I am profoundly grateful for the honor that has been bestowed upon me to serve as President of CAPI for 2012. In the tradition of CAPI, I will work closely with the Executive Committee to ensure another successful year for our members, their families and the community at large. CAPI is dedicated to empower its members with knowledge, skill, awareness and leadership to provide the best care possible.

As your President, I have several goals that I am determined to accomplish this year with your support.  These goals range from implementing internal organizational changes to promoting CAPI to a new level of exposure with key local healthcare organizations.  This exposure is designed to highlight the strength and diversity of our organization while also integrating our efforts with their needs to achieve common goals.  Let me briefly review these goals.

First, I would like to see our membership grow in large numbers as new members are needed for any organization to survive and thrive. I hope you will all encourage your colleagues to help us in this effort. A larger membership will have a stronger voice in dealing with the changing health care issues we face today and in the future.It is imperative that CAPI members stay engaged at the national and statewide level participating in discussions and debates in our field. The presence of knowledgeable physicians will allow the nation to have more efficient providers.

Secondly, CAPI is partnering with various organizations like the Florida Medical Association, Orange County Medical Society, Seminole County Medical Society, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, AAPI chapters of Florida and local as well as state wide residency programs to bring awareness to the medical community.  Where applicable, partnerships will be driven by mutual consideration of each other’s strengths, weaknesses and opportunities.  One initiative is to intertwine CAPI with the local network of hospitals so that CAPI becomes an entity that any/every hospital administrator is knowledgeable about.

Thirdly, plan an exciting year ahead for our members. CAPI 2012 Executive Committee has planned two meetings this year (spring and fall),family oriented events in the summer, at least two health fairs at local temples, Fall AAPI Charitable Fund Raiser and many more programs. Stay tuned for more info.

My fourth goal revolves around the fact that CAPI is entering a new phase in its growth in various areas. Some of the initiatives associated with this growth include retaining legal counsel, revision of by-laws, formation of Board of Directors and upgrading CAPI website to handle online membership and event registration capabilities. This goal is designed to ensure that our organization is up-to-date on every level ranging from adhering to new rules and regulations to utilizing affordable technology.

I encourage each one of you to take some time out; once a month; and volunteer at organizations like Shepard’s Hope.  I was fortunate enough to have spent 2 weeks in India during December 2011 at a medical mission camp working with fellow physicians/surgeons.  This experience was very self-rewarding and more importantly, an opportunity to make a difference.  Consider spending a week or two on a mission trip to an underserved area in a developing country or even within the USA. Volunteering knows no borders or boundaries.

Selflessness, Skill, Trustworthiness and Discipline. You have these traits as a doctor. Bring them with you to medical leadership at CAPI. I encourage each one of you to get more involved with CAPI which will clearly enhance the effectiveness of our numerous initiatives and further our overall mission. Please feel free to contact myself or any of the Executive Committee members with your ideas/comments/suggestions.