NEW COURSE BEING INITIATED BY GCI (IAS) IN INDIA
​Diploma in Pediatric Sleep Medicine (DPSM)

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​DPSM is the FIRST training program in Pediatric Sleep Medicine In India.

DPSM is a joint program between Shishuku Childrens hospital,Bangalore, GCI from Colorado and Childrens Hospital Colorado. This was the brain child of Dr Bharath Reddy, a Pediatric Pulmonologist, Allergist, Sleep specialist at Shishuku Childrens hospital,Bangalore.  DPSM is supported by the Sleep medicine group from Childrens hospital Colorado headed by Dr Stephen Hawkins along with a team of several specialists. The program has been sponsored by the Center for Global health, University of Colorado. The program will be starting in 2021 in Bangalore.

PKV report of IAS Activities

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​a. Partnership with irGangaram Hospital and Research Center (SGHRC), Delhi INDIA IAS and SGHRC have signed an MOU to start DIPLOMA PEDIATRIC ALLERGY ASTHMA (DPAA) in the capital city of DELHI, INDIA from January 2020. This will be the SECOND formal training program in AAI in INDIA.

b. PKV will be meeting in early December 2018, the Director of Christian Medical College Hospital (CMCH),Vellore India to initiate the conversations regarding setting up the CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN AAI , the FIRST such institute in INDIA. IAS has already pledged USD 150,000. The total budget of the Center is around USD 500000. The DAA program has pledged around USD 65000.00. We need to raise around USD 300,000 over the next 3 years to make this dream a reality.

c. NEW WEBSITE FOR GCI: GCI has signed up with FLIPCAUSE of California in developing the new website as well as getting funding processes for various projects more streamlined. The percentage charged is around 4%. PLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO VIEW THE NEW GCI WEB SITE AN GIVE YOUR FEEDBACK. (www.globalchestinitiatives.org)

d. Ms. Ranjani Vedanthan has been a very valuable addition to the IAS(GCI) family all along. She has been a volunteer for several years and most of her activities have been behind the scene. Now the time has come for me to hand over more responsibilities to the younger generation to gradually take over the organization.

e. I am proposing Ms RanjaniVedanthan be elected to the BOD and will be basically responsible for fund raising activities and Web site maintenance.

f. We have been actively conducting survey thro ‘Survey Monkey’ of our DAA alumni to get a feedback and suggestions after 12 years of operation. The findings will be one of the addendums to this report. We are also in the process of preparing survey of the DAA faculty regarding their views and suggestions for improvement of the course.

g. Proposed activities of IAS: January 2019: DAA at CMC Graduation ceremony, New batch 0f 2019 . Allergocon2019: First international AAI meeting organized by CMC and IAS : Jan 9-10-11, 2019 DAA Fresher course Delhi: Feb 2-3, 2019 Pediatric allergy: International meeting: Sir Gangaram hospital, Delhi March2019 Proposed visit to Kenya: Mombasa: Kenya Ped society meeting April 9-11 2019.Setting up the Lung Center at Narok,Kenya April 13-14 201

IAS Activites

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Kenya Project Update

MOI teaching & Referral hospital, Eldoret, Kenya: (www.mtrh.go.ke) (MTRH) : Currently, MTRH is the second largest National Teaching and Referral Hospital (level 6 Public Hospital) in Kenya with a bed capacity of 991 patients, an average number of 1200 patients at any time and about 1500 out patients per day. MTRH is also the Teaching Hospital for Moi University College of Health Sciences that trains both Undergraduate Medical Students and several Masters in Medicine Specialist programs with over 240 post graduate students It serves the whole of Westen Kenya.

