According to the World Health Organization, untreated surgical conditions, including hernia, contribute notably to the global disease burden. Data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information indicates that inguinal hernia affects nearly 27% of men and around 3% of women during their lifetime. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also highlights the importance of early diagnosis and timely surgical care to prevent complications.

Hernia often begins as a small, painless bulge in the groin, abdomen, or near a previous surgical site, leading many individuals to ignore it. However, early signs may include a dragging sensation, mild discomfort, pressure after prolonged standing, and abdominal heaviness or bloating. Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking medical advice is crucial.

Diagnosis is typically straightforward through physical examination, with imaging used in select cases. Early detection allows for simpler and more effective treatment.

“In my practice, I have treated many patients who initially noticed only a small swelling. It is important to understand how this condition can progress if left untreated. With timely intervention, patients are often reassured by how straightforward the procedure is and how quickly symptoms such as swelling and discomfort improve after repair,” said Dr Parmeshwar Bhambrule, Senior Consultant, Healing Hands Hospital.

Advancements in hernia therapy have made treatment safer and more efficient. Minimally invasive techniques involve smaller incisions, resulting in less pain, a quicker recovery, and a shorter hospital stay. The use of surgical mesh to further strengthen the affected area further reduces the risk of recurrence, enabling patients to resume daily activities comfortably.

Delaying treatment can lead to complications such as incarceration, where tissue becomes trapped, or strangulation, a serious condition requiring emergency care.

“I always advise my patients that hernia treatment is not just about correcting a visible bulge but also about preventing complications and improving overall quality of life. Many patients experience better mobility, improved sleep, and a quicker return to normal routines following timely treatment,” said Dr Vinayak Kshirsagar, DY Patil Hospital, Pune.

Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive strain, and addressing a persistent cough can help reduce risk. Increased awareness, early diagnosis, and timely intervention remain key to effective hernia management and long-term well-being.

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Giving details about the case, Prof.Suresh Patankar, chairman of Ace hospital, Erandwane, Pune, said that a 41-year-old man came to the hospital with abdominal pain and was found to have a kidney located in the pelvis, instead of its normal position. Along with multiple kidney stones, there was a blockage at the Junction, between the kidney and the joining ureter. Traditionally, such cases are extremely difficult to treat due to abnormal anatomy and the higher risk of complications.

An ectopic kidney is a very rare birth condition that is often linked with ureter obstruction and rarely with kidney stones. Treating such cases can be difficult due to the unusual position and structure of the kidney, short ureter, complex blood vessels, and the vicinity of intestines makes the procedure challenging during surgery. While laparoscopic surgery is safer and offers faster recovery compared to open surgery, it can be technically demanding and time-consuming for surgeons.  Patients with long-standing kidney stones can cause inflammation, scarring, and make tissues friable; hence, any attempt at suturing for repair produces tearing of tissues, making surgery even more difficult and increasing the risk of bleeding, infection, and other complications. Earlier, medical guidelines recommended performing such operations in 2 stages. However, with robotic technology, complex surgeries have become safe, more efficient, and less stressful for patients and surgeons.

Therefore, the Ace robotic team decided to go with a robotic surgery, added Prof. Patankar. Using a robotic surgical system, we were able to precisely remove the stones and repair the kidney in the same procedure. But this procedure was not simple and straightforward because of the multiple stones, and there was significant damage to the ureter. Hence, the challenge was how to overcome this problem, and there are no guidelines as such to repair this problem. So on the operating table, we decided to remove the stone laparoscopically and endoscopically, and simultaneously, using a buccal mucosa, that is, the skin inside the cheek, to repair the block.

This patient recovered smoothly and was discharged on the 4 day after surgery. Follow-up showed a good result and no further blockage. A detailed review of existing medical literature confirmed that this is the first reported case where both procedures, stone removal and a graft repair, were done simultaneously on an ectopic pelvic kidney with robotic assistance. Our claim has been confirmed by a peer review of the prestigious “Journal of Robotic Surgery,” which stands amongst the top 25% of World databases.

Dr.Patankar further added that hospitals have performed a large number of robotic procedures mostly for the kidney, prostate, including cancers, and reconstructions. But this procedure was a milestone and highlights how robotic surgery is revolutionizing urology, making even the most challenging procedures safer, precise, and more comfortable for both surgeons and patients. With greater flexibility of movement, enhanced 3D vision, improved ergonomics, and the wise thinking of the surgeons, it allows surgeons to perform complex operations with more precision and comfort. This gives a safe and better outcome for the patients.

The team of doctors included, along with Prof. Dr.Suresh Patankar, senior urologist Dr.Gururaj Padalsalagi, Dr.Sachin Bhuiyal, Fellow-Dr. Saurabh Uplenchwar,  Anesthetist team, Dr.Suchita Hardikar, Dr.Sonali Vaste, Dr.Neha Banwat.

