The Association of Indian Neurologists (AINA) had a special awards dinner held at the Sheraton Boston on Tuesday May 1, 2007.  The event was held in conjunction with the American Academy of Neurology convention that was held in Boston.  "Until recently AINA was mostly a social networking organization. Neurologists of Indian Origin who attended the AAN became part of AINA and we would have a dinner.  Many of the Neurologists in our group have been actively involved in education and charitable activities. Many members often visit India and work on collaborative research project" said Dr. Nayyar who is the founder president of AINA. 

At the event many neurologists were recognized for their contributions. Two famous Indian neurologists Dr.Jagjit Chopra and Dr. Bhim  Singhal were honored with lifetime achievement awards.  The director of the World Federation of Neurologists was also present at the event.  Stroke is the second major killer especially amongst women. Dr. Aneesh Singhal emphasized the need for education that could enable early intervention and thus prevent some forms of stroke.The organization is working hard to promote education in other countries as well. 

Prior to the event, Dr Aneesh Singhal spoke to Lokvani on AINA’s mission and the importance of this event.

Give us some history of AINA  ?

AINA ( Association of Indian Neurologists in America) started as a informal meeting of professionals in the late 1980’s and through the years has reinvented itself and grown into a professional organization with around 50 life members and more than 5000 annual members. Its mission is to provide a meeting of Indian Neurologists in the US with a few objectives

1. Recognize their contribution to  Neurology
2. Liaison with other professional societies.
3. Work with the World Federation of Neurology
4. Work with the Indian Academy of Neurology

This event focuses on the establishment of a Lifetime Achievement award? Can you explain how it all came about?

Yes. It has been a major achievment for AINA..AINA is donating $50,000 to the American Academy of Neurology. This was one of AINA’s major goals of setting up the ‘AINA Life-Time Achievement Award’ to be awarded every year through the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Foundation. The AAN Science Section will select the awardee from a list of 3 individuals proposed by the AINA Executive Committee.  The check for $50,000 towards establishment of this award will be presented to the leaders of the AAN Foundation at this year's AINA meeting.

Who wil be the special guest at this event ?

Theodor L. Munsat, MD, FAAN has kindly accepted to be this year's AINA guest of honor. Dr Munsat is renowned for his outstanding contributions to neurological education in India and for his leadership in organizations such as AAN and WFN.

Any other highlights for the day ?

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