​MTRH has forged Strategic Partnerships and Alliances with the Ministry of Health and Development Partners e.g Indiana University and Duke (USA), University of Toronto (Canada), Suez Canal University (Egypt); Shoe4Africa Foundation, New York (USA); University of Linkoping (Sweden); Doctor to Doctor Foundation (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Stellenbosch University and University of Cape Town (South Africa) and Stryker Corporation/North Carolina University (USA) among others. Inspite of all these affliations, there was not a single SPIROMETER on the campus. Hence a decision was made to enhance the capacity of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, by donating the Computerized Spirometer (Spirolab lll Mir), Oximeters, Nebulizers. This additional equipment will enahance the services as well as meet the educational needs of the Under graduate and Post graduate students. Allergy Services with AST facilities are being planned to be added in near future with the help thro IAS.

CAAS(Colorado Allergy Asthma society) set up a Lung Center at the Community Health Partners (CHP) at Narok, Kenya

​AS with support fro. CAAS(Colorado Allergy Asthma society) set up a Lung Center at the Community Health Partners (CHP) at Narok, Kenya. Dr Vedanthan and Mrs Vedanthan conducted the CME-workshop with valuable assistance from Cipla for the attendees. This has helped the capacity to deliver better care to the needy patients. IAS will also be conducting clinical research involving the local Masaai tribal population at this center. Mr Itole Sunte of Narok was the local coordinator.

A patient uses an inhaler.

A Cipla representative demonstrates how to use a spacer with an inhaler.

Mrs Kamala Vedanthan conducting the Allergy Skin Testing workshop

At the Community health partners, Narok, Kenya

At the Community health partners, Narok, Kenya May 2019

IAS Activities in 2018-19

​DAA 2018 batch Graduation ceremony was conducted at Christian Medical College,Vellore on Jan 10th 2019. Dr George Fernandez, Dean, St Johns Medical college,Bangalore was the chief guest of honor. Dr Avinash A Nair was conferred Dr Henry Claman Gold Medal award and Dr Saibal Moitra was awarded Dr Harold Nelson Silver Medal Award for overall proficiency.

IAS AWARDS NIGHT SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

IAS awards night was observed on Saturday, 14 September 2018 at India's Restaurant in Denver. Three highly accomplished individuals were recognised for their achievements in their respective fields by IAS by Dr & Mrs Vedanthan. All the awardees received the IAS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS. The awardees included:

1. Dr Stephen Berman, MD Director, Center for Global Health, University of Colorado, Denver,Colorado
2. Dr Stephen Dreskin MD, Director of Allergy & Asthma training program, University of Colorado,Denver,Colorado
3. Dr David Pearlman, MD, Co Founder, Colorado Allergy & Asthma Centers, Denver, Colorado.
4. Dr & Mrs Ved & Kathy Nanda were specially recognised for being bestowed with PADMA BUSHAN AWARD by the Government of INDIA.

​Allergy Asthma Awareness Month (May 2018) In Kathmandu, Nepal

​IAS was very pleased to support the Allergy Asthma Awareness Month activities in Kathmandu,Nepal. IAS partnered with Kanti childrens’ hospital, Kathmandu under the direction and leadership of a DAA Alumnus,Dr Mahesh K Gautam. The activities included public awareness camp, march, a very well conducted all day along CME. The CME was endorsed by IAS as well as Center for global health,University of Colorado,Denver,Colorado USA. More than 150 doctors attended the CME. Please see the pictures attached herewith.

​CME on Pediatric Allergies and Asthma at Sir Gangaram Hospital, Delhi March 24-25,  2018

​A two-day Pediatric Allergy and Asthma CME was conducted under the leadership of one DAA alumnus, Dr. Neeraj Gupta. The CME was very well attended. Interactive sessions as well as workshops were held very successfully. Thanks to Dr. Neeraj and his dedicated group at Sir Gangaram Hospital.

