Dr. Mehmet Oz, renowned surgeon, educator, television personality, former U.S. Senate candidate, and best-selling author, delivered the keynote address at the inaugural World Health Congress. This event, organized by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), took place at the iconic Marriott Marquee in Times Square, New York City, on July 19, 2024. Dr. Oz captivated the audience of over 1,000 AAPI delegates in the Broadway Ballroom with his 30-minute talk on “Living the Good Life,” where he shared valuable insights into wellness and health optimization that resonate across the medical community and beyond.
The World Health Congress commenced on July 18 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Attended by more than 1,000 physicians and featuring over 80 speakers and CEOs from around the world, the congress provided an unparalleled opportunity for delegates to network, learn, and explore groundbreaking advancements in various healthcare disciplines.
In his keynote address, Dr. Oz engaged the audience with video clips and other tools, sharing practical advice on navigating the path to health and happiness. He highlighted the MitraClip, an FDA-approved implantable device for treating leaky heart valves, which offers a less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery. Dr. Oz also discussed his perspectives on improving state-funded health programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.
Earlier in the event, motivational speaker Swami Gyanvatsal from Akshardham, BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, delivered an inspirational talk on “Physician Burnout.” He emphasized the importance of personal development, spirituality, social harmony, and continuous learning for personal growth.
The CEO Forum, moderated by Dr. Achintya Moulick, Chair of the AAPI World Health Congress, marked the beginning of a new chapter for AAPI. Dr. Moulick expressed his goal of bringing together healthcare providers, entrepreneurs, financial bodies, and policymakers to create a collaborative environment for the future of global health. The forum featured industry leaders from healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and IT, including Dr. Oz; Edward Chan of 1315 Capital; Michael Kopko, Co-founder & CEO of Pearl Health; Hemanth Neeli of Inhospital Physicians; Ishan Shivanand of Yoga of Immortals (YOI); and Dr. Samin Sharma of The Mount Sinai Hospital. Discussions centered on efficient healthcare delivery, cost minimization, and the impact of AI on healthcare.
AAPI’s Legislative Day addressed healthcare regulation, visa issues, physician-patient relationships, and insurance concerns. Moderated by Dr. Sumul Raval, AAPI’s National Secretary, the event showcased AAPI’s influential lobbying efforts on behalf of the Indian American and broader immigrant communities. Lawmakers who participated in the panel included New York City Councilwoman Susan Zhuang; New York City Councilman Shekar Krishnan; NY Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar; Ravi Reddi representing the Office of US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand; New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal; and NYC Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. They discussed topics such as healthcare delivery, the Green Card backlog, and insurance issues, and expressed their support for AAPI’s initiatives.
Dr. Anjana Samadder, President of AAPI, highlighted the growing influence of doctors of Indian heritage, noting their critical roles in healthcare, academia, research, and administration across the nation. She emphasized the dedication, compassion, and skills of these physicians, which have earned them a respected place in the American medical community. AAPI’s vital role is recognized both by its members and lawmakers.
The day’s events concluded with an evening of entertainment featuring the popular Aditya Narayan, who dazzled the audience with his performance. The festivities ended with a Garba Night, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in culture and enjoy the vibrant traditional Garba dance.
Dr. Lokesh Edara, Chair of the AAPI Board of Trustees, echoed the sentiments of Dr. Samadder, emphasizing the significant contributions of Indian heritage physicians to the American medical community through their hard work and dedication.
