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New Jersey Chapter - EC Members 2023-2024

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Elizabeth Mammen-Prasad MD

President, AKMG NJ Chapter

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Rekha Menon, MD

Vice President, AKMG NJ Chapter

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Lisa Prostasis, MD

Secretary, AKMG NJ Chapter

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Joseph Prasad DMD

Treasurer, AKMG NJ Chapter

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Sarah Easaw, MD

BOT, AKMG NJ Chapter

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Asha Menon, MD

BOT, AKMG NJ Chapter

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Thomas Alapatt, MD

NJ chapter Advisor


AKMG NJ CHAPTER 2024 Fall Meeting

AKMG NJ chapter 2024 fall meeting was held on November 16th, 2024, at the residence of the Dr. Joseph Prasad and Dr. Elizabeth Mammen-Prasad, in Manalapan, NJ.

Elizabeth Mammen-Prasad, MD highlighted the history of AKMG, and of NJ Chapters inauguration one year ago and the activities since then. Dr. Mammen encouraged all to sign up for the 2025 AKMG cruise convention to the Bahamas and coco cay June 30th -July 4th, 2025, hosted by current President of AKMG Dr. Deepu Sudhakaran and convention chair Dr. Reena Kavilaveettil and team.

Event started with lamp lighting by Mrs. Chitra Menon a senior member of NJ Kerala diaspora community involved in organizing numerous humanitarian events, cultural and social programs, including breast cancer 5 K walk for Monmouth County, NJ. Along with past AKMG President Dr. C. Pitchumoni , and NJ chapter Advisor Dr. Thomas Alappat.

NJ chapter President elect Dr. Rekha Menon introduced Guest Speaker Dr. Sharique Nazir a Bariatric surgeon chief of Bariatric Surgery and Robotic surgery, at NYC Health hospital, Assistant Professor of Surgery at Columbia University, New York, who gave highlights on benefits of Bariatric surgery in patients with obesity, diabetes, and decreasing the risk of many cancers.

Dr. Liza Prostasis, secretary of NJ chapter, introduced speaker Joseph Prasad, DMD, MAGD, dentist and implantologist who gave a review of restorative dentistry and the advent of dental implants and their benefits.

The final speaker Mrs Shruthi Mathew John, MS, RD , discussed major factors that can lead to obesity, changes in the microbiome, lack of proper nutrition, and balanced diet. Ms John also gave a short overview of her experience working with Bariatric surgical patients. Each session was followed by excellent thought-provoking questions with valuable insight from the speakers and audience.

Past President of AKMG and Past President of NY chapter Dr. Thomas Mathew provided a summary of AKMG mentorship program activities, review of PS, CV and mock interviews for IMG's. In addition, Dr Biakrim Kabir, MBBS, MD moderated and supplemented the discussion on his experience as a safety physician and microbiologist, expertise in pharmacovigilance , oncology and immuno-oncology.

Dr. Mammen-Prasad summarized NJ chapters activities of mentoring Junior and high school students interested in medical and dental school as well as to IMGs with their application process for US residency. The AKMG- NJ chapter awarded volunteer certificates to students who volunteered their time with registration and activities of the program.

Entertainment included solo singing performed by two very talented 4th year medical students Ms. Nina Samuel, Albert Einstein Medical school and Ms. Srivarsha Kolath, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson medical school, who also had dual duties as the MC of the event. Their vocal performances were fabulous and entertaining. Also, in attendance were NY chapter members Dr. Unnikrishnan Thampy , Dr. P RadhaKrishan , Dr Celine Paulus NY chapter president, Dr Preetha Kuruvilla , Dr Majo Joseph, and Dr Priya Pillai, who provided invaluable support by their presence and encouragement.

AKMG NJ chapter whole heartly welcomed new members Dr. Biju Basil, Psychiatrist, Dr. Elizabeth John, Gastroenterologist, Dr Divya Menon, Cardiologist, Dr. Ann John, Dermatologist, and Dr. David Samuel, GYN/Oncologist and was very encouraged by their enthusiasm in participating at future events of the chapter and be part of AKMG family.

A special thanks to Enfinity Medical billing team for their sponsorship.

Summary submitted by,
Elizabeth Mammen-Prasad, MD
President of AKMG NJ Chapter
President Elect AKMG 2024-2025

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October 28, 2023

The AKMG NJ Chapter Launch was helt at the Mogul Restaurant in Edison. It was an evening that brought together accomplished medical professionals and enthusiastic IMG students in a setting that allowed them to connect, learn, and celebrate together. The highlight of the evening was the proclamation from New Jersey Senator Vin Gopal, which was read aloud by the President-elect of the NJ AKMG Chapter, Dr. Rekha Menon. This proclamation underscored the significance of AKMG's contributions to the medical field.

The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Sindu Ponnarath, the President of AKMG National from California, Dr. Anjana Samadder, AAPI National President from Ohio,Dr. Hetal Gor from the Board of Trustees (BOT) of AAPI, Dr. Hemant Patel, Past President of AAPI,Dr. Celine Paulous, President of AKMG NY, along with members from the Pennsylvania chapter. One of the evening's highlights was Dr. Sarah Easaw's keynote speech about the advances in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Her talk showcased the commitment of AKMG members to continuous learning and growth. The event paid tribute to the pioneers of AKMG, individuals whose contributions have shaped the organization over the years. Dr. Thomas Alapatt, the current AKMG NJ Chapter Advisor, and Dr. C. Pitchumoni, Past President of AKMG, provided a historical perspective on the origins of AKMG in the United States, particularly in New York over 40 years ago.The launch also provided an opportunity to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, and Kerala Pirivi day. These cultural celebrations added a special touch to the evening, reinforcing the sense of unity and diversity within the AKMG community.

The event marked the official beginning of the AKMG NJ Chapter, and its leadership was introduced. Dr.Elizabeth Mammen PRASAD, as the first President of the AKMG NJ Chapter, is excited to lead the way. Other members of the Executive Committee include Dr. Liza Protasis (Secretary), Dr. Joseph Prasad (Treasurer), and BOT members Dr. Asha Menon and Dr. Sarah Easaw. Together, they are committed to enhancing the community's well-being through their collective efforts. The success of the AKMG NJ Chapter launch wouldn't have been possible without the support of Dr. Usha Thomas, Dr. Elsa Thomas, and Dr. Tom Thomas.The evening's entertainment was provided by Ranjith Pillai and Dr. Asha Menon. A special mention goes to MC Arjuna Menon, whose exceptional hosting skills kept the atmosphere lively and engaging throughout the evening.As we look forward to the future, we anticipate more impactful events and collaborations that will benefit both the medical community and the broader community at large.