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In The Beginning
The earliest records of medical practice in the world began about 600 B.C., with the Sanskrit Treatise of Atreya and Susruta.
But the beginning of medicine in India, as in Greece, is found in mythology. According to this realm, medicine and surgery were gifts from the god Indra to Sages Bharadwaja, the patron saint of medicine, and Dhanvantari, the patron saint of surgery. These two scholars passed on their knowledge to two worthy men, Atreya and Susruta.
This system was called Ayurveda (Ayur = life - knowledge combined state of body, senses, mind and soul). Ayurveda considered ill health emerging from external (toxins and pathogens), and derangement of body (metabolic immune response or host resistance). Ayurveda developed from Atharva Veda, which dealt mostly in science.
Dhanvantari renounced his royal status as Prince of Kasi (Varanasi) and retired into the forest where he dictated his Ayur Veda to Susruta. |
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Pioneers of Medical Education
Both Atreya and Susruta practiced around 600 B.C., nearly 150 years before Hippocrates. Buddhist folklore indicates the existence of two great schools in India during the Vedic period where medicine, astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy were taught.
East of the River Ganga was Varanasi where Susruta headed the medical department. Having learned anatomy from Atreya, Susruta points out in his treatise, Susruta Samhita, the differences between his techniques and Atreya's. The treatise on surgery indicates that he was probably the first surgeon to perform a rhinoplasty and ear lobe reconstruction.
Located on the present Jhelum River, Takshasila (Taxila) was the second ancient school of medicine. Atreya, who is believed to have imbibed the Ayur Veda (science of life) directly from Saint Bharadwaja, headed the medical school in Taxila. His treatise on medicine is contained in 46,500 verses.
When Alexander invaded India in 327 B.C., physicians and surgeons in India were well respected for their knowledge and skill. Some writers say that Aristotle was inspired by Eastern knowledge. |
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| Advancements in Medical Education in Ancient India |
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Another great contributor to the ancient medical system was Charaka, a philosopher, astronomer, and physician in the second century B.C. As the physician of King Kanishka, Charaka edited and revised the Atreya Samhita.
Charaka's contributions, in 120 chapters, deal with the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the heart, chest, abdomen, genital organs, and extremities. Charaka's wide range of knowledge was evident from his instructions on building hospitals, maintaining a hygienic atmosphere for patients, and in details like providing toys for children.
A detailed code of medical ethics was already well-evolved in India by 600 B.C. In essence,
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the code required medical practitioners to lead a life dedicated to caring for the sick and maintaining patient confidentiality. Cultural conducts while treating patients were also presented in detail.
A physician who desires success in his practice, profit, a good name, and finally, a place in heaven, must pray daily for all living creatures. |
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Trailblazers
The first Indian medical student in the United States was a lady. Ms. Anandibai Joshee graduated in 1886 from Women's Medical College in Philadelphia by the generosity of one Mrs. Carpenter. Unfortunately, Dr. Anandabai Joshee died soon after returning to India in 1887.
While the Immigration Bill of 1923 and the American Dream drew many immigrants from India, most were entrepreneurs. Yellapragada SubbaRow was one of the earliest physicians from India to not only come to the United States, but to do some fundamental research. Having arrived at Harvard in 1925 on a small scholarship, he was successful in synthesizing folic acid, and discovering Tetracycline and Hetrazan. He later headed the research division at Lederle Laboratory where his team discovered Aminopterin and Methotrexate to treat cancer. Dedicated to research, SubbaRow died of heart failure at the age of 53 soon after he had finalized plans for a cancer research unit.
Before India's Independence, England was considered the apt place for higher education in medicine by Indian physicians. However, after the Independence from Britain in 1947, many turned to the United States to pursue their education. The East Coast was the destination for many young Indian doctors who sought education and success. And they were willing to brave the cultural differences of their newly-adopted country to achieve these goals.
In the 1970s, many international medical graduates (IMG) were actively recruited to meet the physician deficit in the United States. |
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AAPI's Birth
With the increase in ethnic and cultural diversity and the radical changes in health care in the United States, a group of concerned medical professionals founded the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) in 1984. The formation of the organization started as a fireside discussion in Detroit, Michigan in 1982 with a simple goal to work for a level playing field for the international medical graduates.