​Asthma Awareness Activities in Mysuru and Mumbai

Mysore Medical College& Research institute (MMCRI): Converner: Dr Savith Ramaraj, MD DAA Prof of Pediatrics,Allergy Asthma Specialist . PROGRAM: May 26th  CME: “Practical aspects of asthma including GINA 2017 update  May 2nd:  Dr Mahesh ,Dr Jayaraj, Dr Savitha Ramaraj  did a panel discussion and attended to phone in questions in a local city TV channel,  published an article on allergy asthma in children in Vijaya karnataka kannada news paper

Mumbai: Cooper Hospital. Convener: Dr Anupama Mauskar,Chief of Pediatrics: our respected dean Dr Ganesh Shinde inaugurated Pediatric Asthma and Allergy opd with facility of spirometry and ASPT. .2 A webinar was organized by Cipla pharma for PG students. Dr Sandip Salwe and Dr Barnali were the speakers from Pune.

​DAA 2018 batch

The selection of the 13th batch of the DAA is complete. 35 candidates were chosen after a detailed and competetive selection process. Students have hailed from all over India including Shillong, as well as, from Indonesia, Caribbeans, UAE.

​DAA annual refresher course at Panjim, Goa : February 17-18th 2018

​The 7th annual DAA refresher course was conducted succesfully at Panjim,Goa under the leadership of Dr Monteiro. the sessions were held with active interactions witht he attendees. Fupllreport is attached. thanks to Allergo Pharma and Medihaux International and AANI for sponsoring the event. 7th Annual DAA Refresher course 2018

​DAA 2017 batch graduation and Dr Sheldon Spector Memorial CME at CMC, Vellore

​The 13th DAA graduation ceremony was held on January 18th 2018 at CMC,Vellore.along with the graduation, an all day CME with guest faculty Drs. Hugo Van Bever from Singapore, Vinay Mehta from Nebraska, USA. The CME was open to all the DAA alumni and there were several posters at the meeting. Dr Vinay Mehta was the CME chair. At the graduation ceremony, Dr Hugo was the chief guest. Henry Claman Gold medal and Harold Nelson silver medals were awarded to outstanding performers .

DAA 2017 graduates at the convocation, Jan 2018

Dr Narmadha awarded for the best poster by Dr Vinay Mehta

Dr Sheldon Spector memorial CME 2018

Dr P K V delivering his speech DAA graduation

The DAA core people with Dr Arun Gold medalist

Dr Hugo awarding Dr Claman Gold medal to Dr Zubair Khan

IAS Silver Jubilee Celebrations : September 9th 2017

​IAS celebrated the Silver Jubilee celebrations (1992-2017) in a unique manner in partnership with CFAA (Colorado Fine Arts Association) and AHF (African Heritage Foundation), both local non profit organizations located in Colorado. The Venue was Broomfield Auditorium, Broomfield,Colorado and date/time were 9th September 2017 , 5-9 PM. The chief guest was Mrs Kathy Nanda (officiating for her husband Dr Ved Nanda) and uests of honor were Mr Virdi & Mrs Baljit Singh.  The Masters of ceremony were Mr Vishwanathan (Vishy) President of CFAA and Ms Vikasini Mahalingam. A video presentation of IAS sory produced by Dr PKV  and narrated by Mrs Meena Desai,Ms Ranjani Vedanthan  and MR Ganesh Kuppuswamy was projected over 15 minutes with excellent response. Kamala Vedanthan’s CD based upon the compositions of  her Guru/late father Sri M R Srinivasa Raghavachar was released by Mr Virdi Singh. After the introductory speeches by Dr Vedanthan,chairman/Founder of IAS , Mr Muhamod Cesse of AHF, the chief guest Mrs Kathy Nanda addressed the gathering of nearly 150 attendees from all walks of life. Cultural performances included 1. Kamala Vedanthan Carnatic Vocal accompanied on Violin by Mrs Priya Hariharan, Mridumgum by Mr Venkat Subramanian, Tabla by Dr Rajesh Vedanthan, Harmonium by Sri Virdi Singh. 2.Hindistani Classical by Virdi Singh on marmonium accompanied on Tabla by Mr Udai  3.Nepali dance  4.Bharatanatyam dances by Mrs Meera ganesan and her daughtr Ms Aarya 5.Bollywood dances by Ms Ranjani Vedanthan of Kalapriya school of dance  6.Kuchipudi dance by Mr Raghu Raj of Kalapriya school of dance  7.African drums by Stephan and group 8.USA songs vocal by Rot Bill Mollenhoff. Sumptous food were donated by Bewarchi Biriyanis from Fort Collins,CO and India’s Restaurant ,Denver.  We has very many positive feedbacks from several attendees as well as artists and their families and friends.

