President Radhika Chimata Announces Continued Fundraising For IAMA. Lifetime Achievement Award For Samir Shah, MD
NAPERVILLE — Under the leadership of its President Dr Radhika Chimata, the Indian American Medical Association, Illinois (IAMA-IL) marked 44 years with a fundraising gala. It featured a cocktail reception, a vendor expo, an awards presentation, and musical performances.
Prominent Physicians were also honored at the gala that took place in Naperville. Honorees during the awards presentation included: Ashok Fulambarker, MD, recipient of the Distinguished Physician Award; Samir Shah, MD, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award; and Archana Chatterjee, MD, honored with the Dr. Usha Rani Nimmagadda Woman Physician Leadership Award. Rajeev Kumar, MD, Terence Chiramel, MD, and Utpal Parekh, MD, were acknowledged for their contributions to IAMA-IL and our communities.
Speaking at the occasion, President Radhika Chimata, MD shared her vision for the upcoming year as the Board of Directors chair. Her objectives include continuing significant fundraising initiatives, establishing a comprehensive database of physician mentors for medical trainees, and boosting IAMA-IL membership among second- and third-generation Americans.
Advocate Health CEO Dia Nichols provided the keynote speech and participated in a fireside discussion alongside President Chimata, Sreenivas Reddy, MD, and Shruti Nathan from Advocate Health. The conversation addressed contemporary challenges faced by physicians, including reimbursement rates.
“We express our gratitude to our Distinguished Guests, including Gerard Moorer Deputy Chief of Staff to Congressman Danny Davis, U.S. Representative from Illinois's 7th Congressional District, Tara Stamps, Cook County Board Commissioner for the 1st District, and Harry Benton, Illinois House Representative for District 97,” Dr Radhika said.
The Ghungroo Bollywood dance troupe captivated the audience with their elegant performances and stunning attire. We appreciate the talent of director Sridevi Pandalai. Biju Zacharia’s artistic vision shone through the gorgeous audio-visual presentation, which complemented the eloquent emceeing by Shana Mohan perfectly. During dinner, Radhika delivered an incredible unplugged performance, accompanied by guitarist Vikas Deo, and concluded the event with an electrifying concert supported by Orchestra Saregama.
Before the entertainment got everyone dancing the night away, IAMA welcomed their new President, Dr. Dilip Shah, and the 2025 executive committee as they assumed their roles for IAMA-IL’s 45th year.
Other guests who attended included: Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congressman representing 8th IL District; and Somnath Ghosh, India’s Chicago based diplomat.
The Sponors included: Grand Sponsor, Wealth Planning Network of Oak Brook; Gold Sponsors Orchard Corporation and Neelyx; and Sponors Krisha Dalal’s Tanishq of Naperville.
The Indian American Medical Association, Illinois is a non-profit organization comprised of Illinois physicians, fellows, residents, and medical students of Indian origin who are committed to professional excellence and quality patient care.