Past Programs and Events
2024 – San Francisco
Here is the complete schedule for NASMDA 2024 – Annual Meeting
You may also download it here.
And here are the Keynote Speakers for 2024 Sikh Healthcare Technology and Innovation Summit : Bringing Innovation to the Sangat Community
You may also download it here.
Stay Up to Date by Subscribing to the NASMDA Email List
2023 Meeting Schedule
NASMDA 2023
Theme: Sikh Healthcare Professionals: More Effective Together
Location: Charlotte Hilton 2800 Coliseum Centre Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217
Friday March 3rd
1:00 pm – Registrations and Networking/Introductions
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm — NASMDA Membership and Leadership Meeting with Workshops
Moderated by Dr. Jaspal Singh, Jasleen Kaur (OH), Gurpreet Kaur Padam, Karanveer Singh
Want to understand what NASMDA has done and then what to consider moving forward? Come shape the future of the organization.
All are invited to this session that will briefly review the history of NASMDA, recent meetings, current challenges and opportunities, including a workshop style session aimed to prioritize the work of NASMDA. This session will highlight other healthcare organizations and efforts and what they are doing, where/how NASMDA might fit in to support efforts, and discuss strategies in alignment. Participants will include leaders from Sikh Coalition, SALDEF, Sikh Health Network, Sikhs in Business of Healthcare, Sikhs in Clinical Research and other organizations that have interest in the potential success of NASMDA.
Key questions related to mission, vision, scope of the organization will be discussed by the membership in this meeting, with the goal to emerge with greater organizational clarity.
4:15 pm to 5:00 pm — Innovations in Device development
Speaker: Dr. Dave Singh
Want to learn how to take a device or idea you have through product development?
Dr. Dave Singh is a dental specialist and Adjunct Professor at Stanford Medicine. He is the inventor of 2 FDA cleared devices for treating sleep apnea.
6:00 pm to 6:30 pm – Rehraas Sahib Paath in the Hospitality Suite
6:30 pm to 10:00 pm — Dinner and Entertainment
Keynote Speaker: Vishal Bhalla, Chief Experience Office, Advocate Health
Title: Optimizing the Patient & Clinician Experience
So much has changed in healthcare that has left many frustrated, so it’s good to understand what is happening in the space to make healthcare better from a patient, family and clinicians’ perspectives. Better yet, from a leader in this space of one of the largest healthcare systems in the United States.
Entertainment: We welcome you to join us for an entertaining evening of singing and dancing poetry, led by Dr. Jasleen Kaur Gill & Dr. Harmohan Singh . The night will also include live music by professional musician Tapas Sarkar as well as other talented local artistes. NASMDA members who have prepared performances can showcase their talent after the main event.
Dinner will be catered by Saffron.
Saturday March 4th
6:30 am – Paath in the Hospitality Suite
7:00 am to 7:45 am – Registration and Breakfast
7:45 am to 9:00 am — Lessons Learned from the Pandemic, New Networks, New Opportunities
NASMDA COVID debriefing together, and prepare for current and future challenges.
Brief overview of COVID response efforts, what the Sikh Healthcare community did, and what could have gone better. This session will also review some of the newer healthcare-related networks that have arisen in that time. This session will then set the stage for the remainder of the talks and sessions throughout the day.
Moderated by: Gurpreet Kaur, Jaspal Singh, Jasleen Kaur (OH)
Panelists: Karanveer Singh, Ekta Grewal, Amrit Singh, Anisha K. Singh, Jasneet Kaur and Rucha Kaur
9:00 am to 10:30 am – Healthcare Innovation and Impact
Come see the amazing work being done in the healthcare technology sector by Sikh leaders.
This session will provide a brief presentation on several key innovations in healthcare technology by Sikh leaders in this space. This will be followed by a panel discussion by the speakers of their healthcare technology journey,, including entrepreneurship, overcoming bias, balancing work/life, and discussion how NASMDA members may be able to provide synergy.
Moderated by: Pawanjit Singh, Randeep Singh, Dilpreet S. Sahota
Panelists: Kulmeet Singh, Harjinder Singh, Amarjit Kaur, Dr. Chirinjeev Singh Kathuria, Mini Kaur Suri
10:30 am to 10:45 am – Break
Optional: Book Signing with Simran Jeet Singh coordinated by Charlotte Khalsa Darbar Gurmat School leadership class.
10:45 am to 11:45 am – The Light We Give: a conversation with Simran Jeet Singh
Learn how to inspire others and connect from a Sikh NY Times’ Bestselling author.
Simran Jeet Singh, author of The Light We Give and Fauja Singh Keeps Going, talks about civic engagement, developing interfaith relationships, and shares tips on writing narrative stories.
