Afghan Medical Association of America

Background/History
The Afghan Medical Association of America (AMAA) is a 501(c)(3) corporation that has been in existence since 1992.

Mission
The Afghan Medical Association of America is concerned about the current health status of the Afghan nation and has been actively involved in extending the medical and educational aid to Afghanistan. This association is not a part of any group or political party and is concerned about the basic human rights of the people of Afghanistan.

Organizational Infrastructure
AMAA is governed by a 16 member Board of Directors including four officers for two-year terms. The president is elected for a 3-year term at the annual membership meeting. Membership is extended to all programs, allied health professionals and all other individuals who are interested in helping the goals of the association.

They hold an annual meeting. AMAA has a website - www.afghanmed.org

Activities
AMAA sends funds to the Afghan hospitals and basic science teachers. The association facilitated the application agreement between Kabul Medical Institute (KMI) and Loma Linda University. They have a specific interest in supporting female medical education.

American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, Northern California

Background/History
AAPIO includes the Bay Area, Merced/Modesto, Santa Cruz and Sacramento area. Over 800 physicians and allied health professionals are members. AAPIO is a chapter of AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin), which represents about 36,000 physicians of Indian origin across the nation.

Mission
The mission and objectives of the APPIO are:

Whereas the need exists for cohesive action on the part of the physicians, dentists and other medical scientists of Indian Heritage residing in the United States, it is hereby resolved that a non-profit organization be formed to maintain the identity of said group of people, to provide a forum for scientific, educational, cultural, charitable and social interaction among its members.

The name of the association shall be the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin herein referred to as the AAPIO.

It shall maintain its office in the place designated by the Executive Committee.

AAPIO, as an organization has the following objectives:

1. To bring together physicians, dentists and other medical scientists of Indian heritage practicing in Northern California under one organization.
2. The association is organized exclusively for scientific, educational, cultural and charitable purposes.
3. To assist medical and dental students and the students of the human sciences, physicians and dentists to obtain scientific training in the United States.
4. To conduct seminars and other educational programs to acquaint members of new scientific developments in the field of human science.
5. To support and foster the availability of medical assistance to indigent people.
6. To make contributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501© in Internal Revenue Code 1986 or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law.
7. To provide mutual understanding and cooperation between this association and other associations in the United States and India.
8. To maintain a directory of physicians of Indian Origin.
9. To provide other member services as needed.
   

Organizational Infrastructure
AAPIO holds a general meeting of the membership twice a year. Their annual meeting is in May where new leadership is elected. The executive committee meets on a monthly basis. The Governing body which meets three times a year, includes regional coordinators.

The annual Dues are $50 or $500 for lifetime membership. There are 650 annual physicians members, 100 allied health members, and 200 lifetime members. They are a 501 (c) (3) corporation.

Although AAPIO has no staff, they do have a computerized membership list. They publish a newsletter and have a website - www.aapio.org

• Continuing Medical Education
• Political Advocacy: AAPIO maintains close relationships with their local legislative representatives and they are frequent speakers at AAPIO meetings.
• Patient Education: Programs include health fairs(screening and awareness)

Heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis are important patient education issues for AAPIO. Breast cancer, cholesterol, and diabetes screenings are significant needs in their community.

Much time is spent educating patients about the managed care system. There are very few easy to understand patient education materials available. Access to care for the uninsured is a priority issue.

AAPIO is actively involved in foreign medical graduates issues. They work with the CMA and the Medical Board on these issues and keep their legislators informed.