AAPI Medical Student, Resident and Fellows Section

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AAPI Convention 2009

27th Annual National Convention

Orlando, Florida

Hot on the heels of Vegas, the Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows (MSRF) section of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) made a splash in Orlando at its 12th annual convention (27th for parent AAPI).  The Dolphin Hotel played host to what would be an unforgettable event.  The awesomeness began on Thursday night at Todd English’s Bluezoo Restaurant and Lounge.  The venue served as a perfect kickoff and opportunity for MSRF members to meet each other.  Rumor has it that there was even a soon to be aerospace medicine resident making the rounds. 

Friday kicked off with an inaugural luncheon. After enjoying a delicious Mexican style lunch, Sherri McCoy gave a riveting lecture.  With a few hours to spare before the next MSRF event, members spent the time browsing the vendor booths, meeting other members and making contacts, or just relaxing by the pool in preparation for what was to come.  The awesomeness continued that evening with a full dinner and open bar just across the lake from the hotel at the Atlantic Dance Hall.  Dancing on the spacious floor to bhangra and watching fireworks from a balcony reserved for MSRF are just a few of the events that added to the awesome.

Saturday proved to be an extremely informative and productive day.  We started the morning with presentations from members on their new and exciting research, awarding $750 for 1st place and $500 to 2nd.  A special thank you and congratulations to EVERYONE who presented – we hope to see you all again next year.  Tejal Banker next showed us how to read employment agreements and what specifically to look for before signing on that dotted line.  Everyone agreed it was a must-know session for those finishing up their residency programs.  Dr. Geeta Nayyar followed with an interesting and provocative session on health care reform.  With an MD and an MBA she was able to give a unique point of view on not only the issues, but also how medical students, residents, and fellows can all have an active role in changing policy (her slides are available for download here).  Our keynote speaker, Ambassafor Devinda R. Subasinghe gave an extremely entertaining and interesting talk about his experiences as the ambassador for the US and Mexico to Sri Lanka.  He also talked and answered questions about the differences in health care policy between the countries, and why it is important for us to care.

Following the awards luncheon with parent AAPI, a panel, including our very own Chirag Parghi, gave helpful hints on how to get in to competitive specialties.  This session led nicely in to Benoy Thanjan interactive session on networking.  As we progress through our careers networking is always important, whether applying to residencies or finding a new job, it is often about who you know.  New officers were elected during the governing body meeting that followed while 100 guys and 100 girls tried to find true love during the Bharat Matrimonial Singles Meet.  The convention of awesomeness concluded with a spectacular dinner at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Theater.  Buses took over 300 MSRF members from the hotel to the Disney-MGM studio where we enjoyed a full buffet, open bar all night long, great music, and comedy show from special guest Dan Nainan.  Everyone agreed the Saturday night gala was an amazing night and a perfect way to close the 12th annual AAPI-MSRF convention of awesomeness.  We hope to see you next year in our nations capital, Washington DC!