11:45 am to 1:00 pm – Lunch and Viewing of the SEVA Documentary
Exclusive Screening of the SEVA Documentary on the worldwide Sikh Response to COVID + Sneak Peek Into SALDEF’s Sikh American Health Survey Findings
By: Kiran Kaur Gill, Sharan Kaur and Rhea Singh
Get an exclusive preview of SEVA, a celebrated youth-led documentary created by SALDEF’s SikhLEAD interns and Nishkam TV. Watch to see how Sikhs worldwide stepped up to respond to the needs of the COVID crisis by redefining what seva looks like to help those in need. Plus, learn about the nation’s first Sikh American health survey directly from those involved in the initiative.
1:00 pm to 1:45 pm – Sikh Health Network (SHN) – enabling Gurdwara-based clinics
Speakers: Armaan S. Johal, Sehej S. Johal, Sumer S. Johal
Learn how to lead our community health at the local Gurdwara
Youth leaders Armaan and Sehaj talk about how they helped to create Gurdwara-based clinics and even scaled this at multiple sites. Logistics and legal solutions will be highlighted.
1:45 pm to 2:45 pm – Advocacy Workshop by Sikh Coalition
Speakers: Anisha K. Singh, Rucha Kaur
Frustrated with Healthcare legislation? Learn how to be a part of the solution.
Members of Sikh Coalition will highlight how the process of advocacy works, guiding healthcare professionals how to be involved in healthcare-related and other advocacy efforts.
2:45 pm to 3:00 pm – Break
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm – College and Young Professional Counseling
Optional Workshop for All
Moderated by Jasleen Kaur (NC), Harjas Kaur
Panelists: Manjot Singh Virdee, Navdeep Singh Jassal
Not sure how to best develop your career or to whom to go for help?
Panelists and Faculty from the day will be available for career counseling and tips for those interested in career counseling, how to seek mentorship/sponsorship opportunities, and considerations in career planning.
4:00 to 4:30pm – Dasvandh Network / Ek Manzil
Mandeep Singh
Want to learn how to generate support for projects from small to large?
Hear about the efforts from Dasvandh Network to provide a source for project support, including questions about how to join Ek Manzil to help catalyze larger scale projects with others that are Gurmat-focused servant-leaders.
6:00 pm to 6:30 pm – Rehraas Sahib Paath in the Hospitality Suite
6:30 pm to 10:00 pm – Dinner program
Emcees: Sirtaz Sibia, Navinderdeep S. Nijher
Keynote Speakers:
S. Bhavdeep Singh
Title: Leading Healthcare Transformation: the Shackles are Off
S. Bhavdeep Singh is a leader in healthcare innovation and in retail health. He will share a bit of his life in a transformational journey to inspire leading change in an evolving landscape. He will also share his vision for international collaboration and impact.
Dr. Jasmeet Kaur Bains
Title: From Clinical Practice to State Politics: A Sikh Woman’s Journey
Dr. Jasmeet Kaur Bains, a family medicine physician from Bakersfield, California, was elected in 2022 to the California State Assembly. She will talk about her life journey and how the Sikh community can inspire and shape the change that is needed in healthcare. As a family practitioner who specializes in the care of patients with mental health and addictions, hear her perspectives of how we can help move the community forward one sangat at a time.
Dinner Catered by Blue Taj restaurant
Music by DJ Lalit Hemnani
Sunday March 5th
7:00 am to 8:30 am – Breakfast and Executive Board Meeting
7:30 am to 8:30 am – Optional Social Media Workshop and Networking
Speakers: By: Amrita Kular, SALDEF Communications Director, Dilpreet Singh Sahota, Mandeep Singh
Fact vs. Fiction: Fighting Against Social Media Misinformation
In this presentation, you will learn how to avoid spreading misinformation on social media and be a source of fact instead of fiction. Based on the significant research SALDEF has conducted on disinformation and misinformation specifically targeting Sikhs, hear from those on the front lines of combating this issue. Don’t miss out on the chance to empower yourself with the best tools for combating false and harmful narratives online.
9:00 am to 11:00 am — Optional Gurmat School program – Youth leaders Nimmer and Sehaj Johal present their efforts to students from Charlotte Gurmat School at Gurdwara Khalsa Darbar (12 minute, 5.4 mile drive from Charlotte Airport Hilton).
11:00 am to 1:00 pm – Keertan program and Diwaan. NASMDA members interested in performing keertan are invited to perform at the local Gurdwara Khalsa Darbar. Please contact S. Pawanjit Singh if you would like to perform Keertan sewa.
2019 – Orlando, FL
NASMDA MEETING 2019 – Hyatt Regency, Orlando, FL
Thursday, July 11th
Plaza Lobby – Conference Level
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Arrival Registration
Friday, July 12th
Orlando Ballroom N
8:00 AM to 8:15 AM Introductions
Dr. Navinderdeep Singh Nijher, Plastic Surgery, Associate Professor of Surgery, University of Central Florida, Ocala, FL
Objectives:
- Provide a history of NASMDA, its mission, vision.
