The Indian American Medical Association Charitable Foundation (IAMACF) hosted its 31st Annual Fundraising Gala on April 26, 2025, in Elmhurst, Illinois, drawing over 300 physicians, medical students, and supporters in a shared mission to support the Seva Community Health Clinic, a vital lifeline for underserved populations.
Distinguished guests at the event included President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), Dr. Satheesh Kathula; President of Chinmaya Mission Chicago, Rajul Bhalala; Founding President of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), Sunil Shah; President of the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS), Dr. Piyush Vyas; Padma Shri recipient Dr. Bharat Barai; and Executive Medical Director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Dr. Arvind Goyal.
The evening featured a blend of cultural performances, moving speeches, and a nostalgic Bollywood musical segment, all celebrating IAMACF’s enduring mission to provide free, high-quality healthcare to those in need, according to a statement from Asian Media USA.
Chief Guest Dr. Preeti Malani, deputy editor of JAMA and Professor at the University of Michigan, praised the Seva Clinic after visiting the facility. Commending its “can-do attitude” and longitudinal care model—which saw 450 physician volunteer hours and 2,850 student volunteer hours in 2024—she noted, “Health is thriving in all aspects of life,” and encouraged continued support for IAMACF’s transformative work.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Dilip Shah, president of the Indian American Medical Association of Illinois (IAMA-IL), highlighted the clinic’s critical role since its inception in 1994. Quoting Mother Teresa, he reminded attendees, “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving,” as he rallied support to meet the gala’s $220,000 fundraising target.
During the semi-annual business meeting, IAMA-IL Secretary Dr. Rajeev Kumar introduced the 2025 Executive Committee and Board of Directors, provided a transparent financial overview, and facilitated nominations from general members. Dr. Raj Aurora and Dr. Amarjit Singh were elected as members-at-large for the Nominating Committee.
Newly elected Chairperson Dr. Samir Shah outlined ambitious goals for 2025, emphasizing the clinic’s growing impact – serving 1,287 patients in 2024, including 327 new patients, and dispensing 832 free prescriptions alongside 671 lab services.
Plans include expanding operations to five days a week by July 2025, increasing the medication formulary from 25 to 75 generic drugs, and enhancing specialized services in women’s health, ophthalmology, dermatology, podiatry, and mental health. Acknowledging the clinic’s partners, including Neelyx Labs, he stated, “Determination and commitment to excellence will drive our success.”
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Bharat Barai for his four-decade-long career in medicine and philanthropy. Sharing a personal story of his father borrowing money to treat his childhood malaria, Dr. Barai called IAMACF volunteers “the brightest stars shining for others.” He advocated for preventive and telemedicine approaches to expand global care. His wife, Dr. Panna Barai, was also recognized for her unwavering support.
Keynote speaker Dr. Nilay Shah, assistant professor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, presented findings from the MASALA study, which revealed that South Asians – while comprising 25 per cent of the global population – account for 60 per cent of heart disease cases, with heart attacks often occurring a decade earlier than in other populations.
His research emphasized hidden metabolic risks, even in individuals with normal weight, and called for early intervention. The MASALA team was honored with the Community Cardiovascular Research and Seva Award.
IAMACF also recognized Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Dr. Rohit Vasa, Dr. Marella Hanumadass, and Dr. Brij Malani for their leadership at the IAMA Charitable Clinic.
Several individual honors also were presented:
- Dr. Suneela Harsoor received the Leadership Award for her service as IAMACF Chairperson in 2023, a year in which the clinic earned the Gold Seal Award from NFCC.
- Dr. Sukanya Reddy was honored with the Volunteer Physician Award.
- Dr. Praveen Mehta was recognized for his selfless contributions as Medical Director of the clinic.
- The Numara Foundation and Neelyx Labs were acknowledged for their support, with Dr. Ram Saladi and Sham Saladi pledging free lab testing for all of 2025.
Dr. Harsoor concluded the evening with a heartfelt vote of thanks, recognizing dignitaries, sponsors, and media partners for their continued support of IAMACF’s mission.
