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Follow on Google News | American Tamil Medical Association (ATMA) congregates in Bloomingdale to safeguard women’s healthThe theme of the convention was “Improving women’s health in Tamil Nadu and Puduchery”. The convention has successfully raised substantial amount to fund the various ATMA approved charity projects.
By: American Tamil Medical Association (ATMA) In January, 2005, a group of Tamil physicians in the United States (US) established ATMA, 501 (c) 3 to help the underprivileged in respect to health care and promote preventive health for the underserved in U.S & in Tamil Nadu. Starting with ten members in 2005, now ATMA is 800+ members strong and growing. ATMA has funded more than thirteen charitable projects across U.S and Tamil Nadu. ATMA has initiated its own Volunteer ATMA Program (VAP). VAP helps physician volunteers offer their services to the ATMA approved projects. As a result of ATMA’s commitment to accept proposals and fund new projects every year, the projects that were approved this year by the project review committee chaired by Dr.Arumugham were Annai Ashram at Trichy and Antenatal Care Team (ACT) project at Gandhigram Kasturba Hospital, Dindigul. ATMA has proven itself to be the stakeholder in improving health care for the underprivileged by successfully funding thirteen projects in the past and hopes to fund more projects in the future. The convention began with the recital of Tamil Anthem on the evening of Thursday followed by colorful cultural programs by the member’s kids and the local artists that enthralled the audience. Dr. Krish Rangachari and the souvenir team released the souvenir which was commented by Dr. Jay Gopal as the best souvenir we have had so far. The team led by Dr. Nedunchezian Sithian, ATMA President 2010 and Dr.Xavier Roche, 2010 Convention Chair took over to lead the rest of the convention events. On Friday the 13th & Saturday the 14th morning, the day started with continuing medical education (CME) sessions which was meticulously put together by Dr. Narmadha Kuppuswami and her team. The CME speakers were an impressive list of accomplished Tamil American physicians from well renowned universities. The topics for the CME ranged from cardio metabolic syndrome, obesity, depression, gender difference of the brain, dementia, and fertility preservation in malignancy etc. Highlights of the 13th evening celebration were the debate mediated by Dr. R. Prabhakaran on the topic, “Our food culture in US- Idli and dosai or pizza and pasta” and a presentation by Ms. Rajasulochana, great actress and dancer from Chennai. Other activities included music and eye catching dance for the Rhythms of Rahman by Natya Dance Theater. Leadership and General Body meetings were held in the afternoon of Saturday and morning of Sunday, where the ATMA leaders and participants had an open discussion on ATMA’s direction and future work strategy for the years 2010 – 2011. Several issues and suggestions on change of direction, focus and concerns were discussed and approved which included the Committee bylaws, elections of new Board members, next year’s convention activity, and increasing ATMA memberships. Dr.C.K. Palani was elected as the President for 2011-2012. While the participants were busy at these meetings, the spouses and the young attendees had concurrent programs like ‘Popular dance by Kim Armstrong’, Yoga Instruction & Zumba Dance workout. On 14th evening, Dr. Nedunchezian Sithian addressed the convention on the importance of charity, leadership, community contributions which are needed to carry out ATMA’s desired and planned charitable activities and projects. He also detailed his accomplishments during his presidency and thanked Dr. V. Selvakumar as the Chief Editorial Board, Dr.Nazeera Dawood as the communications director for their valuable contributions. He welcomed the key note speaker, Dr. K.W Rammohan, who addressed the crowd on the importance of being a guru / spiritual teacher. The 2010 ATMA Award sessions presented awards to four individuals in the ATMA community for achieving excellence in their respective work. Dr. Padmanabhan "Dan" Mukundan received the posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Sylaja Devi Purushothaman, the Public Service Award, Dr. R. Kannan Mutharasan, the Best Resident Award and Dr. Nazeera Dawood received the Best Young Investigator Award and the ATMA Special Recognition Award. Dr. Nedunchezian then handed over the presidency to Dr.Tamilarasi Kannan to continue lighting the ATMA torch for 2010 – 2011. Dr.Tamilarasi Kannan’s acceptance speech was empowering to women as she stated her vision was to increase women leadership role and increase charitable activities for ATMA. Dr. F. Xavier Roche thanked the founders of ATMA, past presidents, all the devoted committee members & volunteers for offering their helping hand at the convention. The finale was grand light music concert of oldies and new hit songs by Chicago Mellisai, with main singers, Mr. C.S. Ainkaran & Mrs. Rama Raghuraman with other talented singers. Music Director was Mr.Shino Mapleton and evening program organizer was Mr. Antony Susai, President of Chicago Tamil Sangam. ATMA leadership and the participants recognized and thanked the team efforts of the local Chicago / Tristate Chapter organizers led by Dr. Xavier F. Roche for their hospitality. Overall the ATMA 2010 convention has raised the bar for future conventions. ATMA wishes Dr. Tamilarasi Kannan and the Carolinas chapter Governor, Dr.Valarmathi Sundar for a successful Raleigh convention 2011. Press release provided by Dr. Nazeera Dawood & Dr. Priya Ramesh If you'd like more information about American Tamil Medical Association, please visit: National website: www.atmaus.org Chicago Chapter website: www.atmachicagotristate.org For 2010 Convention souvenir: http://issuu.com/ ATMA documentary: http://www.youtube.com/ End
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