- Highlight medical mission work and scholarship
- Review COI, disclosures, CME process, and agenda for the day
8:15 AM to 9:00 AM The Physician’s Journey in Administration: Beyond the MBA
Speaker: Taran Singh Sangari, MD, MBA, Associate Chief, Division of Pediatric Anesthesia
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida
Objectives:
- Describe how one develops Leadership Skills to transition to Administrative Roles
- List common roles that might fit individual goals, strengths, and talents.
- Share a personal story of leadership development
9:00 AM to 9:45 AM Innovations in Lung Nodule Management
Speaker: Jasleen Kaur Pannu, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine – Director, Interventional Pulmonology Translational Research, Ohio State University
Objectives:
- Provide an overview in Lung Nodule Screening
- Describe innovations in lung nodule invasive and non-invasive tools and technologies
9:45 AM to 10:15 AM Break
10:15 AM to 10:45 AM Innovations in Breast Reconstruction
Speaker: Kamaljot Singh, MD, Plastic Surgery, Buffalo Medical Group
Objectives:
- Provide an overview of current reconstructive surgical approaches
- Highlight evolving techniques that will advance the field of reconstructive surgeries
10:45 AM to 11:25 AM Burnout, Resilience and Well-being in Healthcare: Taking Care of our Own
Speaker: Simran Kaur Singh, MD MBA, Vice Chair Behavior Health Services, El Camino Hospital
Objectives:
- Describe the current issues surrounding attention to burnout in medicine
- Provide a framework to understand and potentially address burnout in medicine
- Highlight unique issues related to mental health in the healthcare population that warrant professional intervention.
11:25 AM to 12:10 PM Going from Clinical Scientist to Healthcare Entrepreneur: Taking your Ideas Further and steps to succeed in the business world
Speaker: Tej M Singh, MD, MBA, LEAD, Director, Vascular/Endovascular Surgery, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Sutter Health, Stanford University School of Business. CEO and Founder, Fist Assist Devices, LLC. Los Altos Hills, CA
Objectives:
- Describe how clinicians can develop and protect entrepreneurial ideas and skills
- Provide an example of taking a clinical idea to a viable product or service
- Highlight resources available for successful startup ventures
12:10 PM to 1:00 PM Lunch
Orlando Ballroom M
Afternoon Free time
1pm to 3pm NASMDA Executive Board Meeting (for members of Executive Board only)
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Dinner and NASMDA by NASMDA
Punjabi Cultural or Semiformal attire
Orlando Ballroom M
Saturday, July 13th
Orlando Ballroom N
8:00 AM to 8:15 AM Introductions, Housekeeping, CME.
8:15 AM to 8:50 AM Innovations in Pain Management
Speaker: Navdeep Jassal, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Interventional Pain Specialist
Objectives:
- Provide an overview of newer techniques and strategies in pain management.
- Review patient selection factors, indications, contraindications and evidence for endoscopic weight loss management techniques
8:50 AM to 9:20 AM Innovations in Minimally Invasive Weight Loss Procedures
Speaker: Amandeep Singh, MD, PhD, Gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Objectives:
- Describe new efforts in Weight loss Management
- Review patient selection factors, indications, contraindications and evidence for endoscopic weight loss management techniques
9:20 AM to 10 AM Population Health as Pertains to the Sikh Community
Speaker: Manmeet Kaur, CEO, Citiworks
Objectives:
- Define Population Health and describe its relevance to today’s healthcare environment
- Provide an example of an inner-city population health project and associated outcomes
- Develop a framework by which the Sikh medical community can improve its health with these principles.
10:00 AM to 10:15 AM Break
10:15 AM to 1145 AM Integrative Medicine Overview and Workshop
Speaker: Simran Kaur Rattan, MD, CCFP, ABOIM, Integrative Family & Lifestyle Medicine physician, Head of the Andrew Weil Centre of Integrative medicine Alumni Toronto Group.
Objectives:
- To Understand how to take a Spiritual History & Its Importance
- To Identify Spiritual Distress and its importance in Preventive Care
- To Describe Different Mind-Body Therapies and Evidence
- Demonstrate common applications of Integrative Medicine
- Have participants practice some common techniques in Integrative Medicine
1145 AM Continuum Analytics
Speaker: Jesspreet Singh Sethi
12 PM Lunch
Orlando Ballroom M
1pm to 3pm NASMDA General Body Meeting (non-CME, all are welcome)
Orlando Ballroom N
3:00 PM Meeting Adjournment
Evening Group outing to Disney Springs or Dinner at Tabla Restaurant (personal choice)
2018 – Toronto
2017 – Baja Mexico Cruise
| Day | Port to Call | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
| Thursday, August 3 | Los Angeles (Long Beach), CA | – | 5:30 PM |
| Friday, August 4 | Ensenada, Mexico | 8:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Saturday, August 5 | Fun Day at Sea | – | – |
| Sunday, August 6 | Los Angeles (Long Beach), CA | 7:00 AM | – |
2016 – Ft. Lauderdale
On behalf of NASMDA, it is my pleasure to invite you all to our 24th Annual CME meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from September 2nd, 2016 to September 5th, 2016 (Labor Day Weekend).
