DETROIT, MI: With a substantial backing from medical fraternity at large in the country and endorsement from Michigan Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (MAPI) and Baroda Medical College Alumna Association (BMCAA), Dr Ashok Jain has sought an elective trustee position with the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) this year.
Three of the nine members of the trustee board are retiring and the positions are to be filled by AAPI members thru election. Dr Jain appears to be a front runner in the field of six contestants, it is learnt. Besides bringing hefty experience in the medical field, Dr Jain, an MD from MS University Baroda, has acquitted himself creditably serving the community at large in various capacities.
He is on the Board of Trustees of Jain Temple Detroit, Member and active supporter Covenant House, Detroit, Michigan, Chairman Board of Trustees Indo-American Forum for Political Education (MI Chapter) and a Member Public Health Advisory Council State of Michigan. He has been actively serving needy, homeless, and underprivileged in the region and is involved in teaching and mentorship.
Dr Jain has been associated with AAPI since 1982 as its Patron member and has served as its Regional Director NE Central 1996-1997. He was AAPI Chair of Alumni Committee and AAPI Legislative Affairs Committee. A past President Baroda Medical College Alumni Association, he was also an AAPI delegate for Indo-US Healthcare Summit and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Currently he serves as Chair of Charitable Foundation of MAPI.
Not resting on his laurels, Dr Jain in a talk to this paper said that he would strive to broad base AAPI by raising the numbers of its patron members and getting more and more second generation Indian American physicians into its fold. “This should make AAPI more effective and have its voice heard at the local, State and Federal level. We need to focus our attention at legislative level to address the need for increased Residency slots, permanent and getting SGR – J1 Visa Waiver fixed,” he said.
It is also important for the national level body like AAPI to be strong financially and make its affairs transparent. Jain said that he would strive to achieve these goals, if elected as Trustee. “It is also important that we pay back our dues to the country of our origin. There is a crying need to improve healthcare and medical education in India, and collectively we should make AAPI proud by contributing our mite in this direction,” he added.
Surendra Ullal