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CINCINATI, OH: Dr. Hetal Gor, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist from New Jersey, assumed charge as the Chair, Board of Trustees of AAPI, during the 43^rd annual convention being organized here at the iconic Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter and Northern Kentucky Convention Center, Cincinnati, OH on Saturday, July 65, 2025. Dr. Sunil Kaza, the outgoing BOT Chair, during the luncheon meeting as part of the Convention, officially handed over the mantle to Dr. Gor.

“Reflecting on AAPI’s progress over the last year, Dr. Sunil Kaza, the outgoing BOT Chair, said during the luncheon meeting, ‘Start of AAPI 2024-2025 term was like a storm, the likes of which AAPI had never seen before !” Quoting Sadhguru, Dr. Kaza said, “You can learn to prevent the storm, or you can learn to ride the storm! If you can learn how to ride the storm, the storm is not a problem anymore. We decided to ride the storm! We decided to right the ship !” and added, “Despite multiple and significant challenges, together with our EC, BOT, and committee members, we have fulfilled our PROMISES.”

Highlighting some of the major initiatives under his leadership, Dr. Kaza said, “We provided scholarships through the Kakani educational scholarship for 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. For medical students, residents, and fellows, funds were secured and raised to support MSRF and its convention. For young physicians, funding was obtained to support YPS and their convention.”

For AAPI, Dr. Kaza said, “BOT helped address various legal matters. We secured IMRA membership for AAPI and united Indian physicians regardless of their state of origin. We prioritized fiscal responsibility by minimizing social event expenses and ensured AAPI elections followed ethical standards. Collaboration with the Executive Committee maintained transparency and continued a conservative approach to spending.”

Regarding the activities from the US to India, Dr. Kaza referred to an AAPI meeting with India’s Health Minister, Mr. JP Nada, to discuss improvements in emergency medicine care, including expanding education and increasing the availability of EMT technicians. Discussions also focused on increasing residency seats in family and emergency medicine.

During his leadership, he said, AAPI sponsored research awards for GAIMS, supported its peer-reviewed journal, collaborated to promote HPV vaccination awareness and raise $45,000 for health and education initiatives in India, began work on the AAPI Global Foundation, raised $31,000 to support 62 tribal schools through Ekal Vidyalaya, and worked to obtain FCRA exemption for future charitable activities via the AAPI India Foundation.

Dr. Hetal Gor is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, is the president/Founder of Bergen Indian Medical Association, President /Founder of US chapter of FOGSI (Federation of OBGYN Society of India, and had served as the past President of the American Association of OBGYN of Indian Origin. Dr Gor is the Chair of the North NJ chapter of the Indian American Women Entrepreneurs Association, and serves on the Board of Trustees of Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, NJ, where she brings Indian art and artists to showcase Indian Heritage.

Dr. Gor shared with the audience her ten-year journey in AAPI, from co-Chair of the NYC Convention in 2016 to the chairwoman of the AAPI BOT. Dr.Gor described her plans for AAPI as the new Chair -Her plans in collaboration with the new Executive Committee led by Dr. Amit Chakrabarty.

“One thing that I’m very passionate about is knowledge, KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, so starting this year a medical Legal monthly Zoom webinars, this  will be in collaboration with SABA -South Asian Bar Association.”

Integrative medical wellness is another area Dr. Gor wants to focus on, she said. “This will help us have work-life balance, tackle physician burnout, and create a demanding, stressful work environment,” said Dr. Gor

“A well-balanced person is a better physician,” Dr. Gor said. Another area where AAPI plans to engage is organizing free health fairs and lecture sessions, educating the general public on common health issues that impact our communities.

“This year, we plan to implement and continue with the mentorship mentee program, guiding the junior physicians, medical student residents, alongside working with AMA,” Dr. Gor said. She promised financial stability, transparency, integrity, and hard work. “So, we’re going to make it a fun, entertaining, stress-free environment with positive vibrations, and everybody will be part of it.”

Dr. Satheesh Kathula, the outgoing President of AAPI lauded the support and guidance he received from Dr. Kaza and other members of the BOT, including the incoming BOT Chair, Dr. Gor. Expressing his gratitude to AAPI’s executive committee members, including  AAPI’s Convention committee chairs and members, volunteers and sponsors for their continued dedication and visionary leadership in their efforts to make this convention truly a historic one for all, Dr. Kathula, said. “The organizing committees have been working hard to make the AAPI Convention of 2025 rewarding and memorable for all.”