HOTEL:
HILTON FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH RESORT
505 N. Ft. Lauderdale Beach Blvd Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304
Link: http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/F/FLLFSHH-NASMDA-20160902/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG
We have negotiated a rate of $199 per day-from 2nd of September to 5th of September. This includes free wifi and ocean front view, if booked before June 30.
If someone wants to come early or stay later the rate is $149/night, for 1st of September or 6th of September. We have blocked 60 rooms per day. Hotel rooms are being booked quickly, so please register before 30th June, 2016.
Kindly use our group name or code NASMDA since we have made a room number guarantee & will then be able to use the conference ballrooms as well.
Discounted Parking per Day at Hotel will be $25.
If you have any issues with booking, you can contact the senior event services manager- Pamela Johnson.
Day: 954-414-2615
Mobile: 954-214-3241
Getting There:
Airport: Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport(FLL) is only 6 Miles/15 min drive.
(Miami International Airport is a 2nd option but it’s quite far and there is a lot of traffic on the way)
Registration:
Please click the following link to register for the program. You can also pay through this link with or without a Paypal account: https://nasmda.formstack.com/forms/2016registration
For a paper form: download here.
You are more than welcome to send the forma and check (To NASMDA) via mail to:
Tejinder Singh Glamour
5354 62nd Ave S
St. Petersburg, FL 33715
If you are coming on Friday night, please inform us so that we can arrange dinner for you.
Program Details:
The hotel provides an ocean front view, so we can enjoy the Florida weather and the beach! Details of the meeting will soon follow.
Guidebook/Schedule/Information Regarding the Meeting
We’re excited to announce we have a brand new mobile guide for you to use on Guidebook! Get the guide to access the most up-to-date information about our event, including schedules, maps, and much more.
Get our guide here: https://guidebook.com/g/nasmda
To access from your computer: https://guidebook.com/guide/70636/
Android and iOS users:
– Tap the “Download” button to download the free Guidebook app
– Open Guidebook and you can find our “NASMDA Conference 2016” guide
Dr Satinderpal Singh Sondhi is CME Chair and has been working on the final touches of the schedule. Along with didactic medical topics, we are trying to add the latest and hot topics of ACO, billing and research in clinical practice.
Most importantly, there will be Gurbani related lectures.
There are some exciting activities in the works:
We are arranging a National Sikh singer, Gurpreet Singh Sarin, (American Idol contestant) for the cultural program. Dr Amarjit Singh Nijjar will take lead on NASMDA by NASMDA program.
Once again, for those of you who have younger generation physicians, dentists, residents, fellows, and medical/dental students in the family or community; please encourage them to attend this year’s meeting. NASMDA is a great place to learn & network. Please gift Life Membership to your sons/daughters and encourage others to become Life Members. This will help in strengthening our organization.
Lastly, if you are aware of any vendors who would like to set up a display at the meeting, please have them contact me by phone 727-641-2177 or by email at NASMDA@gmail.com
Thanks to all of the members for sharing their ideas and supporting our goals.
Guru Fateh,
Tejinder Singh Glamour, MD
Secretary-Treasurer
2015 – Baltimore
On behalf of NASMDA, it is my pleasure to invite you all to our 23rd Annual CME meeting in Baltimore, MD. The meeting will take place at Hilton Baltimore, 401 West Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21201, from September 4th, 2015 to September 7th, 2015 (Labor Day Weekend).
We have negotiated excellent rate of $109 per day provided we can get 60 rooms per day. Hotel rooms are being booked. Please register before 30th June, 2015. Kindly use our group name or code NASMDA since we have made a room number guarantee & will then be able to use the conference ballrooms as well.
Discounted Parking per Day at Hotel will be $15. Nearby airport is Baltimore Washington International (BWI). From BWI airport one can reach this hotel by MARC train (Camden station is next to the Hotel)/taxi
Let’s work collectively to grow NASMDA and take it to the next level! Thanks to all of the members for sharing their ideas and supporting our goals.
Guru Fateh!
Kulwant Singh Modi, Secretary/Treasurer, NASMDA
2014 – Chicago
2014 Annual Meeting will be held in Chicago, IL from Aug 29-31, 2014. Full meeting details and registration packet can be downloaded by clicking on “NASMDA_conference_registration_forms_2014“. You can mail in the forms or register online(PAYPAL only accepted) by clicking on the “Register for the Annual Meeting ” sticker in the right hand sidebar. Meeting schedule is posted below.
