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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline OCTOBER 31, 2025 | The Indian Eye 18

FIPA and NJ State AAPI to Host Research Symposium

for Young Physicians at Annual Convention

Dr. Raj Bhayani Takes Charge as President of NJ State AAPI

OUR BUREAU science.
Currently leading ENT and Facial Plastic
Edison, NJ
Surgery divisions across major New York hos-
he New Jersey State Chapter of the pitals, Dr. Bhayani brings a blend of innovation,
American Association of Physicians of leadership, and mentorship to his new role.
TIndian Origin (NJ State AAPI), in collab- Outgoing president Dr. Sudha Nahar
oration with the Federation of Indian Physicians was widely credited for strengthening the
Associations (FIPA), will host a research sympo- chapter during her tenure. Her leadership
sium and educational lecture series as part of its brought new energy and inclusivity, enrolling
7th Annual Convention on November 15, 2025, many women physicians, initiating month-
at Imperia in New Jersey. The convention aims ly educational and charitable programs,
to inspire the next generation of Indian-ori- and achieving record fundraising success.
gin physicians through research collaboration, Dr. Rachana Kulkarni, who continues as
mentorship, and community engagement. Chair of the Board of Trustees, worked close-
Founded in November 2018 by visionary ly with Dr. Nahar to expand the chapter’s
physicians Dr. Binod Sinha, Dr. Raj Bhayani, programs, while Dr. Nidhi Goel, as treasurer,
Dr. Kishore Ratkalkar, and Dr. Hemant Patel, streamlined finances and enhanced fundraising
NJ State AAPI was established to bring togeth- mechanisms.
er Indian-American doctors committed to deliv- The new executive committee, combining
ering quality healthcare and mentoring young continuity and fresh energy, is expected to build
professionals. upon these achievements and take the chapter
The organization’s mission is to unite all to greater heights.
AAPI chapters in New Jersey to advocate for The 7th Annual Convention will showcase
physicians’ rights, promote healthcare access academic excellence and professional collab-
for all—including uninsured populations—and oration. Dr. Chetan Shah, Chair of the New
build partnerships with government agencies, Jersey Medical Board, serves as Convention
insurers, and other communities. “Together Chair, with Dr. Rachana Kulkarni as BOT
we can make a stronger impact,” the founders Chair. Dr. Subhasini Gowda and Dr. Sumul
stated, outlining their long-term goal to nego- Rawal are Co-Chairs of the convention, while
tiate better reimbursements for physicians and Dr. Atul Prakash leads the Research Sympo-
strengthen healthcare delivery statewide. sium and Educational Lectures component.
The new president, Dr. Raj Bhayani, is a The event will feature participation from
distinguished ENT and facial plastic surgeon leading medical institutions, including Robert
with a unique background in neurosurgery. The Wood Johnson Hospital System and Hacken-
first ENT surgeon in India to complete train- sack Meridian Health Care, along with academic
ing in neurosurgery, Dr. Bhayani also holds a and research presentations by young physicians.
fellowship in Facial Plastic and Microvascular Dignitaries expected to attend include Con-
Surgery. His academic and clinical excellence sul General Binoy Pradhan and Congressman
has been recognized internationally—he has Suhas Subramaniam. A highlight of the evening
published over 50 research papers, received the will be the Distinguished Physician Award pre-
USA Triologic Society Award, and been listed sentation to Dr. Navin Mehta, an eminent ENT
in Marquis Who’s Who in America in Medicine surgeon and community leader, for his exception-
and Healthcare for his contributions to medical al contributions to medicine and public service.

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