Announcing the recipients of the prestigious AAPI Service Awards, Dr. Uma Jonnalagadda said,  “AAPI is glad to recognize and honor your accomplishments, hard work, dedication, and  contributions to the cause of AAPI.”

Dr. Navin Nanda, Dr. P.K. Vedantham, Dr. Krishan Kumarm, Dr. Jagdish Gupta, Dr. Ravi Parikh, and Dr. Avi Singh Gandhi were honored with the prestigious AAPI awards at the luncheon event. 

Dr. Sudhir Parikh, CEO of Parikh Media, shared with the audience his vision to share our heritage with the next generation of Indian origin people through his media platforms. He assured the audience of his collaboration and support for AAPI in reaching its message across the Indian American community. “It’s been an honor and privilege for me to be associated with AAPI because I recognize the tremendous role that is being played by AAPI in promoting friendship between India and the United States,” he said.

In his keynote address, Aftab Pureval shared with the audience his life story as a child born to refugees from the Himalayas in the United States. “I’m the son of a refugee. My mom was born in Tibet, and she was forced to flee when the Communists took over. So my mom and my grandparents picked up, made their way through the Himalayas, through Nepal, and into India. Against all odds, she made it to college by the grace of the support and generosity of the Indian government, where she met my father, who’s from Punjab, India. The young couple got married and decided to come to the United States.”

Pureval went on to add, “I’m proud of my parents’ story, and proud of the fact that the generations that came before you had to struggle and progress to create community. Had to take racism and xenophobia head-on and nevertheless create community, whether it be religious or cultural, or professional, to continue to thrive and grow in this country. My parents loved America even before they themselves were Americans. They loved the idea of the American dream, and they came here hard, and they achieved that dream for themselves, but also their kids.”

Referring to the flourishing community of Indian Americans, Pureval said, “Our community is so drawn to healthcare, so drawn to helping others, so drawn to public service, so drawn to supporting the most vulnerable in our community. And it’s because of Trailblazers like you that next generations like me and my brother can pursue our dreams in whatever field that may be. Congratulations, everybody, so excited for you to choose Cincinnati, and I hope you have a wonderful conference.”

The growing influence of doctors of Indian heritage is evident, as increasingly physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in healthcare, academia, research, and administrative positions across the nation. With their hard work, dedication, compassion, and skills, they have thus carved an enviable niche in the American medical community. AAPI’s role has come to be recognized as vital among members and lawmakers. AAPI is also transitioning into a multiyear thinking and behavior by maintaining core continuity.

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On 26th June 2025, doctors from Sahyadri Hospital participated in the “Planting HOPE, Growing Health” initiative by planting trees at the Ramdhara Shiv Temple in Uruli Kanchan. This effort aims to contribute to environmental health and create a lasting impact on the community. Furthermore, on 24th June 2025, a group of doctors came together to support Snehavan, an NGO dedicated to helping children aged 6 to 16 who have lost their earning parents. This initiative highlights the hospital’s commitment to helping vulnerable children build a better future.

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The leaders of the National Board of Examination in Medical Science (NBEMS) India, the National Board of Examination in Medical Science (NBME) USA, and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) were among the panelists who discussed and educated the aspiring medical students. The initiative was led and coordinated by Dr. Lokesh Edara, BOT-Chair Elect, Dr. Sumul N. Raval, current Secretary of AAPI, and Dr. Shubam Anand, Chairman of the Global Association of Indian Medical Students (GAIMS).

Medical education has many challenges in the transfer of knowledge and quality. India is introducing the NEXT examination, which is the licensing examination similar to USMLE in the US, while the UKMLE is starting in the UK in 2024 in place of the PLAB examination. NMC has applied for WFME Recognition status, which is mandatory to apply for the USMLE examination.

Dr. Peter Katsufrakis, President and CEO, of NBME, USA, spoke about the requirements for Medical students to transition and get accreditation to practice Medicine in the US. Dr. Humayun Chaudhry, President and CEO of the Federation of State Medical Boards, is a graduate of NYU, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM), and Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, and was listed by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare in 2022.

Expressing appreciation for Dr. Edara and Dr. Raval for taking the lead in facilitating interaction and dialogue between the Medical Education Boards of India and the United States, Dr. Anjana Samadder, President of AAPI said, “Since its inception over four decades ago, AAPI has been in the forefront advocating for medical school education reform and for the medical graduates from India to be treated on par with their counterparts in India. India is already leading the global pharmaceutical industry, and rebooting medical education will help India enter the league of leaders in healthcare around the world. The meeting today was a great start, and I look forward to AAPI continuing to lead such efforts in the coming years benefiting the medical fraternity.“

The AAPI’s initiative to bring together leaders in medical education regulatory boards from India, USA, and UK during GHS 2024 is a significant step towards streamlining medical education in India to meet global standards. The meeting provided a platform for aspiring medical students to learn from and interact with experts in the field, and it is hoped that the exchange of ideas and challenges will benefit the medical education system in India and help tens of thousands of medical graduates coming from India to have recognition in the US.

