Several hundred doctors are expected to take part in a biannual medical conference Saturday featuring lectures from prominent physicians and concluding with a festive banquet.
The BIMDA, Brevard Indo-American Medical and Dental Association, conference will be at the Melbourne Rialto Place.
“Members just can’t wait for this,” said Glad Kurian, co-founder of the nonprofit group. “Most people you tell about a medical conference they just start yawning, but not this one. It’s in very high demand from the members. It seems to hit all the right points.”
Open and free of charge to all physicians, the conference includes lectures from experts in various fields including heart surgery, and understanding hyponatremia, a metabolic condition in which there is not enough sodium in the body.
All three local hospital networks — Health First, Wuesthoff and Parrish Medical Center — jointly sponsor the BIMDA conference.
The daylong event is capped off with a celebratory banquet and dinner. The keynote speaker at the evening event will be Dr. George Thomas, chairman of the Florida Board of Medicine.
About 400 people are expected to attend the banquet, which is open to spouses and includes a Kids Club for children. Dinner will be served, and entertainment will be provided by Asian Cultural Association of Orlando and includes a Kathak North Indian dance performance and the Bhangra dance team.
Dress for the banquet is business or traditional Indian attire.
“This conference is the perfect combination of business and pleasure,” Kurian said.
This is the ninth conference BIMDA has held. They take place twice a year. Nationally known speakers from all over usually travel to speak at the conference.
This year, they include two well-known heart surgeons from Columbia University Division of Cardiology and Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach.
“There will be recent state-of-the-art technology presented and (physicians) will be made aware of new techniques in the medical field that they can implement,” said Dr. Mahesh Soni, an Indian Harbour Beach pediatrician and one of the founders of BIMDA.
Dr. Prakash Reddy, a pulmonary, sleep and critical care physician with MIMA and president of BIMDA, said the event is beneficial to doctors for many reasons.
“It includes physician development and professional networking, allowing us to connect with major hospitals, groups, specialties, BCMS, FMA, AAPI and other medical nonprofit groups,” Reddy said. “In addition to all of these services BIMDA also supports cultural social and community service and charitable giving to various organizations.”
BIMDA was formed in 1996 and serves as a model for other medical organizations around the state.
Spitzer can be reached at 321-242-3722 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
BIMDA rising fast as a Leading AAPI Chapter in Florida
Page 44, Summer 2011 Edition, AAPI National Journal
AAPI’s vision for strength in all places big and small, is evidenced with BIMDA’s meteoric rise in a small town called Melbourne, FL. The 1997 AAPI Convention in Orlando was the motivation to form this Chapter, to uphold AAPI values and to grow the member base of a strong Indian Physician population.
BIMDA is the vision of two unique individuals: Dr. Mahesh Soni, Pediatrician and Glad Kurian,Senior Consultant with Morgan Stanley. Since the past 17 years, the two have built up an organization that has flourished each year with changing leadership of new Presidents and Committee Members. Dr. Prakash Reddy, current President of BIMDA, manages the group with help from Glad Kurian, Honorary Executive Director.
At the recent Medical Expo Gala held on April 30, Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar [AAPI Treasurer] along with Dr. MPR Nathan [AAPI Journal Editor-in-Chief], attended the dinner as special guests. In attendance was the Florida leadership: Dr. Sanjiv Kapil, President of CAPI, Orlando; Dr. Vraj Panara and Dr. Mahendra Shah, Past Presidents, CAPI; Dr. Humayun Shareef, President of TIPS of Florida; Dr. Asha Gupta, President, IPOF; and Dr. Aravind Pillai, National President, AKMG. The daytime CME conference hosted diverse speakers on topics related to: Cancer Research, Radiology, Domestic Violence, Vascular Disease, COPD, ACO and Healthcare Reform. Keynote Speaker for the evening was Dr. Nagi Kumar, Senior Research Professor with USF and Moffitt Cancer Center. A good part of the evening was devoted to introducing several charitable organizations on stage and awarding them each a generous check on behalf of BIMDA. Recipients included a dozen worthy organizations from diverse segments of society.
BIMDA holds AAPI as its national affiliate and has partnered with all major healthcare players. There is no place in this town where an Indian Physician is not recognized as a member of the prestigious “BIMDA” group. Dr. Glen Bryan, renowned State Leader and former President of the FMA, chimes “BIMDA is a fabulous group! They are doing all the right things to stay relevant in a field that is fast diminishing the role of the physician as an independent provider of healthcare. We need more groups like BIMDA to bring us together as physicians, to have one voice in medicine! We need BIMDA and all similar groups to protect our profession as Doctors of Medicine!”