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Asthma Allergy Awareness Month May 2017 Activities

​Asthma Awareness month was observed in several locations with the support of IAS.

NEPAL: City: Kathmandu  Chief Convener: Dr Mahesh Kumat Gautam, Pediatrician, Kanti Childrens hospital and DAA student 2017 batch at Christian Medical College,Vellore,TN. Asthma Awareness Month - May 2017 PROGRAM SCHEDULE Date  Program May 2, 2017.(Tuesday) General Public Awareness Program (World Asthma Day). Venue: KCH Premises (11:00am onwards) May 4,2017(Thursday). CME on “Allergy And Asthma” Venue: New Hall(1:00pm-2:00pm) May 17,2017(Wednesday). CME on Childhood Asthma and Nebulization (For Nursing staff only). Venue: New Hall(12:00pm-2:00pm) May 25,2017(Thursday). CME on Asthma Mimickers Venue: New Hall(1:00pm-2:00pm) Facilitators: Dr Ganesh Kumar Rai Dr. Mahesh Kumar Gautam (Note: All interested can participate)

​IAS reconnects with Made in India Pariwar,Barrackpore,WB

After a few years of inactivity,IAS econnected with MAde in India PAriwar in Barrackpore,WB. We were accompanied by Mr Subhir Roy, the main contact for us in WB. Dr PKV was also able to inspect the premises, meet the existing and highly dedicated staff and also evaluated a few patients. Further activities will take place in future years.

​IAS conducts CMEs at Different Locations

IAS lead by Dr Vedanthan conducted several CMEs on Allergies and Asthma at the following locations in Feb and March 2017:

1. Cauvery Aster Medical Center, Bangalore
2. Bangalore Pediatric Society, Bangalore
3. Rangadore Sharada Peetha hospital, Bangalore
4. Mysore MEdical College & Research institute,Mysore
5. Allergy & Asthma Institute,Kolkota WB
6. Mandya Medicalcollege & Research institute,Mandya
7. Kandy General hospital, Kandy,Sri Lanka
8. Kandy Medical Society,Kandy,Sri Lanka
9. J S S Hospital, JSS University,Mysore
10. Allergy Grand Rounds,Shisuku hospital,Bangalore
11. DAA refresher course,Mumbai.

​IAS conducts Allergy Asthma Awareness camp in W.Bengal

Dr & Mrs P K & Kamala Vedanthan along with Dr Monojit Mandal DAA, Mr Subhir Roy German Remedies conducted a very successful camp at Kalna(The temple city) in Central W.Bengal on Saturday MArch 4th 2017. Around 200 patients were evaluated free of charge. Arrangements were made for Spirometry, PEFR, Asthma education, Allergy Skin testing at the camp locale. The feed back was very positive from different sources. IAS thanks Dr Mandal and his entire family for the incredible support and assistance during our stay in Kalna.

​IAS Bangladesh 2017

​Dr Vedanthan and Mrs Kamala Vedanthan were invited to visit to participate in CME and Charitable activities in Bangladesh. The key persons in BD were Dr Gobinda Das of Dhaka and Dr Monsur Habib in Khulna.Dr PKV addressed hundreds of physicians and health professionals at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, DHAKA Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Dhaka Chittagong Medical college hospital, CTG Bdesh on 11,12,13th March 2017. On 9-10-11March addresses physicians and several health professionals at Kishorjong, Khulna WB. Also participated in the Asthma -COPD camporganized BD respiratory society and more than 300 patients were evaluated. Had a very productive meeting and discussions with Dr Aftab Uddin of ICDDRB. Participaed in the e learning course on asthma at ICDDRB in Dhaka. In addition PKV and Kamala were also take around for sight seeing and a few cultural shows. Overall the exirience in Bangladesh was very positive and IAS looks forward to future long term relationship and potential partnership. The programs were endorsed by the Center for Global health,University of Colorado,Denver Colorado as well as supported by the Colorado Allergy Asthma Society, Colorado. USA.

