AKMG Convention June 26-28, 2008

The Association of Kerala Medical Graduates celebrated its 29th Annual convention in Newport Beach CA at the Marriott Hotel & Spa, Newport Beach from June 26- 28, 2008.

The convention started with inauguration of the registration desk by Dr Joseph Eipe past president of AKMG, and founder of the AKMG western region. This was followed by the inauguration of the booths by Dr Radha Menon the President of AKMG,
Welcome reception with mariachi Band & Mexican fiesta started the 3 days of activities. This was followed by an evening of cultural program with music & dances. The highlight of the evening’s program was a dance drama program KathaKali which was staged by Dr Rama Venu , Professor of Medicine & Gastroenterology from Chicago along with a featured  artist of Kathakali  Ms. Anupama Varma from Toronto. This was the first time in AKMG that this ancient Kerala style dance drama was staged. The evening concluded with melodious music by Ms. Juliet Sebastian & Biju the music group called Maya from Los angeles.

The scientific & educational sessions in all aspects of medicine included various topics in medicine & surgery by different faculty & practicing physicians from all over the country. This was organized  as 2 mornings of continuing medical education sessions on Friday & Saturday by Dr Alex Kuruvila. While this was in session, the spouses program was tastefully designed by Dr Raji Kumar on the 2 days, which was also well received by all members. On Friday afternoon we also held the Young AKMG seminar for young physicians discussing practice options & networking ideas for young physicians. A parallel literary Seminar was also held with discussions on the works of Malayalam poets ONV Kurup & Vayalar Rama Varma. These discussions were carried out by   Dr. M.V Pillai, Dr. Chandrasekhran, Dr. Mathew Thekedath, Dr. Roy Verghese, Dr Susheela Ravindranath, Mrs. Kumari Nair & Mr. GK Nair. There was a book signing session of books authored by 3 AKMG writers Dr Shakuntala Rajagopal( Book  named Radha) Dr Susheela Ravindranath (Book named Mississippiyude Geetham ) Dr Xavier (author of  the book Fulfilling Heart & Soul) Friday evening was a Kerala style dinner with special Kerala dishes prepared to perfection by Mayuri Restaurant from Los Angeles under the guidance of Mrs. Padmini owner of the restaurant. This was followed by music, drama & dances by AKMG family members. The evening concluded with a chiriarangu session organized by Dr Karunakarn Kutty from Toronto, Canada. The other activities included Golf Tournament on the prestigious Pelican Hills Golf course, Tennis with Davis Cup player Mr. Shashi Menon who was a special guest . and indoor games included  56 card games, ping pong & chess games. There was an exclusive after dinner cruise arranged for the Youth & Young AKMG members on the Newport Harbor on Friday night with DJ & dancing into mid night. This was the first time AKMG has  arranged an exclusive program for the young AKMG members on the lines of AAPI. This was very well received by the youth & Young AKMG members.

 Saturday evening program started with Welcome address by Dr. Sankari Nair , the convention chair followed  by Presidential address by Dr  Radha Menon President of AKMG .. Dr. Menon stressed the importance of having young AKMG members join the organization to sustain the viability of the organization. She  also stressed the need to have the organization work with physicians in Kerala & other health organizations to improve health care delivery in Kerala, at the grass root levels in the homeland state.She also stated  that AKMG was committed to focus on women’s health care improvement in Kerala & was getting ready to send a mammogram machine to Trichur Medical College. Key note address was given by Dr Abraham Verghese who was the chief guest for the program. He is the professor of medicine in Stanford University, and is the author of famous books    My Own Country & Tennis Partner.   Dr. Thomas Mukkada the incoming President also addressed the members & vote of thanks was rendered by Dr Elizabeth Paul the convention Co Chair.

The evening concluded with Musical melodies & medley of popular Malayalam songs by featured artists from Kerala Mr. G Venugopal & Ms. Jyotsna.

Photo tour

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Radha Menon
760 900 0627 -- rmenon@aol.com
Former President, (2007-2008)
AKMG