Program Schedule
Aug 29th 2014 – Cruise Dinner. Reach Navy Pier at 6 pm
Aug 30th 2014 – CME Schedule
| Time | Event | |
| 7:30 to 8:00 | Executive meeting | |
| 8:00 to 8:45 | General body meeting | |
| CME First Session, Moderator – Surjit Singh Jhulka MD, Consultant Pulmonologist and Intensivisit | ||
| Time | Event | |
| 8:45 to 8:50 | Welcome All! | Harjit Singh Bajaj,MD, Consultant Neurologist |
| 8:50 to 9:30 | Updates in management of Hypertension | Davinder K Guram, MD, Consultant Cardiologist
|
| 9-30 to 10:10 | Updates on Glaucoma | Inderpaul Singh,MD, Consultant Ophthalmologist |
| 10:10 to 10:20 | Coffee Break | |
| 10:20 to 11:00 | Non-Alcoholic SteatoHepatitis (NASH) | Surinder Singh Sondhi, Consultant Gastroenterologist |
| 11:00 to 11:30 | Q & A | |
| 11:30 to 12:30 | Spirituality & Medicine | Jagjit Singh Teji,MD, Neonatologist |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch Break | |
| 1:30 till 6 PM | Free Time to enjoy Chicago | |
| 6 PM to 7 PM | Rehras in Kirtan by Baljinder Singh ji | |
| 7 to 8 PM | Appetizer & Soft Bar | |
| 8 to 11 PM | NASMDA by NASMDA, DJ Entertainment | |
| DINNER at 9:30 PM | ||
Aug 31st 2014 – CME Schedule
| Time | Event | |
| CME 2nd Session, Moderator – Tejinder S Glamour MD, Consultant Gastroenterologist | ||
| 8:00 to 8:10 | Announcement | |
| 8:10 to 8:50 | Gum Disease-Beyond Dentistry | Manbir K Pannu, DDS Consultant Dentist |
| 8:50 to 9:30 | ABC of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) | Tejinder Singh Ahuja, MD,FACP, FASN Consultant Nephrologist |
| 9:30 to 10:10 | Sleep apnea | Jaspal Singh, MD,MHA,MHS Consultant Pulmonologist and Intensivist |
| 10:10 to 10:20 | Coffee Break | |
| 10:20 to 11:00 | Q & A | |
| 11:00 to 11:40 | Inspirational talk – Gratitude | Gurvendra Singh Suri CEO, Optimal Solutions |
| 11:40 to 12:00 PM | Presentation by Medical Students/Residents | |
| LUNCH BREAK | ||
| Gurdwara Trip | Bus will leave at 1 PM for to Oak Creek Gurdwara | |
| 6:30 PM to 7 PM | Rehras | |
| 7:00 to 8 PM | Appetizer & Soft Bar | |
| 8:00 to 11 PM | Banquet, DJ Entertainment | |
| DINNER at 9:30 PM | ||
Things to look forward to this year will include a Dinner cruise on Friday evening. Agenda for Saturday and Sunday includes CME sessions, cultural programs, formal banquets with live entertainment, and a bus trip to visit Oak Creek Gurdwara near Milwaukee airport on Sunday afternoon. Our major focus this year again is to attract young Sikh physicians and dentists. We are offering meeting grants to medical/dental students, residents, and fellows to help with the cost of attending NASMDA meeting. If you know of any that may be interested please advise them to download the registration packet and apply for the travel assistance via the relevant forms.
We had a very productive & lively meeting in New Jersey this past October, and we hope to continue with that momentum into this year’s annual meeting. Your executive committee is working diligently to put on a wonderful & productive program for all of you.
Once again, for those of you who have younger generation physicians, dentists, residents, fellows, and medical/dental students in the family or community; encourage them to attend this year’s meeting. NASMDA is a great place to learn & network.
Lastly, if you are aware of any vendors who would like to set up a display at the meeting, please have them contact me at phone 410 418 8740 or NASMDA@gmail.com.
Please gift life membership to your sons/daughters and encourage others to become life members since we have a new fee structure as explained in the membership form. This will help in strengthening our organization.
Let’s work collectively to grow NASMDA and take it to the next level! Thanks to all of the members for sharing their ideas and supporting our goals.
With gurufateh,
Kulwant Singh Modi, MD, FRCP, FACP, FASN
Secretary/Treasurer North American Sikh Medical & Dental Association
2013 – New Jersey
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
I hope you are all getting ready to enjoy the festive fall season and family get-togethers.
It is time for us to reflect and go over the 21st Annual NASMDA meeting in Parsippany NJ , Oct 10th -13th at The Hilton Parsippany. Some pictures from the meeting are posted on our Facebook site “https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=10202524764867213&set=pcb.621274324576216&type=1&theater“. Few are at the bottom of this page too.
First of all on behalf of the entire executive board & personally, I would like to thank each and every one of you and your families who travelled all the way to Parsippany NJ to attend & participate. I hope you all enjoyed the meeting, and if there were any glitches or misgivings please accept my heartfelt and personal apologies.