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The program aims to provide valuable inputs and expertise from AAPI medical experts in the USA to young and emerging healthcare professionals in India. Mentorship, a crucial component of medical training, is important in enhancing career development, professional satisfaction, and overall well-being of trainees. The program will also offer doctors in India the opportunity to apply for observerships with AAPI physicians in the USA across various medical specialties.

Saurav Kasera, Co-Founder of CLIRNET said, “We’re excited to partner with AAPI in this groundbreaking venture. This collaboration is more than just sharing knowledge; it’s about forging a future where Indian healthcare professionals are equipped with global expertise, ultimately elevating patient care and medical standards in India.”

Experienced AAPI physicians will facilitate interactive sessions, webinars, and forums, encouraging collaborative learning and the exchange of clinical knowledge. AAPI is committed to training approximately 200,000 physicians in the coming year, focusing on general medicine and various specialties addressing evolving healthcare needs.

The Mentorship and Observership Model represents a paradigm shift in clinical education and global collaboration. This initiative is poised to significantly contribute to the professional growth of healthcare practitioners across India, including the remotest of places, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation in the healthcare sector.

CLIRNET stands as the world’s largest UGC (user-generated content) platform for doctors. The platform activities led by eminent institutions & physicians, spanning a multitude of specialties, have garnered active participation from lacs of doctors, establishing CLIRNET as a premier hub for knowledge dissemination, UGC, and professional collaboration.

Physicians of Indian Origin in the United States are reputed to be leading healthcare providers, holding crucial positions in various hospitals and healthcare facilities around the nation and the world. Known to be a leading ethnic medical organization that represents nearly 100,000 physicians and fellows of Indian Origin in the US and being their voice and providing a forum to its members to collectively work together to meet their diverse needs, AAPI members are proud to contribute to the wellbeing of their motherland India and their adopted land, the United States.

Founded in 1982, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin represents a conglomeration of more than 80,000 practicing physicians in the United States and over 40,000 medical students, residents, and fellows of Indian origin, who serve 1 in every 7 people in the USA.

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PUNE: MediBuddy, India’s leading digital healthcare platform, is constantly revolutionizing the Indian healthcare sector through innovation in its core offerings of online video doctor consultations. MediBuddy’s vision is to make high-quality healthcare accessible to a billion Indians. The platform promises to deliver an online video consultation with a specialist doctor in 10 minutes, 24X7, 365 days a year.

The campaign focuses on creating a healthier India by launching a series of targeted brand films featuring Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. In today’s time, individuals are increasingly demonstrating an inclination toward adopting a health-conscious lifestyle. However, when people are unwell, they overlook the importance of seeking expert medical attention. This is due to the common belief that they can self-treat or because they willingly accept unsolicited advice. MediBuddy aims to change this prevalent behavior by making users realize that an online video consultation with an expert doctor can be availed from the convenience of their home or anywhere within 10mins.

Speaking about the campaign, Satish Kannan, Co-founder & CEO of MediBuddy, said, “It’s been our vision to make high-quality healthcare accessible to a billion Indians. We constantly invest in technology to bridge the urban and rural healthcare divide. Our platform will provide our fellow Indians with the convenience of consulting a doctor on video in 10 minutes, ensuring accessibility to expert doctors and healthcare services. This will help them make informed decisions, leading to a healthier community. We are confident that the desired message to raise awareness about the convenience and accessibility of online video doctor consultations will create a shift in existing mindset amongst people at large and enable them to make healthier choices.”

Saibal Biswas, Head of Marketing, Partnerships & PR at MediBuddy, added, “The new brand campaign is based on the fact that people usually make arbitrary decisions or procrastinate in seeking expert medical attention. It aims to create a top-of-mind recall for choosing online video doctor consultations actively challenging the accepted status quo. It emphasizes that accessing expert medical consultation can be as convenient as everyday online activities like banking, shopping, and food delivery. Mr. Bachchan’s portrayal in the ad films echoes MediBuddy’s positioning as an expert caregiver who is always there to assist users during their healthcare journey. In the ads, Mr. Bachchan pops out of the mobile phone magically in a never seen before avatar, as a buddy and a living personification of the MediBuddy app.”

MediBuddy’s services are available in 16 languages, making it accessible to people from diverse regions and linguistic backgrounds. Moreover, with 22+ specialties available, MediBuddy caters to various medical needs, making quality healthcare accessible to a billion Indians.

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