President's Message 
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Anita Bangale, MD
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On behalf of the Medical Students,
Residents, and Fellows section of AAPI, I would like to be one of the
first to welcome you to the beginning of an outstanding year! The
2008-2009 year represents a significant milestone in MSRF history as it
marks our 10-year anniversary. Over the past decade, our section's
active membership has exponentially grown from less than 80 in its
inception to over 8,600 today. In that time, our members have populated
more than 12% of the student body in medical schools and close to 14%
of all residency positions. We are undoubtedly recognized nationally
and internationally as leaders in healthcare.
Through MSRF, we hope that you will continue your
medical leadership and grow to become a community leader and help
"bridge the gap." Our theme for the 2008-2009 year highlights AAPI's
commitment to scientific, educational, cultural, charitable, and
political interaction among its members and the community at large.
This year's efforts will focus not only on
membership recruitment through professional networking and increased
international medical graduate support, but also on community service
projects for the benefit of the hundreds of thousands of South Asians
across the country. The AAPI MSRF national service project this year is
dedicated to emergency medical interventions. In coordination with
local American Red Cross chapters, AAPI will host free workshops across
the country to help educate the community regarding emergent
life-saving techniques.
I urge you recognize this organization as your
own—take an active role within the MSRF section by participating
in our governing body meeting, running for an elected position,
attending our networking events, serving on a committee, organizing
local chapters, and providing ideas and feedback on how to improve the
organization. I encourage you to participate in the Be the Change Day,
an annual national day of community service on October 4th, 2008 in one
of the six flagship cities. Through a concerted effort with our board
members and its constituency, we can help bridge the gap.
I eagerly anticipate a great year ahead and look
forward to working with a dedicated board. Mark your calendars, as we
will culminate the year with a memorable national convention in
Orlando, Florida on June 10-14th, 2009.
Anita Bangale, MD
President, American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin
Medical Students, Residents, Fellows Section
