Dr. Venkit Iyer on "Prevention of Medical Errors"
Dr. KJ Oommen on Neurostimulation Therapies In Neuroscience
Dr. C. S. Pitchumony on The multifunctional gut-microbiota is a new organ within you
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C.S.Pitchumoni. MD, FRCP ( CANADA), FRCP ( EDIN), MACP, MACG, MPH, AGAF is an academic
gastroenterologist of International reputation, a graduate of Trivandrum Model School ( 1953) and Medical
College ( MBBS 1960 and ) MD ( 1965) who takes immense pride in being an alumnus of the College, the first
in Kerala State.
The Medical College in Trivandrum benefited many in Travancore- Cochin and Kerala. Lucky for him, as a
TMC fifth-grade student, he had the best teachers. Pitchumoni got his MBBS and M.D. in General Medicine
at the College and served in all three medical colleges for years.
His wish to study Gastroenterology led him to Yale University in the USA in 1967, after working for 60 years,
which began in Trivandrum and Calicut and at Kottayam Medical College in 1967. He was a full-time faculty
member at the College in 1970, after training at Yale and New York Medical College, and became a full
professor in 1981, while also serving as Chief of Gastroenterology and Chairman of the Department of
Medicine at Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center. From the start, he was a prolific writer and researcher who
wrote several scientific papers for leading journals. His mentor was D.R. P. J. Geevarghese, an international
Pancreatology pioneer, who trained him in research and publications. Today's talk is dedicated to his
mentor D.R. P J Geevarghese.
Affectionately known as 'DR.P' by most, Dr. Pitchumoni has taught thousands of Internal Medicine trainees
and under a hundred Gastroenterologists in the USA. He gained an international reputation in
Gastroenterology and previously served on six journal editorial boards. He has written more than 200 peer-
reviewed publications, 120 chapters in Books, and edited seven Books with the assistance of all of his
trainees and colleagues. Currently, as an Emeritus Professor, he still teaches Internal Medicine and
Gastroenterology to students in the U.S. and India via "Zoom" and in classrooms. The 'Osler award' was
given to him by Drexel University in 2011 to honor his passion for teaching clinical Gastroenterology.
'D.R. P' has received several awards from Indian and International organizations. His peers in the U.S.
consider his Masterships of two Professional Colleges American College of Physicians as well as the
American College of Gastroenterology unique and a recognition of his contributions to Internal Medicine
and Gastroenterology .
In India, he received the Hoechst Omprakash award, P.N. Chuttani award, F.P. Antia award, D.R.
Thangavelu oration award, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation award, in 2025 'the Legend of
Trivandrum Medical College ' award from the TMC alumni association
Suresh, son of D.R. P, and his granddaughter Shreya are also Gastroenterologists.
KJ Oommen, MD (FAAN, FAES, FACNS)
Co-Vice Chair, CME Committee AKMG
Epileptologist, Lubbbock, TX
VP Elect, Lubbock County
Medical Solciety
Dr. Joseph Prasad graduated with his Bachelor's in Zoology in 1978, from Rutgers University, NJ . Then graduated with DMD from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in New Jersey in 1982. Received his Mastership, (MAGD ) from the Academy of General Dentistry in 2012. And received fellowship from the( ICOI ) International Congress of Implantology in 2009. Dr. Joseph Prasad also received advanced training in Invisalign, Cosmetic and Forensic Dentistry. Currently owning two very active practices in Union, and Marlboro, NJ. Enjoys gardening, traveling, and videography as hobbies. Also enjoys mentoring future dental students in his spare time.
Sheeja is a Certified Health and Well-being Coach and the founder of LuvUrHealth LLC in Washington State. She is Board Certified in Lifestyle Medicine, holds a certification in Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health, and has training in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics. After working as an ENT surgeon and Lifestyle Medicine Physician in India, Sheeja moved to the U.S. in 2022 and is now ECFMG certified, pursuing a career in U.S. Primary Health Care. Since 2016, she has focused on empowering individuals to achieve sustainable health changes through coaching. Her approach emphasizes self-awareness and intrinsic motivation. Having overcome significant health challenges herself, she understands the complexities of making positive lifestyle changes. This personal experience, along with her professional background, allows her to offer compassionate, personalized support. She is dedicated to whole-person care, recognizing its importance in promoting lasting health and wellness.
A seasoned professional, Dr. Venkit Iyer is a board-certified surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCS-C), and International College of Surgeons (FICS). In his own words, "After retiring from surgery, I found great fulfillment in giving back through medical missions and charitable work." Dr. Iyer has held numerous leadership and teaching positions, delivered lectures worldwide, and authored articles in prominent journals. His passion for tennis, golf, reading, and writing adds balance to his life, and he graciously shares his experience and wisdom with our community. He has published six books on health care topics.
Infectious Diseases, NJ
Practicing ID physician in NJ for 32 years. Presently immediate past President of Medical staff at a local community hospital. Also chairwoman of social group WMC All women NJ province. Involved in social, cultural activities in the community, promoting youth programs, mentoring high school and college students interested in medicine. Gardening, travel , photography, painting are hobbies. Married to a Dentist and we have 2 grown sons.