This year we had all our events at the conference hotel. The Oct 10th Thursday dinner reception had a decent turnout. The food was catered by Chand Palace a premier restaurant from Parsippany and was delicious. This is one reception where people get to reminisce and go over last year’s events.
It was very impressive to see many younger generation Sikh doctors, medical students, and residents, that attended the meeting. They showed remarkable zeal in participating despite the limitations of studies, careers & small children. We had about 40 percent of registrants who were of the younger generation.
The general body meeting gave us a chance to introduce ourselves and also served as a chance to start interacting with attendees who were there for the first time.
As always Dr Mandeep S Dhalla the CME Coordinator put up a stellar CME program with magnificent speakers . This time the CME was held on Friday October 11th & Saturday Oct 12th. He deserves commendation for an exemplary job. We were all impressed by the ease and proficiency with which the speakers delivered the lectures and responded to many questions. Substance Abuse Lecture captured the gist of the problem we have been facing. Capt. Dr Tejdeep Singh Rattan, DDS one of the Sikh army officers gave an enchanting presentation on Healthcare Delivery in the Combat Zone and I must say it was spell bound. His lecture was one of the highlights. Presentations by the grant recipients were remarkable and a sure sign that future of NASMDA is very bright. Non CME lectures on Janamsakhis, Ik Manzil (Sikh Philanthropy), Surat Initiative captivated the audience.
Dr Tejpal S Dhillon who was filling in for Dr Amarjit S Nijjar who joined later, put up a wonderful evening “For NASMDA by NASMDA” which had new performers, delightful comedians, poets, singers and a solo dance by a young performer, Harnoor Kaur Sachar . DJ Gogy Singh and Malvinder Singh on tabla certainly added to the colorful evening. The dance floor was busy for part of the evening. Again we had a real treat when the attendees enjoyed the very delicious dinner catered by Chand Palace.
The Saturday evening banquet dinner & concert had a very well-known singer MS Sunita Kapur who was accompanied by her musicians and Dr Manpreet Singh (vocal) & S Raghbir Singh on Tabla. MS Kapur with her lively songs and a melodious voice had the crowds dancing and doing bhangra – both young and old. Dr Manpreet Singh with his enchanting voice was not behind and sang some ghazals which were heart rendering. I never saw the dancing floor empty except when there were presentations. I do think everyone had a great time.
Capt. Dr Tejdeep Singh Rattan, DDS & Major Dr Kamaljit Singh Kalsi, DO were honored for their service in the US Army as Sikh Americans. I must thank Dr Manbir K Pannu our Dental Liaison for her efforts in arranging for their presence amongst us.
Also honored were Dr Mohan Deep Singh Dhillon (outgoing President) & Dr Mandeep Singh Dhalla (outgoing CME Coordinator) for their outstanding contribution, exemplary seva and vision.
Congratulations to new Life members this year:
Jagtar S Heir, DO
Davinder K Guram, MD
Surb S Guram, MD
Varinder S Rathore, MD
Manmeet K Malik , DO
Heartiest Congratulations to our 2013 Meeting/Travel Grant Recipients who attended the meeting
Amandeep Kaur,MD,Extern ,Hollis, NY
Anupreet Kaur Singh ,DMD ,PGY I ,NY
Baldeep Kaur Chera, MD, PGY-II, Canton, OH
Gunisha Kaur, MD, PGY III, New York, NY
Hargun Kaur Singh, DMD, PGY I, Castle Point, NY
Harmandeep Singh, MS III, Piscataway, NJ
Jasmeet Kaur, MS III, Galveston, TX
Rajdeep Kaur Saini, MD, PGY II, Brooklyn, NY
Sarabjeet Kaur Arneja MD, PGY III New York, NY
Satinderdeep Kaur, DMD, PGY I, Hackensack, NJ
Simren Jit Kaur Singh, PGY I, Glenview, IL
I sincerely hope the grant recipients will spread the word about NASMDA and highlight the importance of joining and being active in the organization.
Heartfelt Congratulations and best wishes to Dr Kulwant Singh Modi Secretary Treasurer and other members of his team.
Elections were held for the members at large and they are:
Baljinder S Bathla, MD
Tejinder S Glamour, MD
Maninder S Gujral, MD
Varinder S Rathore MD
Sirtaz S Sibia ,DO
CME CO – Directors
Amarjit Singh MD
Harjit S Bajaj MD
President
Amarjot S Narula MD
Dental Liaison
Manbir K Pannu DDS
Entertainment Director
Amarjit S Nijjar MD
Executive Secretary
Mrs. Parminder K Dhillon
Past President
Mohan Deep S Dhillon MD
Aug 29th – Sept 1st 2014 (Labor Day Weekend) is the date for next year’s annual meeting.
Other events to remember are:
NASMDA cruise Dec 22nd to Dec 29th 2013 (details on website)
February 2014 a NASMDA weekend in Florida dates to be announced.