Swaasha Allergy & Asthma Clinic At Mmcri, Mysore, India

Swaasha Allergy & Asthma Clinic (SAAC) a highly subsidized and Charity clinic, a joint venture between IAS and MMCRI (Mysore Medical College & research Institute) was formally opened on Tuesday January 11th 2017 at the Pediatric OPD of the Cheluvamba Womens and Childrens’ hospital,Mysore. This clinic will serve both adults and children from Mysore and vicinity. One of the major supporter of the venture was MMCGANA, the alumni association in USA. There were several donors from USA and India. The inauguration was held on the premises of the clinic and was formally opened in the presence of several dignitaries of the Mysore Medical scene . The chief guest for the occasion was Dr Balasubramaniam (Dr Balu),President/Founder/architect of the SwamiVivekananda Youth movement (SVYM),Sargur and Mysore. The clinic is dedicated to Dr Vedanthan’s parents Late Dr P D Krishnasawmi (an alumni of MMC 1932) ,Late P D Seethammal and his elder brother Dr P K Ramachandra (MMA alumni 1958). The function was very well attended and significant publicity was also rendered for the event.

Dr.C G Narasimhan , Senor general Surgeon = Mysore addressing the gathering

Lighting of the lamp

Dr Krishnamurthy Director MMCRI and Dr Vedanthan Chairman IAS signing the MOU

​IAS activities planned for 2016

Denver, Colorado: IAS is celebrating the IAS awards ceremony at India’s restaurant on Sunday, auust 21, 2016. IAS life time achievement awards will be bestowed upon Dr Harold NElson, Dr Henry Claman, Dr Charles Kirkpatrick. Members of the IAS Board of directors, Members of the IAS advisory committee, Voluntary faculty for IAS educational outreach as well as our partners namely Center for Global health, University of Colorado, Colorado allergy asthma society, Jubilant Hollisteir will be recognized.

NEPAL: IAS is joining hands with B P Koirala Institute of Health, Dharan, Nepal (www.bpkih.org) in conducting a 2 day CME on Pediatric asthma & allergies and an asthma allergy public awareness camp on September 16-17-18, 2016. Faculty include Drs PKV, Sowmya Nagarajan DAA from Bangalore, Satish Yadav and Gauri Shankar Shah from BPKIH, Dharan. This course is being endorsed and cosponsored by the Center for Global health, College of Preventive Medicie,University of Colorado and Colorado Allergy Asthma Society, Denver, Denver,Colorado.

Bangalore, INDIA: An all day symposium ok FOOD ALLERGY: CHANGING PLATFORMS will be conducted at Manipal hospitals,Bangalore under the auspices of IAS, Karnataka Pediatric society, Bangalore Pediatric society in late November 2016. Dr Balachandra, Dr Sowmya Natarajan under the mentorship of Dr P A Mahesh are spearheading the efforts.

Mysore, INDIA: A Charitable Allergy-Asthma Clinic will be inaugurated at the Mysore Medical college Research Institute (MMCRI),Mysore in memory of PKV’s late parents Dr P D Krishnasami, P D Seethammal and his recently deceased elder brother Dr Ramachandra K Pudupakkam, a well known allergy asthma specialist in Lima, Ohio, USA. This clinic is the joint efforts of Dr PKV, Dr Krishnamurthy, Director of MMCRI, Dr Savith Ramaraj, Professor of Pediatrics at MMCRI.

