IMA-AAPI MoU to open US training, research opportunities for over 900 Indian medical students

Ahmedabad: Over 900 Indian medical students will get a chance to work with US-based medical facilities and doctors as the Indian Medical Association (IMA) will reportedly sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) to boost education and research collaboration.

According to TOI report, the memorandum of understanding (MoU) will reportedly be signed today during IMA’s 100th All-India Medical Conference, NATCON. The agreement aims to create opportunities for Indian medical students to train, learn and conduct research with medical institutions and professionals in the United States.

The programme will leverage AAPI's extensive network to provide Indian medical students with letters of recommendation and internship opportunities. Gujarat is expected to be a primary beneficiary, with approximately 200 students to be sent to the US, which has a significant presence of Indian-origin medical professionals.

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The MoU will be signed by Dr Amit Chakrabarty, President of AAPI, and Dr Anil Nayak, President-elect of IMA. The conference, which began with pre-events on Friday, has attracted participation of delegates from across the country and is expected to see participation from nearly 5,000 doctors and healthcare professionals over the weekend. The event will also witness the installation of new leadership teams at IMA and IMA Gujarat.

Explaining the initiative, Dr Urvish Patel, director of Research Update, an organisation coordinating the medical collaboration, told TOI, "The initiative, in its early stages, began in 2019 but is now taking a more formal shape. The idea is to formalise the process of sending skilled medical professionals to the US and work closely with the medical fraternity for residency, guidance on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), visa process, and opportunities for joint research and development."

He further added, "The extensive network of AAPI will help the Indian medical students with letters of recommendation and internship opportunities. Awareness campaigns will be conducted by IMA and partner organisations to facilitate the same. The professionals will help Indian students with mentorship, career development, collaborative research, and journal publication, among others."

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