>> Click here << to download the entire Summer Edition of AAPI Journal 2011
AAPI’s vision for strength in all places big and small, is evidenced with BIMDA’s meteoric rise in a small town called Melbourne, FL. The 1997 AAPI Convention in Orlando was the motivation to form this Chapter, to uphold AAPI values and to grow the member base of a strong Indian Physician population. BIMDA is the vision of two unique individuals: Dr. Mahesh Soni, Pediatrician and Glad Kurian, Senior Consultant with Morgan Stanley. Since the past 17 years, the two have built up an organization that has flourished each year with changing leadership of new Presidents and Committee Members. Dr. Prakash Reddy, current President of BIMDA, manages the group with help from Glad Kurian, Honorary Executive Director. At the recent Medical Expo Gala held on April 30, Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar [AAPI Treasurer] along with Dr. MPR Nathan [AAPI Journal Editor-in-Chief], attended the dinner as special guests. In attendance was the Florida leadership: Dr. Sanjiv Kapil, President of CAPI, Orlando; Dr. Vraj Panara and Dr. Mahendra Shah, Past Presidents, CAPI; Dr. Humayun Shareef, President of TIPS of Florida; Dr. Asha Gupta, President, IPOF; and Dr. Aravind Pillai, National President, AKMG. The daytime CME conference hosted diverse speakers on topics related to: Cancer Research, Radiology, Domestic Violence, Vascular Disease, COPD, ACO and Healthcare Reform. Keynote Speaker for the evening was Dr. Nagi Kumar, Senior Research Professor with USF and Moffitt Cancer Center. A good part of the evening was devoted to introducing several charitable organizations on stage and awarding them each a generous check on behalf of BIMDA. Recipients included a dozen worthy organizations from diverse segments of society. BIMDA holds AAPI as its national affiliate and has partnered with all major healthcare players. There is no place in this town where an Indian Physician is not recognized as a member of the prestigious “BIMDA” group. Dr. Glen Bryan, renowned State Leader and former President of the FMA, chimes “BIMDA is a fabulous group! They are doing all the right things to stay relevant in a field that is fast diminishing the role of the physician as an independent provider of healthcare. We need more groups like BIMDA to bring us together as physicians, to have one voice in medicine! We need BIMDA and all similar groups to protect our profession as Doctors of Medicine!” For more information on BIMDA, please visit www. bimda.com
Vol. 29 No. 7 February 14, 2011 A Weekly Space Coast Business Magazine
BIMDA is fast emerging as a leading nonprofit in state; future looks bright
By Ken Datzman COCOA VILLAGE — Many charitable organizations around the nation are just getting by in a slow–rebounding economy that has forced businesses to thin their ranks and make tough decisions to help ensure their future. The once–booming nonprofit sector has felt the impact of these cutbacks. It has even caused a growing number of charitable entities to close their doors altogether after years of service in their communities. But there are success stories as well in today’s highly competitive nonprofit and association arena. And one of them is locally based Brevard Indo–American Medical and Dental Association, or BIMDA. It is one of 1,500 charitable organizations of all sizes in Brevard. The 15–year–old nonprofit association continues to grow its membership and to have a wide impact in charitable giving not only in Brevard but also regionally, nationally, and internationally. “Our goal is to continue to expand so we can reach out and help more people,” said Dr. Prakash Reddy, president of the organization and chairman of it’s ninth annual BIMDA Medical Expo and Symposium, set for April 30 at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place. “BIMDA has a long track record and we’re proud of our accomplishments. We’re well–positioned for the future.” BIMDA committee members, many of whom are small–business operators, recently gathered at a restaurant here to plan for their Medical Expo and Symposium, one of two events the organization puts on yearly. BIMDA’s support for these events has been consistently solid, year after year, attracting medical professionals, businesses, hospitals, and other interested parties. “We are doing well in this tough economy, and I think we will continue to do well in the years ahead,” said Dr. Ashok Shah, who has been one of the core leaders of BIMDA and is an internist affiliated with Parrish Medical Center in Titusville. “This is a great organization to be part of. I have seen it grow.”
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
The Brevard Indo–American Medical and Dental Association will host its ninth annual Medical Expo and Symposium April 30 at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place. From left, the group includes: Glad Kurian, BIMDA co–founder and honorary executive director; Dr. Gobivenkata Balaji, president–elect; Dr. Ravi Shanker, secretary; and Dr. Prakash Reddy, president.
