Most of the physicians who had signed up for the conference attended despite the recent Mumbai tragedy [the terrorist attacks occurred in late November]. Twenty-two physicians were awarded certificates for six hours of Category I continuing medical education credits through my office at Bournewood Hospital. Their evaluations of the event gave an average approval rating of 4.85 on a scale of 1 to 5.

I moderated the two sessions and lectured on “Impaired Medical Students and Physicians.” The other speakers included Rajendra Seth, M.D., internist from Pennsylvania, who spoke on “Hypertension” and “Cardio Metabolic Syndrome;” Professor Atul Bhatnager, D.D.S., an orthodontist from Luknow, India, who presented on “Post-Operative Rehabilitation in Maxillo Facial Surgical Procedures;” and Sivaprasad Madduri, M.D., a urologist from Missouri who spoke on “Andropause – Male Hypogonadism – Fact or Fiction” and on “The Irritable Bladder.”

We stayed in Goa four nights at the Hotel De Cidade, which is situated on the Vainguinim Beach. All the participants agreed that the resort was superb. The all-inclusive amenities included meals, spa, pool and beach, and were befitting of a world-class resort. During the day, temperatures reached 90 degrees. The evenings were cooler with a gentle breeze. The conference facility was conducive for formal power point presentations, coupled with opportunities for relaxation and socialization.

Located on the West Coast of South India along the Arabian ocean, Goa is a visitor’s paradise and all of us had the chance to sightsee and learn more about its long and interesting history. Goa had Hindu and Muslim rulers but was actually settled by the Portuguese in 1510 to further the spice trade and spread Christianity. Goa’s harbor and wide rivers were felt to be ideal for their ships. In 1961, India reclaimed its territory, but even now Roman Catholicism remains the predominant religion, with a number of world-famous churches located in the area and skirts outnumbering saris.

To get better acquainted with the area and its scenic points of interest, we had bus tours arranged to some of the most popular local attractions. Panaji, the capital of Goa and the smallest of all state capitals in India, was a pleasant city in which to wander around and bargain for souvenirs. Old Goa was more historical. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, which was built in 1605 and houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier, and the Se Cathedral, supposedly the largest church in Asia, were some of the highlights from a tourist perspective. Other sights we admired included the Hindu Mangueshi Temple, with its well-preserved white tower, and Fort Arguada on the coast, which conveyed the past need for fortification against other European predators.

In addition to exploring Goa’s illustrious past, we also enjoyed the Goa of today, which is renowned for its superb, sandy beaches and the warm ocean waters. In fact, it has become a major attraction for Europeans and Russians fleeing from dark, cold winters. Some of the tourists are backpackers and stay in bed-and-breakfast spots, while others (such as a certain group of doctors from the United States!) prefer to stay in five-star hotels.

But regardless of the accommodation choices, one of the high points of the season is Goa’s grand New Year’s Eve celebration. I have to admit this celebration, along with the chance to get to know the various speakers and other event attendees and their spouses – especially Dr. Sanku Rao, president of AAPI, and his wife Rohini – was the highlight of the trip for me, as well. The outdoor New Year’s Eve dinner at the hotel had several hundred attendees, some who were staying there, while others came from surrounding lodgings to enjoy the incredible variety and quantity of food offered. The music, orchestra and dance floor truly made the night a fantastic finale to our trip.

Following my return to the United States, I received several e-mails from attendees that were highly complimentary of the medical conference. Now I really look forward to seeing several AAPI members at the governing body meeting in April in Boston and at the annual meeting in Orlando, Fla., in June.

Nasir. A. Khan, M.D.
President
Indian Medical Association of New England