This certainly will help us with the continued momentum.
Dr Modi will keep you informed of the exact venue for the annual meeting once it is finalized.
Please remember NASMDA will have a new beginning. There are going to be very exciting changes which Dr Modi is going to keep you abreast . Please ensure NASMDA has your most current email address and also pass this communication to your Sikh doctor friends who you believe are not aware of us. Our email address is NASMDA@gmail.com .
Our website is www.NASMDA .org, very ably managed by our now Immediate Past President Dr Mohan Deep S Dhillon.
We have a Facebook page “North American Sikh Medical and Dental Association”. We are extremely grateful to Dr Navdeep S Nijher & Dr Desh Singh for being administrators. .
On behalf of the entire NASMDA board I join you in wishing you all a pleasant fall and happy thanks giving and wish the new executive team a resounding success.
Please give all your cooperation to Dr Kulwant S Modi Ji and his new team in their endeavors. Now he will be communicating with you mainly.
An organisation is only as successful as its members want it to be, so please get involved, support the NASMDA executive and lets make 2014 even better
Guru Fateh
Amarjot S Narula., MD DFAPA
North American Sikh Medical & Dental Association
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2012 – Las Vegas
On behalf of the entire executive board & personally, I would like to thank each and every one of you and your families who traveled all the way to Las Vegas to attend & participate. I hope you all enjoyed the meeting and if there were any glitches or misgivings please accept my heartfelt and personal apologies. I would also like to thank Candi Thomas of MDR services for tirelessly working and helping us organize the meeting especially when the venue had to be changed at the last minute due to flooding. Cristina Lopez & her staff at Embassy Suite very graciously accommodated us & we are extremely thankful.
Our meeting began on Thursday, with a reception dinner on Oct 4th at “India Palace “ restaurant. I can say that many of you missed a delicious, savory, finger licking meal. Many of us were awestruck by the wide variety of dishes & remarkable hospitality of Surjit Heera along with his staff. Moreover we had a great turnout.
It was very impressive to see many young generation Sikh doctors and medical students who attended the meeting with remarkable zeal and participated despite the limitations, since they are busy with studies, careers & small children. We had about 35 percent of registrants who were in the young physician/dentist category.
On Friday, after our General Body meeting we had chance to see clips of a movie “Kab Gal Lavehnge”, depicting socio-religious aspects in Punjab and the drug menace. This was followed by very impressive presentation by representatives of Guru Nanak Mission Medical & Educational Trust Dhahan Kaleran on a upcoming medical college there. This is our sister organization in Punjab with whom we have a letter of understanding & members are urged to support the project. Dr Amarjit S Nijjar, as always, put up a wonderful evening “For NASMDA by NASMDA” which had many new performers – delightful comedians, poets & singers. There is no dearth of talent in NASMDA. Again we had a real treat when the attendees enjoyed the very delicious dinner catered by India Palace.
As always Dr Mandeep S Dhalla the CME Coordinator put up a stellar CME program with magnificent speakers. This time the CME was held only on Saturday Oct 6th. He deserves commendation for an exemplary job. We were all impressed by the ease and proficiency with which the speakers delivered the lectures and responded to many questions. Dr Satwant S Dhillon ‘s presentation on Hormone Replacement Therapy was very scholarly and well rounded. Dr Upinder Singh, a Geriatrician from Las Vegas, made his very informative lecture on Alzheimer’s interesting with humor and wit. Dr Gurtej Singh‘s wonderful presentation on Interventional Spinal Therapies showed his mettle as a very proficient pain specialist. Dr Vikram S Brar‘s presentation on Viteroretinal Update was remarkable and had everyone spellbound. Dr Mohanpal S Dulai a
Neuropathologist spoke on Role of Sangat in Professionalism which was thought provoking. All these lectures were by younger generation of Sikh doctors and were far superior to many CME lectures one may have attended elsewhere. These speakers certainly serve as great role models for medical students,residents & fellows .
After the CME program, Dr Mandeep S Dhalla spoke about the role of Dasvandh in our lives and the existence of Dasvandh Network which can help channel our donations to various Sikh organizations & projects. Jakara movement representatives showed a very moving video of their youth projects that build strong character. International Center for Advocates Against Discrimination apprised us of their global availability in times of need. We were all spell bound by the documentary “Golden Temple Revealed”, a Discovery Channel production. It was coordinated by Dr Maninder S Gujral and his wife Renu Gujral. He also showed clips about his upcoming documentary project “I Witness” based on the 1984 pogrom.
The Saturday evening banquet dinner & concert highlighted “Ricky Jatt” a young gursikh singer of EMDO entertainment. Born and raised in DC area, he really rocked us with his melodious voice and performance. He had the crowd on their feet, doing bhangra, both young and old. Our own Jagjot S Chilana was the fill in Dholi, and was remarkable. DJ Inder Judge of Vegas played popular numbers and I never saw the dancing floor empty except when there were presentations. You can find videos and pictures on our FACEBOOK page. I do think everyone had a great time.
