On
Saturday June 11,
Dr. Jayasankar
former President of
the American
Association of
Physicians of Indian
(AAPI) Origin spoke
to the
Indian-American
community in New
Hampshire about the
rise of diabetes and
heart disease among
Indian Americans.
The India
Association of New
Hampshire (IANH)
organized the
meeting at the
Public Library in
Nashua.
Prithvi Kumar, IANH
President welcomed
the audience and
introduced the
guest. Dr.
Jayasankar presented
evidence based on
risk factors among
South Asians. He
particularly
highlighted
Indian-American life
style and belief
system, which may be
contributing to the
increase in these
illnesses. The
meeting was followed
by open discussion
on these subjects.
Dr. Rajni Aneja,
Family Practice
Physician from
Southern NH Medical
Center and Dr.
Jayasankar answered
questions about
preventive measures
as well as
appropriate
interventions. Mrs.
Thilak Radhakrishnan,
IANH Education
Committee Chair
presented a plaque
in appreciation of
Dr. Jayasankar’s
service to NH Indian
American community.
Dr. Tej Dhakar, IANH
Secretary concluded
the meeting with a
vote of thanks. IANH
distributed the
Nutrition Guide
prepared by AAPI to
those who were
present.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Jay, as he is known, champions Indian physician and International physicians’ (IMG) cause and is very active in patient advocacy and health policy, besides his various contributions to orthopaedics, patient care, education and public health. He finds caring for underserved communities very satisfying and enjoys training people for leadership, particularly physicians nationally. While his community involvement and public health efforts extend into many areas, his greatest passion is in mentoring youngsters, leadership development; and preventing diabetes, heart disease and family violence.
Dr. Jayasankar is on the faculty of Harvard University and the Massachusetts General Hospital and the New England Baptist Hospital for the last 30 years and is a member of state, regional and national professional bodies including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Medical Association and the Massachusetts Medical Society. He is the President of the prestigious and nearly two centuries old (est. 1805) Boston Medical Library (BML) whose past Presidents include Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes. Dr. Jay is much credited for elevating the status and role of the American Association of Physicians of Indian origin (AAPI) to a “new high” while serving as its national President. Dr. Jayasankar is a recipient of many awards and recognitions, among which are: US Congressional recognition award for “Outstanding and invaluable service to the community,” Pfizer “Housecall” honor for contribution to the public health of the Indian American community, and Indus Star 2002 Award, received AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin) commendation for exceptional leadership and devoted service.
Overview of his talk.
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