Web site has new sections, functions

The AARI Web site (aariusa.org) has undergone significant changes. From being a dormant one page link, it now has become a more comprehensive resource for members of AARI and a focal point for the organization.

The changes include links on job listings, an online tool to update membership information, a members-only section where one may register and gain access to a membership directory, IMG resources, useful links, officer contacts, and a more user friendly interface. AARI will continue to improve the Web site so that it truly adds value for each member and the whole organization. Please send significant personal accomplishment or news to news@aariusa.org so we can post it on the Web site and share it with the entire membership. Any suggestions or questions regarding the Web site are more than welcome.

Resident and Fellow Section Created

Members in training are the future of our organization. To make this organization successful we need active resident participation so we have leaders who can volunteer and add to the vision of AARI in the coming years. It is easy to apply for membership as members in training. There is a membership application on the back page of this newsletter or you may download a form online at www.aariusa.org. Of course, we look forward to having all the members in training continue as life members! Remember – there is value in numbers, so do get involved!

Radiological Meetings to Be Held in India

Volunteer Faculty Needed

There are several radiological meetings available in India this year. The Indo-US Radiology Congress in Hyderabad, AP, will be from November 4-6, 2005, and the Indian Radiology and Imaging Association (IRIA) annual meeting will be in Chennai from January 4-6, 2006.

For details about the meetings or for anyone interested in being a volunteer faculty member to this or any of the radiological meeting in India from August 2005 to June 2008, please contact Dr Anil Khosla, MD, neuroradiology, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine and VA Medical Center-St Louis, Missouri, by e-mail at khoslaA@mir.wustl.edu, or by phone at (314) 289-6319.

Membership Database Improved

A report from Neeti Suri, MD

The AARI membership committee has been busy updating and improving the membership directory. With the database scattered over the three different sets of directories, the task of updating the database was like entering into a maze. However, in six months, we have reached many milestones.

1. Successfully setting up a very convenient, efficient and user-friendly online tool in the form of a, "Stay Current," Web link accessible from anywhere around the globe, anytime at www.aariusa.org on both the home and membership pages.

2. In terms of staying connected with the latest news and views from AARI , the committee has established a list-server for mass mailing to all those members who have submitted their current e-mail addresses.

3. In updating the database, the committee had a mission to get in touch with every AARI member either via e-mail or regular mail. It is our pleasure to inform you that we are already done with the task of e-mailing the update notice to all the members whose e-mail addresses were in our database and also done with the task of sending out the regular mail notification to 2000 of our members who were listed in our main directory.

4. In terms of our overall accomplishment, if you received this newsletter in the mail, we have definitely achieved something. It would not have been possible without the constant support and guidance of our president, Dr.Mukherji. So we would like to take this opportunity to say thanks to him, our webmaster and all the other AARI officers for their time, efforts, support and valuable suggestions.

In the end, I thank all those members who took time to update their profiles and I would like to make a request to all those who have yet to submit their current profiles to please do so because, “Staying Current,” with AARI has never been so convenient-- it's only a few clicks away!

Update Your Member Information

As many of you know we are in the process of updating our database. If you have not updated your membership information with AARI, please do so by visiting our Web site at aariusa.org and then clicking on the link, "Stay Current.” You may also update by sending your contact details to Neet Suri at neeti_suri86@yahoo.com. Your time and attention will be greatly appreciated.

Message From AARI Member and AAPI President Jagan Ailinani

On behalf of AAPI, I extend my warmest greetings to the members of the American Association of Radiologists of Indian Origin. I would like to thank my fellow radiologists for their support during my presidency. As an umbrella organization, AAPI derives its strength from member organizations such as AARI. Working together, we can achieve our common goals.

At AAPI, we have had to face many challenges, but we have pulled through successfully and grown stronger as a team. Our executive team is working hard to strengthen the organizational structure and streamlining the functioning of our office. We are bringing greater fiscal responsibility, improving communications and enhancing member services. I am proud and humbled by our accomplishments. The following is a brief report of our activities since July 2004.

We achieved a J-1 Visa Victory when our lobbying efforts were successful in getting the J-1 visa waiver program extended for another two years. Practice Management Seminars have been conducted with several local chapters across the country. Clinical Externship Programs are being established in Texas, Connecticut, and Washington, DC to help newly arrived physicians from India get into residency programs. Ethics and Grievance help was given to about 25 Indian physicians by the committee headed by Dr. Rakesh Chandra, MD, JD, on issues such as contracts, licensure, peer review, removal of medical students and residents from their program, and criminal cases such as sexual harassment. The AAPI Research Project on diabetes among Indian Americans (DIA) is proceeding well and the final report is due to CDC by September this year. In the aftermath of the Tsunami, the AAPI Charitable Foundation donated $55,000 for immediate relief. A fourth AAPI-AIF Hospital was inaugurated this January in Gujarat. Health Camps and CMEs were conducted in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala and Karnataka. A Lawsuit on AAPI Elections was dismissed by the courts and the appeal was withdrawn by the petitioner. The incident is now well and truly behind us. Embezzlement of AAPI funds amounting to more than $100,000 was discovered and the employee involved was terminated. The matter is being investigated and audit was done with help of external auditor. All the diverted money, $174,000, was recovered. The AAPI 23rd Annual Convention was very uccessful.