AAPI was forged in the midst of challenges that physicians of Indian origin have faced due to cultural barriers and bias against international medical graduates. Those barriers created obstacles for immigration and licensing opportunities. Today, the organization is a dynamic body, spearheading legislative agendas on health care and influencing the advancement of ethnic medical organizations. |
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| AAPI Today |
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| Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, AAPI represents the interests of 32,000 physicians of Indian heritage in the United States and serves as an umbrella organization for 100 professional associations. It is the largest ethnic medical organization in the nation. AAPI members have been practicing in urban areas, inner cities, rural areas, and peripheral communities around the country for the past 25 years. To assist its 9,000 plus members, AAPI is constantly recreating its multiple facets to accommodate the changing needs of its membership. |
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Specialty Breakdown of 32,000 Physicians of
Indian Origin |
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AAPI Membership Growth |
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Medical Students: The Future of AAPI
Although Asian Indians constitute less than 1 percent of the population in the United States, they constitute 10-12 percent of the student body in medical schools in the U.S. This dynamic, bright, and enthusiastic group are our future. Their membership in AAPI is growing faster than any other group. |
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| Legislative Affairs |
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One of AAPI's most important goals has been to stay involved in shaping the healthcare policies in the United States. With this in view, a full-time Legislative Office was established in Washington, D.C. in 1996.
The Legislative Office has created a database which identifies 23,000 AAPI physicians by their
Congressional district. Developing a political
infrastructure within the organization paves the way for
increased political awareness and exposure on Capitol
Hill.
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AAPI's policy statement on managed care was used as the basis of an important piece of legislation that would establish a "Patient's Bill of Rights."
Policies impacting graduate medical education and the physician workforce have been issues that have received AAPI's major focus in the last few years. The organization believes that the criteria for eligibility of Graduate Medical Education should be based on an individual candidate's merits, and market forces should determine the number of physicians |
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Clerkship Program
Since 10-12 percent of the freshman medical students in the United States are of Indian heritage, AAPI is creating a Clerkship Program in alliance with the Indian Ministry of Health and the medical schools in India. This program is designed to help Indian American freshman medical students in the U.S. learn medicine as it is practiced in India while enjoying their cultural heritage.
Rotations are developed through collaborative efforts with the Medical Council of India. Several medical students have already availed of this opportunity and have enriched their experience. AAPI encourages medical students and residents to become involved in the organization by making membership free to them. Currently, AAPI has 1,694 medical students and resident members. |
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Continuing Medical Education Programs in the U.S. . . .
The CME Committee organizes balanced, informative programs geared toward cutting-edge issues in medicine. Generally, one program at the annual meeting and an interim meeting in January are held. The meetings are supported by registration fees and generous support from major pharmaceutical companies. Participants earn Category 1 CME credits.
and in India . . .
AAPI organizes 25-30 CME programs in India each year in collaboration with the Medical Council of India. 100-150 faculty travel to India at their cost to teach and share their expertise and experience with their Indian counterparts. This provides an enhanced learning experience for all participants.
Community Health Column . . .
As leaders in health care, AAPI contributes articles to newspapers regularly to help inform and educate the general public.
Networking with Mainstream Organizations . . .
The AAPI enjoys excellent rapport with major medical organizations and offers its input to AMA, ACP, ACCP and state medical agencies. AAPI has written to various newspapers (The Washington Post, The New York Times and USA TODAY) championing patient and IMG causes. The leadership of AAPI is invited to participate at other associations' annual meetings on a regular basis.
Research . . .
