held at This year however, there will be professional models that will Rawalpindi Medical College from December 21-23, be handling the catwalk, as decided by the APPNA Host 2006. There will be 12 hours of CME, sight seeing tours Committee. However, SAYA will handle all the segments, and three Banquet Dinners. A Hajj tour is being such as our great dances, and/or skits and any other talents. planned (not finalized) at the end of the meeting. Saturday night will be our after entertainment event, or the "after party." Farhat Abbas, President RMCAANA is the co-chair of The total package price, for the whole weekend, is $145. the Local Host Committee. Adeel Butt is the Chair of the This also INCLUDES SAYA registration. You should have CME Committee. Nasir Gondal received the registration packet already, and if not, please The APCNA Lunch contact the APPNA Office at (630) 968-8585. If you would like to be added to the SAYA List serve please The APPNA (Association of Pakistani-descent email Najia Hamid at [email protected] Cardiologists of North America) will have its lunch meeting in conjunction with APPNA Summer meeting in CONTACT INFO Chicago, on Saturday, June 8th, 2006 from 12 noon to 2 Shuja PM. Please visit the website for more information. [email protected] www.apcna.net (570) 573-2110 APPNA Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1, Spring 2006 31 Help Save a Child in Africa!

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