DAA 2015 batch farewell party to the faculty: Nov 10th 2015 at Vellore

​The 2015 DAA batch honored the faculty members of the course at the farewell party held at the Hotel Darling at Vellore,TN , INDIA on November 10, 2015. There were several performances of music, dance, social activities in addition to several speeches of thanks and gratitude tot he faculty and the supporting staff of the DAA course at the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at CMC, Vellore.

​GCI conducts the BOD meeting for 2015 in Denver,Colorado

Global Chest initiatives Minutes of the meeting of the Board of Directors

Location: Imperial Chinese Restaurant, Denver, Colorado
Date: Friday 9th October 2015
6.30PM—-9.00 PM

Members present: Harold Nelson, Vinay Mehta, Preveen Ramamoorthy, Scott Henington, Kamala Vedanthan, P.K.Vedanthan, Erika Kurt (via iphone)
Members excused: Ved Nanda
Guests: Sarah Nelson, Janette Henington

​GCI conducts the IAS advisory Board for 2015

IAS ADVISORY BOARD COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, August 12, 2015 6:30-9pm
SPONSOR: Jubilant HollisterStier
LOCATION: India’s Restaurant 8921 East Hampden Ave., Denver, CO 80231
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
MINUTES RECORDED BY: Phuong Dinh

MEMBERS:
Advisory Committee present:
Dr. PK Vedanthan, MD (Chairman)
Dr. Henry Claman, MD
Dr. Harold Nelson, MD and his spouse Dr. Nelson
Dr. Ron Harbeck, MD and his spouse Dr. Harbeck
Dr. Charles Kirkpatrick, MD
Dr. David Pearlman, MD
Dr. Katial Rohit, MD
Ms. Phuong Dinh 

Sponsor present:
Mr. Thomas Newell (Jubilant HollisterStier)

Not present:
Dr. Stephen Dreskin, MD
Dr. Robert Mason, MD
Dr. Preveen Ramamoorthy, PhD
Dr. Alan Schoket, MD

Delivery of the VPCI Honours Lecture by Dr PKV

​At the invitation of the Vallabhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi,New Delhi, one of the prestigious Chest institutes in India, Dr Vedanthan delivered the VPCI  Honours lecture on February 25th , 2015. the topic was : Allergen Immunotherapy, the backbone of allergy management.

​GCI Activity 06/2015

​GCI Activity 06/2015 : Dr Vedanthan participated in a panel discussion at the ICMAN conference held at the UN Church Center on the eve of the 70th anniversary of the United organizations

​IAS activities: Nov 2014-Apr 2015

1. MOU with CMC,Vellore and Center for Global Health, University of Colorado signed.
2. Participation at the 43rd annual meeting of the Indian College of allergy, asthma and applied immunology (ICAAICON2014).
3. Delivery of the Dr Shivpuri memorial oration 2014 lecture by PKV at the ICAAICON 2014: Topic: ‘Past, present and future of allergy in India’
4.  Formal inauguration of the Asthma Allergy Network of India (AANI) in Mysore, India December 2014
5. Participation in the annual meeting of the college of Pediatricians, Colombo,Sri Lanka
6. Allergy asthma course ( 5 days) at the University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya from Jan 19-23rd 2015
7. Allergy Asthma awareness camps In: Madikeri, Karnataka; Ichalkaranji, Maharashtra; Dharwad, Karnataka; Shimoga,Kanataka;
8. CME for Physicians: JSS university,Mysore; Association of Family physicians,Mysore; Pediatric update, Coimbatore,TN; IMA ichalkaranji,Maharashtra; IMA,Madiker,Karnataka.
9. Specialists lecture, CME,Allergy ST workshop: Santosh University,Ghaziabad, UP
10. Delivery of the Vallabhai Patel Chest institute (VPCI) Special Honor’s lecture on ‘Allergen Immunotherapy: back bone of allergy anagement’ on 14th February 2015, New Delhi.
    