With 1,500 full time academicians of Indian origin, AAPI members contribute to the education of medical students at various academic institutions. They are also highly respected researchers. In addition, working to promote the health of Indian Americans, a study was commissioned by AAPI on the prevalence of Coronary Artery Disease in Indians (CADI Study). Significant risk factors for heart disease were benchmarked and improved awareness in the community resulted. |
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AAPI Journal - The Flagship of the Organization
The AAPI Journal informs more than 32,000 readers on the trends in the medical field, and its changing policies, programs and activities around the United States and the world. The Journal also serves as a platform to recognize members who have been honored in their communities. |
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AAPI on the Web
AAPI's Web site www.aapiusa.org provides information regarding the activities and projects of AAPI. The site includes information about our Medical Students/ Residents, Legislative Activities, the AAPI Charitable Foundation, the AAPI Journal, the Annual Convention, and various AAPI programs. Local chapters also use the Web site to share information. |
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Annual Convention
For 15 years, AAPI's conventions have brought together members and their families. While the physicians earn CME credits, relax at the alumni dinners and learn about relevant health care changes, other programs offer yoga, dance, golf, and movies to the youths and spouses. This certainly is a family affair! The average attendance at AAPI's Annual Conventions for the last 3 years is over 3,500. |
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The AAPI Charitable Foundation at Work in the U.S. and in India
India
AAPI's eleven charitable clinics in various parts of India provide comprehensive medical care to thousands of needy patients. The foundation's goal is to help these clinics achieve self-sufficiency, but until then they are provided with equipment, funds for transportation, and facilities.
Scholarships for Faculty/Student Exchange
Sponsoring suitable scholars from academic and non-profit institutions in India for advanced training in the United States, after which they return to serve in India, is also an active part of the Charitable Foundation's activities. Medical students from the United States are also sponsored to go to India to pursue research.
Relief Efforts
The Foundation has raised relief funds to help cyclone victims in Andhra Pradesh, earthquake victims in Maharashtra, and plague victims in Gujarat.
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In The United States...
AAPI chapters in Michigan (MAPI) and Chicago (IMA Illinois) conduct free clinics for the uninsured of their cities. Similar clinics are being developed in other cities. AAPI has also provided assistance to the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing. |
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National Recognition
AAPI has had the distinct pleasure of having many distinguished guests speak at our conventions - President Bill Clinton, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, Vice President Dan Quayle, Speaker Newt Gingrich, House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, Rep. Gary Ackerman, Rep. Sherrod Brown, Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., and AMA President Nancy Dickey, MD. |
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"I want to thank AAPI for many things; for all the work you do, the, work you have done in our country, [and] the work you have done in India."
-President William Jefferson Clinton, July 4th, 1995 (Chicago, Illinois) |
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Into the Next Millennium. . .
AAPI will continue to evolve in response to the technological, cultural and political forces which influence the medical community.
We have already seen enormous growth in the last 15 years, In the future, AAPI will:
Continue strategic networking with organized medical groups like AMA and ACP.
Continue to provide high-caliber CME programs.
Integrate student members and foster leadership development of young members.
Remain politically active and act as a patient advocate in the changing health care environment.
Give back to the community through charitable endeavors.
AAPI has grown into a grassroots organization with a national voice that directs educational initiatives and legislative issues. The association has become a vital force in maintaining a synergy in the medical community. Today, AAPI is positioned to become a major player in policy making, and in shaping the future of organized medicine.
What Others Have Said About AAPI...
"I was with a small group of Americans who are from India. And it's very interesting, of all the groups in America - they're relatively small, only a half million of them, but they have the highest average educational attainment, the highest average income, and the highest average incidence of two-parent families in any group of Americans including WASPs like me."
- President Bill Clinton
"Without them [AAPI doctors] there would be a void in the American health care scenario."
Vice President Dan Quayle
"To me the growth of this organization to more than 32,000 members is a testament to the Indian American community itself -- its extrarordinary civic commitment, its abiding sense of responsibility, and its dedication to helping all Americans by providing the very best medical care. That may be why I'm so proud to fight for the needs of America's 1.3 million strong Indian community -- because for all your special contributions, for all your cultural richness, for all the unique things you contribute to this country, especially in medicine -- Your values and commitment are the very best definition of what it means to be an American."
- Rep. Richard Gephardt
"I know that you [AAPI] have made a commitment to public policy; to medical schools; to communication and involvement in the political process."
- Senator Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) |
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