IAMA set to hit new high under Reddy-Shah

Dr Sreenivas Reddy
Dr Sreenivas Reddy

Ramesh Soparawala
India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Dr. Sreenivas Reddy, president of the Indian American Medical Association of Illinois is set to take his organization to a new high with broadening its membership base and undertaking numerous community oriented activities with vigor and missionary zeal

In talk to this paper he said that on assuming Presidency of IAMA, “I made it a point to reconnect back with mainstream Chicago Indo-American community besides striving to get the younger generation of physicians from our community to our fold. I have also initiated efforts to address the healthcare challenges of the inner city of Chicago. All these need continuous work but at least a start has been made in that direction.”

He added that he would make it IAMA top priority in 2019 to continue focusing on these issues during his tenure as Chairman of the IAMA Board next year.

Recounting the efforts that he has made so far he said that in January 2018, IAMA-IL participated in Republic Day celebrations. “It conducted its regular CME programs which were well attended. In March 2018, IAMA participated in the Congressional International Women Day Celebrations in Elmhurst.In April 2018, IAMA participated in the GSA Second World Health Day Summit in Chicago and I delivered the keynote address on Challenges of the Opioid Crisis and Need to act together. It also had IAMA-CF’s Annual Fundraising Dinner which was a great success.

In May 2018, IAMA participated in American Association of Multi Ethnic Physicians (AAMEP) Planning Meeting to draft a Plan of Action for Chicagoland on Opioid Crisis along with Chicago Medical Society.In June 2018, IAMA led a Roundtable Discussion on Opioid Crisis & Challenges and also participated in the Cook County Health Foundation Annual Gala and offered to create & coordinate the Cook County Residents Alumni. In the same month IAMA participated in AAPI’s Annual meet in Ohio

In July 2018, IAMA led discussions with concerned stakeholders in the City of Chicago and Chicago Medical Society to develop Non Violence Trainer program to help the Citizens of Chicago combat violence and spread awareness on violence prevention. In August 2018, IAMA along with other stakeholders presented A ‘Non Violence Proposal’ to Governor Bruce Rauner at a face to face meeting in Chicago and requested support and funding for the same. IAMA actively participated in all India’s Independence Day events.

In August-September 2018, IAMA Annual International Trip this year was to Japan and it was an overwhelming success.
Also in September 2018, IAMA participated in the GSA International Education Connect – For inner City of Chicago students. The theme was Inspire, Motivate & Guide. With the Chicago Medical Society it conducted a CPR Awareness camp in the Hindu temple which was well attended. IAMA had its Annual Golf Outing .In October 2018; IAMA attended the 8th Annual Multi Ethnic Congressional Awards Gala.

Dr Sreenivas Reddy and President elect Dr Niranjana Shah along with IAMA office bearers were part of the IAMA meet the press event held on Friday November 2 at Mysore Woodland Restaurant in Chicago. Dr Reddy announced that his team with IAMA Executive Secretary Heidi Garton, Executive Assistant Dr Terrence Chiramel and with the help of prominent community activist and IAMA Advisor Dr Vijay Prabhakar have put together a spectacular action packed program for its 38th Annual Gala on Saturday November 17 from 5.30pm onwards at Ashton Place in Willowbrook, a Chicago suburb.

The theme of 38th Gala is “Share our Pride: Celebrating our workplace.” The Gala opens with a ravishing fashion fiesta featuring international models hosted by Raaz Boutique followed by a Dialogue by Cook County Board President & CMO CCHS on Challenges & Success of Cook County Health systems. Emcee of the near four hours program is TV host Ravi Baichwal.

This will be followed by a historic bipartisan Congressional salute to the CEOs of Chicagoland hospitals. There will be an exclusive comedy show by Rajiv Satyal and then Table Service Dinner with invited dignitaries and Congressmen Davis & Roskam. The Grand Finale will be Bollywood music.