11. General Medical camp : Girls orphanage/school: Kushalnagara, April 2 , 2015
12. DAA course: weeklong sessions in Nov 2014,Jan 2015, March 2015. DAA annual examinations: Nov 2014,  DAA annual graduation : Jan 13th 2015, DAA 4th annual Refresher course: Cochin, Kerala Feb 2015

​Dr Vedanthan delivers the Dr Shivpuri Oration lecture: ICAACON2014

​Dr P K Vedanthan delivered the coveted Dr Shivpuri oration at the Indian college of allergy and applied Immunology (ICAAICON2014)  in Mysore on December 13th 2014. Dr Shivpuri is honored as the ‘Father of allergy in India’ due to his original and vast contributions to the young field both in the clinical and basic (aerobiology) fields. HE established the ICAAI at Vallabhai Patel Chest institute in Delhi . The topic delivered by Dr Vedanthan was titled : Past, Present and Future of allergy in India.

​Educational outreach partnerships

​IAS has partnered with several major medical institutions and Universities around the globe to promote its educational outreach. The entities include University of Nairobi,Nairobi,Kenya   Medical University of Saratov,Saratov,Russia.  Center for Global Health,School pf Public health,University of Colorado, Denver,Colorado USA, Christian medical college-Hospital,Vellore, Tamilnadu, India, Sant Man Singh Hospital,Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

​Russia Report 2014

International Asthma Services Breaks Ground in Russia
A historic milestone took place in September at Saratov State Medical University, one of Russia’s oldest universities, as it hosted an allergy & asthma seminar taught by Dr. Vinay Mehta, FAAAAI, and Dr. Pudupakkam Vedanthan, FAAAAI, founder and chairman of International Asthma Services (IAS), a charitable educational organization whose aim is to promote allergy and asthma awareness in the community and equip local healthcare providers with basic training and diagnostic resources. IAS has been actively training physicians and allied health professionals at Christian Medical College (India) since 2006 through its distance-learning program.

The seminar was attended by medical students, residents and faculty, as well as private practice physicians from the Saratov community. The two-day course focused on the clinical aspects of allergy and asthma, and included hands-on skin testing and spirometry workshops. Additionally, a one-day education forum was held for the general public, which included general information and free patient consultations. Both events were organized by Saratov State Medical University in partnership with Avesta, a premier multispecialty private clinic. Rotary Club Saratov-Center and Friendship Force International were co-sponsors. There was significant media coverage at these events, in part because Saratov was, up until 1991, a “closed city” off limits to foreigners.

Feedback received by course participants and patients was overwhelmingly positive. Many physicians admitted deficiencies in their allergy and asthma training, and appreciated the refresher course. There was also significant enthusiasm about the prospect of future collaborations. Although Russia has approximately 1700 board-certified allergists, most of them practice in urban centers, leaving large segments of the population with no access to specialist care. As a result, Russia has one of the highest asthma case fatalities rates in the world, although its overall asthma prevalence is lower compared to Western countries.

Private medicine is Russia currently represents 10% of the market, but is expected to grow by 12% per year. The government currently spends only 5% GDP on healthcare, leaving the public healthcare sector grossly underfunded and poorly equipped. As a result, many Russians prefer to seek medical care in private clinics. Avesta is a prime example of a flourishing private multispecialty medical clinic possessing state-of-the-art facilities, well-trained staff and modern equipment. “Anything you would expect in the United States, you can find at Avesta,” said Dr. Vinay Mehta after touring their facilities. “But was is unique about Avesta is the fact that the doctors volunteer their time to train medical students and residents to help bridge the gap between private and publically-funded medicine”.

