American Academy for Emergency Medicine in India
MEETING MINUTES
February 24th, 2001

Members Present:

• G. Abraham.M.D.
• K. Alagappan M.D. FACEP.
• M. Bhende M.D.
• S. Galwankar. M.B.B.S.
• S. Guntur M.D.
• R. Kumar M.D. FACEP.
• M. Meghani M.D.
• P. Phulwani M.D. FACEP.
• I. Sheridan. M.D.

Welcome
Dr. Phulwani called the meeting to order. Dr. Rani Kumar welcomed all the members for coming to Pittsburgh and thanked the Center Representative for sponsoring the meeting.

Introduction
Members introduced themselves and discussed their work in the field of emergency medicine. All members informed the group of their reasons and interest in creating a bona fide emergency medicine program and specialty in India. Dr. Galwankar (founding member, Indian Society of Emergency Medicine) advised the group of his work in India by raising awareness and creating an interest in the field of emergency medicine. The members commended the efforts of our colleques who have already begun the work for recognition of emergency medicine as a specialty in India. All members promised to work in collaboration to raise awareness of this under recognized specialty in India.

Naming of the Group
There was discussion regarding the name of this group. It was felt that while the main stress is on developing emergency medicine in India, we should have a name that is all inclusive. Therefore we have decided to name the organization ‘American Academy for Emergency Medicine in India’ (AAEMI). If we are unable to use this name, the group will meet again in a few months and the discussion can be re-opened.

The motto of the AAEMI will be Care, Compassion and Education.

Goals
The goals of the group are:

a. Promote emergency medicine as a specialty in India
b. Enhance the quality of emergency medical care
c. Raise public awareness of the scope of emergency medical services
d. Enhance and optimize emergency and disaster preparedness and response in India

Subcommittees
It was decided to subdivide the academy into several subcommittees. As the membership grows some of the suggestions for the subcommittees include:
Education, Public Relations, Govt. affairs, EMS, Financial, and Disaster Management.
Other Organizations
There was discussion regarding the involvement of other societies with our new group. ACEP, SAEM and AAPI will be informed of our existence and they will also receive a list of our goals. AAEMI will not merge with AAPI but remain as a separate entity.

Registering the Organization
Dr.Phulwani and Dr Abraham will investigate the formation of a non-profit organization.

Membership Drive
Dr. Guntur offered to provide the AAPS directory and work on notification of other physicians to increase the membership of AAEMI. All members offered to help in the membership drive.

National Conference (Coimbatore 2001)
The Indian Society of EM will hold its national conference in Coimbatore, India from May 25 to 27, 2001. All members present expressed interest in participating in this conference. The various lectures and workshops were discussed by Dr Sagar and assignments were made for those who would attend the conference.

Announcements
It was decided to write a letter to the Honorable Prime Minister Mr. Bajpai informing him that a group was formed in the United States, and was looking to promote EM in India. A press release from AAEMI and the mission statement was also discussed. Other issues such as developing stationery, a website for AAEMI, and an office contact was also discussed.

Membership Fees
All members agreed to a $100 fee for physicians, $50 for residents, and $25 for medical students, non-physicians, paramedics, and physician extenders.

New Officers
Elections for the AAEMI were held. It was decided that the officers elected today would be interim officers until the next meeting is held. There will be more notice and it is hoped that there will be a larger turnout. Elections will once again be conducted at this time. In the interim, Dr. Phulwani was elected as president, Dr.Alagappan as vice president and Dr.Kumar as treasurer. All the other members that were present were to make up the board of AAEMI.

Presentations
Dr Meghani shared his experience with the recent quake in India. Dr. Meghani had pictures and discussed the various relief efforts that were underway.

Next Meeting
The next meeting will either be in New York in August or September. Dr. Alagappan will organize this effort. If the meeting is not held in NY, it will be in Chicago with ACEP.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 3.45 p.m.