Dear friends,

I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve as your next AKMG president. Even though we started as a very small alumni organization, we have successfully crossed several milestones. The "Archives of AKMG" was created to cherish those milestones and preserve our history. Yes I understand I am taking the responsibility to travel the path of pioneers. Although a tough act to follow, I promise to do my very best in taking this organization to the next level.

AKMG is at a crossroads… The participation by senior members is decreasing, and the registration of new members is declining. It is time for us to refocus and rethink about our mission and create new paths to stay strong. But, it is a tough road ahead. "FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION, BUT SUCCESS IS NOT GUARANTEED EITHER". But I know I am not alone in this. Like the renowned poet Maya Angelou said, 'I COME AS ONE, BUT I STAND here AS 10,000 TO THE 10TH POWER!!' Support me to rebuild and strengthen this organization, which is close to our hearts. Let's do it together.

We need CHANGE….Business as usual doesn't work anymore! It's not just about conventions anymore. Times have changed….. And AKMG must change along with them. We have to cherish the past, enjoy the present, but think about the future. With that in mind I have been reaching out to our past presidents, to learn from their experiences and get their advice in moving forward with CHANGE. I felt humbled speaking with our first president, Dr. Gokulanathan and had discussions with several past presidents since then. I hope to speak to every one of them very soon.

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world" said Nelson Mandela. I would like to strongly endorse the continuation of our efforts with the Kerala Educational Initiative with KUHS. We need to be mentors to our younger generation, here in the US, as well as in Kerala. Some of the ideas under consideration are an AKMG Mentorship Program and Scholarships for aspiring students. Additionally, Poster Presentations during our conventions will enable residents and medical students to present scientific papers. I have also created a task force of medical students and residents under the leadership of one of our residents, Dr. Tracy Paul. The time to transition our leadership to the very able hands of the vibrant next generation has come. This is crucial to our existence and growth.

CHANGE in this day and age cannot be expected without embracing technology. This will not only decrease costs but also improve efficiency. The digital directory has been one of those initiatives, but it cannot be completed without your help. Please go to our website and update your information. Soon a new website will be up and running and the entire membership process will be online and paperless.

Another CHANGE I would like to see is to strengthen AKMG by growing at the grass roots level, by making our local chapters more independent. Yet, we also need to closely work with our umbrella organization AAPI here, and build a better relationship with organizations in India like the IMA and other alumni organizations in Kerala.

As WINSTON CHURCHILL SAID "we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Humanitarian efforts supported by AKMG-HS are very important to AKMG. I would like to thank Dr. Prem Menon for his leadership. The limiting factor is funds, of course. I sincerely request each and every AKMG member to actively donate to AKMG- HS. We must think of ways to generate funds for AKMG-HS independent of conventions as well. It's time for us to expand our efforts to help the people in need.

Now, at this time as the President of AKMG, let me invite you all to attend the 37th Annual Convention at the tropical paradise, Miami Beach. Please save the dates, it will be from July 14-16, 2016. Along with my Convention Chair Dr. Usha Mohandas and the fantastic Florida chapter, we have already started working on creating an amazing convention that you wouldn't want to miss. So see you all in Miami Beach!

I want to take this opportunity to thank all great leaders of this organization, all volunteers and thank all of you for participating. Finally…. I want to thank my lovely wife Dr. Vandana Kumar for her unflinching support in all my endeavors; and our two children Shari and Neil.

Friends, Change is always difficult… but together we can do it! I thank you again for considering me worthy enough to lead our organization.

Thanks,
Sunil Kumar, MD 
AKMG President 2015-2016
Fort Lauderdale, Florida