Pulmonary Medicine, Orrington, Maine
Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology, Maryland
Associate Professor, Internal medicine and Endocrinology
Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada
Editor, AKMG Newsletter
Emergency Medicine
Aurora Medical Center, Summit. Wisconsin, 53018, USA
Internal medicine, Michigan
AKMG President 2016 - 2017
Pulmonary Medicine, Florida
AKMG President 2015 - 2016
Dr. Raji Menon has worn many hats throughout her career. After training as a general surgeon in India, the UK, and Canada, she transitioned to community palliative care in Eastern Ontario. But her passion for helping others didn't stop there. Raji says, "Coaching has allowed me to connect deeply with people from all walks of life." She became a Certified Professional Coach in 2010, graduating from the International Coach Academy (ICA), and later pursued a Master's in Yoga from Vivekananda University in LA. Her coaching approach is as varied as her experiences, blending medical expertise, yoga, and mindfulness to guide individuals toward their best selves.
Internal medicine, New York
AKMG President 2018 - 2019
President, AKMG Canada
Dr Krish Nair is Associate Professor, Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto. He is the Program Director for the Area of Focused Competence in Cardiac electrophysiology at the University of Toronto for its three accredited electrophysiology fellowship programs and the Fellowship Program Director for Cardiac Electrophysiology at the University Health Network.
Psychiatry
Live in Novi, Michigan, with wife, Deepa, who is an RN, and 2 daughters, Nikhita and Niharika. Born and raised in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Native of Irinjalakuda, Thrissur. Completed MBBS and MD Psychiatry from St John's Medical College, Bangalore. Immigrated to US, and Completed Psychiatry residency at St Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, MI; working as outpatient psychiatrist at private clinic and part time for St Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor. Enjoys movies, theater and music.
California
Cardiovascular Disease, TX
Ophthalmology, Ontario
General Dentist, NJ
Convention Co-Chair, Toronto 2022
Dr Vimoj J. Nair is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Radiation Oncology at the University of Ottawa; and a Clinician Investigator in the Cancer Therapeutics Program (CTP) at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI). He also has consulting privileges as the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. He specializes in use of high precision radiotherapy for brain tumors, gastrohepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers, hematologic and pediatric cancers.
He has a neuro-oncology fellowship from Tata Memorial Hospital, India, the largest cancer hospital in Asia and fellowship in Cyberknife (Robotic radiosurgery) and Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy from the University of Ottawa. In addition to a Diploma in Computer Applications, a Professional Diploma in Clinical Research (PDCR); he has also successfully completed his Masters in Clinical Trials from University of London, UK.
Dr Nair has a keen interest in innovative medical research as well as the use of advanced radiation techniques in radiation oncology. He is a part of the RealizeLab which performs research in Virtual Reality in medicine (https://www.tohmedphys.ca/realizeLAB/). He enjoys teaching residents; as well as involves in outreach programs to teach trainees in the developing world. A proud AKMG member for less than half a decade now, he enjoys working with the AKMG members and leadership towards the organizations' goals.
Pediatrics, Wisconsin
General Dentist, North Carolina
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, MI
Clinical Assistant Professor at University of Detroit Mercy, School of Dentistry from 2016-2022. Worked as Oral Surgeon at various hospitals in Singapore before starting academic career in the US. Passionate about Indian Classical dancing, and advocacy for women. Very active in social, cultural and community activities. Was Regional Chair of Women's wing of FOMAA (Federation of Malayalee Associations of Americas), Chairperson of Ladies wing of Singapore Malayalee Association, Founder and Faculty advisor of American Association for Women Dentists (AAWD) Detroit Chapter. Also, a sponsor at The Empower Foundation (TEF), empowering young girls to become successful and independent women through education. Married to Madhu Nair, an Electronics engineer and blessed with two kids- Kaushik Nair and Nilani Nair. Enjoys dancing, teaching dance, gardening, jewelry making, and cooking.
Family Medicine, Kentucky
Nephrology, Knoxville
Professor, Radiation Oncologists
Maternal Fetal Medicine, Nebraska
Dr Oormila Kovilam completed her under graduate and post graduate MD in OBGYN from Kasturba medical college and was selected as a teaching faculty at Manipal for few years before she came to USA. She did her Residency initially in internal medicine from Mt Sinai school of Medicine in NY and followed up with her Passion in serving under privileged and critically ill women and did another residency in OBGYN at George Town Washington DC and fellowship in Maternal fetal medicine at University of Cincinnati. This gave her platform to continue her service to critically ill women. She was at University of Cincinnati for 14 yrs where she was a part of NIH funded research in Diabetes in pregnancy, epilepsy in pregnancy and served as the director for the perinatal center. She has several publications and several awards. Of all the recognitions she has received for resident teaching and community service she considers the Hospital hero award as the one that has touched her the most receiving unanimous nomination from over 200 peers : the award reads : The go to person who sees projects through completion and the glue that holds the team together. She combines science, theory and her personal concerns in the care of her patients. The patients are comforted to know that they have 24 hr access to her expertise. She has taken teaching to a different level choosing to work with the students at the lowest percentile and guides them through.
With an intention in reducing maternal & fetal morbidity and mortality, she has also initiated the Novel program: Safe motherhood for all and gives counsel to many providers as well as patients. She is a
Maternal fetal medicine subspecialist by training and practice she also had the unique opportunity to do Fellowship work at Memorial Sloane Kettering in the GYN oncology department which has influenced her personally and has a personal interest in program for primary prevention of cancer and cancer in pregnancy. She is currently an Associate professor Maternal fetal medicine at the University of Illinois School of medicine, Champaign, Illinois.