To learn more about International Asthma Services and their recent trip to Russia, please contact Dr. Vedanthan at [email protected] or visit the links below:
http://www.sgmu.ru/en/info/ (Saratov State Medical University)
http://avesta-m.ru/ (Avesta Clinic)
http://globalchestinitiatives.org/ias/index.php (International Asthma Services)
http://64med.ru/news/2013/09/13/73753 (Newspaper Coverage)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYkoatQvfyQ (TV Coverage)
http://gtrk-saratov.ru/news/saratov_posetila_delegaciya_vrachej_iz_ssha/ (TV Coverage)

Photo caption: Pictured from left to right: Dorothy Cada (Friendship Force International), Dr. Andrei Shubin (Director, Avesta), Dr. Victor Kishinevski (Avesta), Dr. Marina Erugina (Vice-Provost, Saratov State Medical University), Dr. Pudupakkam Vedanthan (founder/chairman of IAS), Sergey Kuzmin (Rotary Club Saratov-Center), and Dr. Vinay Mehta (Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates, Lincoln, Nebraska)

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​Text Book Of Allergy For The Clinician

PREFACE TO THE TEXT BOOK OF ALLERGY FOR THE CLINICIAN

This endeavour to bring together an international textbook of allergy/immunology began over two years ago.  The concept of who this book would serve and its contents gradually matured over the ensuing years and the final result is the ‘Text Book of Allergy for the Clinician’. This is the first textbook in the field of allergy, asthma and immunology covering such varied material with chapters written by a highly qualified international team of authors with diverse expertise. There are 26 authors of eastern origin and 25 authors of western origin who have come together to create this textbook.  The textbook contains 33 different chapters which, in addition to the core allergy and immunology subjects, include chapters on: personalized medicine and asthma, the effects of air pollution on allergies,  aerobiology with color pictures , environmental issues,  allergy practice: east vs. west, yoga in asthma,  Ayurveda  and herbal medicines.   This is also a very timely text book, since for the first time, there is growing realization of combining evidenced based data from ‘East and West’ in our professional understanding, rather than isolation between the two.  The influence of eastern thought is well complimented by the ‘scientific’ approach of the west in understanding and formulating our approach to medicine.  Since this book deals with not only basics, but also the most recent thoughts on clinical approach and management, it should appeal to a wide audience, from medical students to residents, fellows in training as well as specialists.

All the  authors have been extremely graceful in their submission of their respective chapters.  Dr Henry Claman, our mentor and guide, has summarized the concept of this textbook very well in his foreword and we are extremely appreciative of his words of wisdom and vision.

The publishers, Taylor and Francis LLC/CRC press and their subsidiary the Science publishers represented by Mr Raju Primlani and Mrs. Sharlene Glassman have been very helpful and gracious enough to answer all our queries over the whole period.  Our families have been more than cooperative; they have sacrificed on several occasions to allow us to complete this text book.  Our sincere thanks of appreciation to International Asthma services (IAS), Denver,  Colorado USA and Dr Lokeshwararao  Edara, Battlecreek, Michigan USA for financial support.

Dr Pudupakkam K.Vedanthan    Dr Harold Nelson   Dr Shripad agashe   Dr P.A.Mahesh   Dr Rohit Katial

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​Asthma Camp at Bago Myanmar 2013

International Asthma Services Breaks Ground in Myanmar
Dr. Vinay Mehta, MD, FAAAAI and Dr. Pudupakkam K. Vedanthan, MD, FAAAAI taught an allergy and asthma seminar in Yangon, Myanmar this past January. The three-day course, co-sponsored by Rotary International, Friendship Force International, and Myanmar Compassionate Hands, focused on the clinical aspects of atopic disorders, and included hands-on skin testing and spirometry workshops. Additionally, the doctors, along with a few course participants, organized free allergy & asthma camps in the cities of Bago and Bagan, where over 200 patients received general counseling and free consultations. Their efforts were supported by local physicians and allied health, who volunteered their time and facilities.

Dr. Vedanthan is founder and chairman of International Asthma Services (IAS), a charitable educational organization whose aim is to promote allergy and asthma awareness in the community and equip local healthcare providers with basic training and diagnostic resources. IAS has been actively training physicians and allied health professionals at Christian Medical College (India) since 2006 through its distance-learning program.

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