APPNA NORTH EAST OHIO (NEO)

​Dear APPNA-NEO Members and Friends, As I reflect on the journey of APPNA-NEO, I am filled with immense pride and excitement for what we’ve achieved and what lies ahead. Becoming the newest chapter of APPNA was not just a formality—it marked the beginning of a new era for us, one that solidifies our role in advancing health, education, and community service in North East Ohio. This year, we’ve embraced our responsibility to make a meaningful impact in the community, expanding our efforts through collaboration with local public health departments. These partnerships have enabled us to tackle some of the most pressing public health challenges, such as smoking cessation, mental health awareness, and chronic disease prevention. By working directly with community leaders and healthcare providers, we are creating a deeper understanding of healthcare barriers and implementing solutions that improve health outcomes across the region. One of our most significant initiatives has been our smoking cessation program, in collaboration with Dr. Margolius. We have secured two dedicated APPNA-NEO members who will soon be certified as group facilitators, allowing them to lead smoking cessation classes that will benefit many in our community. As we secure grant funding to expand this initiative, it reflects our belief that prevention through education and support is key to reducing preventable diseases and improving public health. Our virtual mentorship seminars have also been a great success, helping medical students navigate their careers during challenging times. We’ve focused on providing guidance to residency applicants and creating elective opportunities for international medical students from Pakistan, opening pathways for their professional development in the United States. These efforts, along with our partnerships with institutions like Cleveland Clinic, highlight our commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our collective achievements culminated in the celebration of APPNA-NEO’s official chapter registration during our inaugural gala, which brought together over 200 physicians, their families, and distinguished guests. The event featured chief guest Ansir Junaid, honorable guest Tariq Karim, Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago, and keynote speaker Shammas Malik, the youngest mayor of Akron. Their powerful messages about leadership and community engagement resonated deeply with us all. The gala also included an impressive Continuing Medical Education (CME) program, covering 11 medical disciplines, from Oncology to Pediatric Cardiology, and provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing among physicians. The evening was brought to life with a performance by Bilal Khan, yet the true highlight remained the inspiring words from Mayor Shammas Malik, which reminded us of our shared mission to lead through service and community involvement. As we continue to build on these successes, I am particularly proud of our public health initiatives. Our collaboration with public health departments has been pivotal in bridging gaps in healthcare access and empowering our community with education and resources. Through efforts like our smoking cessation program, we’re not just treating health issues—we’re working to prevent them by fostering healthier lifestyles and environments for the people we serve. Looking ahead to 2025, our theme, "Future Forward: Leading Through Innovation," encapsulates our vision for APPNA-NEO: to lead the charge in healthcare innovation, not just by embracing new technologies, but by working together to address the real needs of our community. I am confident that by continuing to strengthen these bonds, we will create a lasting impact that goes beyond medicine and into the heart of community leadership and service. I encourage you all to take part in the exciting initiatives and events we have planned in the coming months. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more vibrant APPNA-NEO, ensuring that we remain a force for progress and unity in the world of healthcare and beyond. Thank you for your trust, your dedication, and your continued support. Warm regards, Fawad Taj, MD President, APPNA-NEO