Congratulations to Dr Mohanpal S Dulai who became a life member even before the meeting had convened. Some Life Member pledges were made at the meeting. My heartfelt thanks to them for their support and commitment to the organization.
List of pledges:
- Dr Amarjit Kaur Pannu from Las Vegas
- Dr Avtar S Dhillon from Vancouver
- Dr Gurtej Singh from Maryland
- Dr Virender S Kaleka from Fresno
- Dr Vikram S Brar from Virginia.
I am requesting new life members who have pledged to send in their dues . Others are more than welcome. Please fill the membership form from our website and mark the appropriate section.
As you all know the Life member fee has been discounted according to the number of years after you complete your training to encourage younger generation to join. The dues are as follows:
- Up to 3 years after training $ 500.
- 3-5 yrs after training is $ 750.
- Regular Life Membership Fee is $ 1000.
Heartiest Congratulations to our 2012 Travel Grant Recipients who attended the meeting:
- Amandeep Kaur, Med Std -4, Hollis, NY
- Baldeep Kaur Chera MD, PGY-I Canton, OH
- Jasmeet Kaur, Med Std -3, Galveston, TX
- Jasleen Singh MD, PGY -1, Moreno Valley,
- Karan P Singh MS -3, Los Angeles, CA
- Sandeep Singh Saluja , Med Std-4, Bronx, NY
- Sarabjeet Kaur Arneja MD, PGY II New York, NY
- Simren Jit Kaur Singh, Med Std,-4 Saginaw,MI
- Supreet Singh Bindra, MD, PGY III Philadelphia,PA
- Tripta Resham Singh Med Std Extern New York ,NY
- Kanwar Preet Singh MD, PGY II, Dallas, TX
- Harpreet Singh Wadhwa MD, PGY II, Chicago, IL
I sincerely hope the grant recipients will spread the word about NASMDA and highlight the importance of joining and being active in the organization.
There are few changes in the executive board. Dr Manbir Kaur Pannu has very graciously agreed to fill the much needed Dental liaison position. Dr Sangeeta Kaur, another Member at Large will be an additional CME coordinator.
Heartfelt Congratulations to Dr Kulwant Singh Modi, a member at large, who was elected Secretary /Treasurer. His term will begin after the annual meeting, Oct 10th -13th 2013 (Columbus Day weekend). I will keep you informed of the exact venue.
Please remember NASMDA will have a new beginning in 2013 . There are going to be very exciting changes which I am going to keep you all abreast. Please ensure NASMDA has your most current email address and also pass this communication to your Sikh doctor/dentist friends who you believe are not aware of us. Our email address is NASMDA@gmail.com .
Our website is WWW.NASMDA.ORG very ably managed by our own President Dr Mohan Deep S Dhillon
On behalf of the entire NASMDA board, our President Dr Mohandeep S Dhillon, I wish you all a pleasant fall and happy thanksgiving.
Guru Fateh
Aap Da Sewadar
Amarjot S Narula MD DFAPA
Secretary/Treasurer NASMDA
Highlights from our 2012 Annual Meeting:
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2011 – Philadelphia
I hope everyone enjoyed the excellent meeting in Philadelphia. Meeting started with a superb reception and dinner at the Palace at the BEN. Lot of you missed this wonderful facility setup in one of the old Grand Hotels. The ambiance and food were excellent. Again it was wonderful to see so many new Sikh members, especially the younger members at the meeting. We had 30% of registration by younger members. I know it is hard for younger members because of studies,careers and children to attend, but many were able to make it. Mandeep Singh put together an excellent CME program. All the CME speakers gave great talks on their subjects. The Sikh SEVA groups brought us up to date on their continuing activities – this is truly an amazing service they do for all of us, and I hope we open our hearts generously to help them. Baljinder and Sagina amazed us with their talk on SEVA that they did in Thailand, Africa and Haiti. Actually they are ready to go for another 2 weeks to help flood victims in Thialand and are looking for volunteers. Sikhi talk on “MY GURU MY GRANTH” was a beautiful presentation. Amarjit Nijjer put together another exceptional Punjabi Mehfil, “For NASMDA, BY NASMDA” on friday night. Saturday night concert by Jaswinder Singh’s group was amazing. He performed for four hours for a spellbound audience. There was such chemistry between performers and the audience that neither wanted it to end. I especially enjoyed the guitar. Many comments after the concert included “better then Jagjit Singh”, “sign him up tonight for the next meeting”, “phenomenal”……..Some snippets of the Friday and Saturday night programs are posted on our Facebook page under “North American Sikh Medical and Dental Association”. Pictures from the meeting are also posted here. NASMDA picked up many new life members. My thanks to all the new life members who have joined us in supporting this organisation.
