Good evening, everyone,
Standing before you tonight as President of AKMG is a tremendous honor and I am humbled to assume this role. More than four decades ago, a small group of visionary physicians came together and created AKMG—the first organized association of Indian physicians in North America. What they created became much more than a professional organization. They created a family. Tonight, I want to remember those pioneers and thank every president, leader, volunteer, and member who has carried their vision forward. I especially want to thank our outgoing President, Dr. Elizabeth Mammen Prasad, and her team for their dedication and leadership.
As I begin this journey, my goal is not to change what AKMG is, but to build upon the foundation created by those who came before us—and prepare AKMG for the generations that will follow. AKMG must be a place where every member feels that they belong—our senior members, our younger physicians, our colleagues in the United States and Canada, and the next generation of Kerala medical graduates. We are here because of our members. My commitment is to provide transparent and accessible leadership—to listen, to welcome new ideas, and to work together.
I also want to strengthen the philanthropic heart of AKMG. We have been fortunate in our lives and careers, and I believe we have a responsibility to give back. Mentorship is especially close to my heart. I have personally seen how mentorship can change the life of a young international medical graduate. My dream is simple: the young physicians we mentor today should return tomorrow—not as mentees, but as mentors. That is how we build a legacy. We must also strengthen Young AKMG and give our next generation a meaningful place in this organization through mentorship, innovative CME, professional networking, and cultural activities. And through all of this, we should never forget what makes AKMG special.
AKMG is not simply an organization.
It is friendship.
It is mentorship.
It is service.
It is our culture.
And above all, it is family.
Next year, I look forward to welcoming this family to Niagara Falls for our 48th Annual AKMG Convention, July 1–4, 2027, where AKMG USA and AKMG Canada will come together to create something truly memorable. Finally, thank you to my family, our Board of Governors, our Executive Committee, and every AKMG member for placing your trust in me. Tonight, I accept this gavel knowing that it does not belong to me. It belongs to AKMG. Standing on the shoulders of those who built this great organization, let us move forward together—united in purpose, grateful for our past, and excited about our future.
Thank you, and God bless our AKMG family.
Thomas Rajan MD
President, AKMG