MAPI was founded in 1976 and is now in its 33rd year.  Our primary aim has always been to assist physicians of Indian origin in their professional careers and to promote their interests with different organizations.  In conjunction with various local and national organizations like MSMS, WCMS, AMA, and AAPI, we will continue to serve the interest of our members. 

More importantly over the years, MAPI has evolved to be more relevant in community outreach programs including our free clinics.  We live in this wonderful land of opportunity, beauty, and plenty, but there is a segment of the population who is not as fortunate.  In this most recent economic downturn, so many have lost their jobs and healthcare.  In Michigan alone, more than a million are without insurance and many more are underinsured.  This reality presents us with a challenge and also a great opportunity.  Although our individual achievements may give us temporary satisfaction, we can leave an indelible mark on someone’s life through giving back.  As President Obama said in one of his remarks, “Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition.  It asks too little of yourself.  It is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself, that you realize your true potential.”  I am proud to say that our MAPI volunteer positions are actively involved in reaching out and connecting to those in need through our free clinics and community outreach programs.

I also want to encourage our new practicing physicians to come forward and get involved in leadership positions.  I believe they are the future of our organization and will ultimately be setting agenda as our society and profession continue to evolve.  I want to call upon the physicians of the younger generation and say to them MAPI is your organization.  If you are looking for a place where you can be known and understood, MAPI can be that organization for you.  As it says in the theme song for the popular TV show “Cheers,” you want to be where everybody knows your name.  What that really means is that MAPI is where our collective strength makes a difference.  We want you to be a part of this collective strength and influence.  We want to add you to our ranks and keep you informed of our CMEs, charitable events, and social events.  Membership is not expensive, but provides connection to our community and that has its own rewards, the rewards that will continue to grow in value throughout your life and career.

Who would have thought, back in 1976 when MAPI was founded that we would find ourselves just 30 years later in an American society that not only knows what Bollywood is, but that has bestowed Oscar’s highest honor to a motion picture set in India based on a novel by one of our own.  Also, our foray onto the national stage of American politics just may be sooner than we ever expected, as talk of Bobby Jindal in 2012 continues to grow.  While we have made inroads into both American culture and medical profession, MAPI will continue to support and promote the professional, social, and educational needs of our physicians.

I respectfully ask for your support as we work together to strengthen our organization.  Respective chairs of our committee are excited and have already started putting together various events.  I would like to express my gratitude for your friendship and trust, and look forward to working with you in this coming year and ahead.

 Yash Shah, MD

MAPI President