It has been my great privilege to serve as your president. I thank you with my heart for the trust you reposed in me. I look forward to seeing you all in AARI meetings and at RSNA

Jagan Ailinani, MD, FACR, president, AAPI

CME activities 2004

AARI chair for CME, Dr.Vikram Dogra organized a CME course in Nagpur, India from December 11-12, 2004. This course was jointly sponsored by AARI, Nagpur Medical College and the Vidharba chapter of IRIA. Dr. Kishore Taori of Nagpur Government Medical college was the chair of the program and very instrumental in its success. This was attended by about 300 delegates from various parts of India. Dr. Paspulati from Case Western Reserve University led the U.S. delegation. Other speakers were Pramod Kaila and Ahayla Prem Kumar.

Interested speakers, who would like to participate in such activities in future, please send your biodata and topics of interest to Dr.Dogra at Vikram_Dogra@URMC.Rochester.edu.

Indian Radiologists Continue Successes

Numerous Indian Radiologists continue to excel in academic radiology. Sanjay Saini was recently named Chair of Radiology. Vikram Dogra received the Larry Mack award. Many Indian radiologists received prestigious awards this year from RSNA.

Smita Patel, MBBS, MRCP, FRCR
GE Medical Systems/RSNA Research Scholar Grant
Department of Radiology
University of Michigan Health System
Ann Arbor, MI
"ECG-gated 16-slice CT Coronary Angiography: Comparison with Catheter Coronary Angiography"

Srini Tridandapani, MD
Siemens Medical Solutions, Inc./RSNA Research Resident Grant
Radiology
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
"Achieving Optimal Gating for Cardiac Computed Tomography"

Mannudeep Karanvir Singh Kalra, MBBS, MD, DNB
Hitachi Medical Systems/RSNA Research Seed Grant
Radiology
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, MA
"A basic research study to evaluate the distribution, localization and pharmacokinetics of a new PET radiopharmaceutical agent 18-F Fluorothymidine in subjects with pancreatic cancer"

Syam Vasireddy
Philips Medical Systems/RSNA Medical Student Scholar Assistant
Assistant to Reed A. Omary, MD
Department of Radiology
Northwestern University Medical School
Chicago, IL

"Real-Time Magnetic Resonance-Guided Endovascular Treatment of Renal Artery Stenosis in a Swine Model"

University of California, San Francisco
RSNA Medical Student Departmental
Department of Radiology
San Francisco, CA
Advisor: Gautham P. Reddy, MD
Student: Gita Varaprasathan
Ronald L. Arenson, MD, Chair

"MRI-Guided Cardiovascular Therapy"

AARI Announces Formation of Resident and Fellow Section
An essential component of AARI is the active involvement of numerous Indian radiology residents and fellows across the country.
At its annual meeting in November 2003, it was decided to create a fully functioning resident and fellow section to further strengthen the membership of this organization.

Radiology and radiation oncology residents and fellows are encouraged to apply for a free membership, and avail all the benefits of this newly created section and the organization.
The membership form and other details are available at the association website at www.aariusa.org and on the back of this newsletter. This website will be evolving with time to make it a more resourceful link so make sure you visit it often!

A resident and fellow website is being created, with job listings, educational and networking opportunities, mentorship information, discussion forum and other relevant links. The initial plan includes creating a resourceful website, networking, creating career and job opportunities, and representation at various levels in organized medicine. Thanks are due to Dr. Jagan Ailinani and Dr. Suresh Mukherji, president AARI, for making this initiative possible.
Any radiology or radiation oncology resident or fellow interested in volunteering for this section or providing suggestions please contact Dr Ajay Sood, Chair AARI - RFS at ajaysud@hotmail.com or radiation oncology representative Dr Shilpen Patel at shilpenp@yahoo.com.

Mentors Needed
We are seeking faculty in the United States who are willing to mentor a visiting fellow from India for the AARI Visiting Scholar Program for a period of up to six months. Candidates for scholarships must seek and arrange for their mentors. AARI members who volunteer as mentors will have their names and email addresses posted on the AARI website. To become as mentor contact program chair Dr. Suresh Mukherji, 734- 936-8685, (fax) 764-2412 or email, mukherji@umich.edu.

Applications Now Accepted for Visiting Scholar

Applications are available on this website, click here.

Through the visiting fellow program Indian radiologists qualify for a stipend of $500 per month during a stay of up to six months in the United States for the purpose of sub-specialized training at a US academic institution. Candidates submit a short proposal to the AARI selection committee which reviews all applicants and grants the fellowship based on merit. The visiting scholars program is chaired by Vikram Dogra, MD, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Department of Imaging Sciences, 601 Elmwood Ave., Box 648, Rochester, NY 14642.

Susruta Foundation Needs Your Help

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