‘Have inspired other women to get into healthcare’ says Indian-American physician on receiving AIA award

New York-based Dr Rekha Bhandari was speaking on the sidelines of the annual fundraising gala organized by the Association of Indians in America.

All the awardees at the event held in New York. / New India Abroad

Indian-American geriatric medicine specialist Dr Rekha Bhandari said she is “humbled” after receiving the Association of Indians in America (AIA) Excellence Award for her contributions to the field of healthcare entrepreneurship. Dr Bhandari received the AIA Excellence in Healthcare Administration Award at an annual fundraising gala held on June.2 at Leonard’s Palazzo Exquisite Banquet Hall in New York.

“Today where I stand, I can leave behind a signature break, I've broken the ceiling and left a trailblazer path for other women to follow me and get inspired in the healthcare field,” she said.

“I’m honestly honored and humbled to receive this award from AIA, New York Chapter, one of the oldest organizations for the Indian community founded around 1968. And many of their previous recipients have been Nobel laureates. It gives me immense pleasure to be part of this organization, being honored for my healthcare entrepreneurship,” she added.

Bhandari receiving her award. / New India Abroad

Bhandari, with extensive experience in internal medicine, geriatrics, and palliative medicine, has significantly contributed to healthcare through leadership roles in academia and as the founder of Infinite Medical Management Company and Renew Wound Care Company.

During an interaction with New India Abroad, Dr Bhandari said that since many Indian-Americans in the US are crossing the age of 65, there is a need to establish a healthcare ecosystem.

“We need to develop a support system to help our seniors age with dignity and quality,” she shared.

Previously, Dr Bhandari was honored with the esteemed 2016 Ellis Island Medal of Honor, bestowed by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO). The Ellis Island Medal of Honor has been presented since the inception of NECO in 1986, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to society, embodying the spirit of America's diverse cultural heritage.

The June.2 gala was organized by the New York Chapter of the Association of Indians in America (AIA), and was attended by many dignitaries.

Other awardees at the event include SN Sridhar, who was bestowed with the Excellence in Literature, Linguistics and India Studies Award. Naveen C Shah was awarded the Entrepreneur par Excellence Award, Vishal Kapur was given the Excellence in Cardiology-Vascular & Endovascular Medicine Award and Raman Sharma was awarded the Special Young Physician Award.

Chuck Schumer and other awardees at the gala. / New India Abroad

Jagdish Gupta, the president of AIA, emphasized that the proceeds of the fundraiser will go to a new project founded by AIA – educational support for underprivileged Indian-American students in New York.

“Not only do we have to help people in India get an education, we need to start doing that for the Indian-American community in the US,” Gupta said at the event. “I hope that the AIA will find the opportunity to empower every student to achieve their educational potential and dreams.”

The event attracted attendees from across the New York tri-state area, as well as from upstate New York and neighboring states. The distinguished guest of honor for the award ceremony was Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.