Dr. Shah is the sponsorship chairman for the 2011 Expo. He said BIMDA through the years has been able to expand and diversify its event–sponsorship base, “where we do not have to solely depend on one particular vendorsegment. That’s a sign of a maturing organization.” BIMDA, said MIMA’s Dr. Reddy, “was one of the first organizations of its kind in the state of Florida.” He added, “We have really evolved and today BIMDA’s agenda also includes supporting and working with area educational organizations, including Brevard Community College and the Florida Institute of Technology, as well as the Brevard Symphony Orchestra and United Way.” BIMDA is comprised of about 200 members, of whom 150 are lifetime members. Many of the doctors are of Indian origin, “but we have welcomed other physicians and dentists to join the group and it has helped us in many ways to better organize and come under one roof as we pursue our mission,” said Dr. Abdul Karim, a Rockledge cardiologist and a former BIMDA president. Internal–medicine practitioner Dr. Sue Mitra, who was BIMDA’s president in 2009, said she thinks the association has the “potential to double in size because it has truly grown by leaps and bounds. The growth curve has been pretty impressive, so a doubling in membership is certainly possible in the future. I think BIMDA is a very promising organization.” She recently opened her practice at a new location at Imperial Plaza on North Wickham Road in Suntree. Palm Bay dentist Subhash Rege said BIMDA is “growing faster than it had expected. We’re poised for future growth.” BIMDA has come a long way since its founding, added Dr. Rao Kopuri, an orthodontist with offices in Melbourne and Merritt Island. “It started with about 10 members. Now, look where we are. I see a very bright future for the organization. We intend to do a lot of charity work.” Longtime area ophthalmologist Dr. Mukesh Aggarwal says BIMDA “is a role model for other such groups in the state. In the future, we want to be a much larger organization. We are inviting doctors of all ethnic backgrounds and cultures to join us as we embark on charitable missions.” A past president of BIMDA, Dr. Aggarwal was one of the early physicians on the Space Coast to journey overseas on medical missions. Recently, from Dec. 25 to Dec. 29, he was in northern India running a medical– surgical camp. Dr. Aggarwal said he worked alongside two other ophthalmologists at a hospital there when north India was experiencing a severe cold wave. “We saw about 600 patients for eye problems and did 71 surgeries. It was a big success, a lot of work in just fourdays,” said Dr. Aggarwal. He says he has performed 2,000 cataract surgeries in various countries on his medical missions over the years. Eleven years ago, he and other volunteers started a small clinic in a church in northern India. Today, their humble venture has grown into a 150–bed hospital staffed by six full–time doctors and about 100 health–care professionals. The facility includes a 24–hour emergency room, Dr. Aggarwal said. “I am really proud of the fact BIMDA does a lot of charity work not only locally but also internationally. These are our roots,” he said. The BIMDA doctors are known for their philanthropy, in the community and elsewhere. For example, cardiologist Dr. Ravi Palaniyandi, a past president of BIMDA, and his wife Ambika donated $1 million to Wuesthoff Brevard Hospice and Palliative Care to build the Dr. Jey Pillai Center for Hospice Care at Wasdin Woods in Rockledge. “Their kindness and generosity is so typical of the BIMDA membership, who believe that to whom much is given, much is expected,” said Dr. Homi Cooper, who practices occupational medicine in Melbourne and is a longtime BIMDA member. The gift was given in memory of Dr. Palaniyandi’s late brother, Dr. Jey Pillai. The facility recently hosted a grand opening for the community. BIMDA was founded by area pediatrician Mahesh Soni and Glad Kurian, a Florida Tech M.B.A. graduate who serves as its honorary executive director. The two visionaries, Dr. Soni and Kurian, and other members of the association, have worked hard to keep BIMDA on a constant path of evolution. “We started with just a few doctors who gathered informally to talk about educational activities and charitable activities, in the early 1990s,” said Dr. Soni, founding president. “Then we decided in 1996 to make it a formal organization. It has since become a very important tool for physicians and dentists in the county.” Kurian says BIMDA today “has emerged as a leading nonprofit organization not only in Brevard but also in Central Florida and the state of Florida. It successfully networks with other medical associations across the state, from Jacksonville to Orlando to Fort Lauderdale.” Kurian, a senior investment consultant with Morgan Stanley’s Windermere office in greater Orlando, is the common executive director for a number of these groups. He once led five of them. “One of the things BIMDA does very successfully is collaborate with other medical associations,” Kurian said,“such as the American Black Cardiology Association. A few years back, we did a program with them and we are looking to team up with ABCA again in the future.” Kurian said BIMDA has hosted dignitaries from the Florida Medical Association, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, and other statewide and national organizations. BIMDA also works closely with the Brevard County Medical Society and the three hospital systems in the region, as well as the new Kindred Hospital in Melbourne. “We recently hosted an event and it was the first time we had representatives from all the hospitals in the county under one roof. We’re proud of that. It shows that BIMDA can unite the forces,” said Naren Shah, Expo co–chair of operations and president of Infinity Software Inc. in Satellite Beach. Shah is a SCORE volunteer in the community, too. At BIMDA’s last annual meeting, the guest speaker was Dr. Navin Nanda, a nationally and internationally renowned cardiologist. “We were very pleased to have hosted Dr. Nanda. He was the speaker for BIMDA’s continuing medical education program, which is well– attended every year by area physicians,” said Dr. Jay Patel, immediate past president of BIMDA. Dr. Nanda is professor of medicine and director of the Heart Station/Echocardiography Laboratories at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He was selected by the American College of Cardiology to receive one of its distinguished honors, the 2010 International Service Award. The award is given “for outstanding contributions to cardiovascular medicine and science and for significantly enhancing cardiovascular care throughout the world.” “Dr. Nanda’s appearance for our CME meeting was a milestone for BIMDA,” said Dr. Gobivenkata Balaji, president–elect of BIMDA. “Continuing education for BIMDA members is a big focus of our organization.” Continuing medical–education units for physicians will be offered free of charge at the April 30 Expo. “We are in the process of getting commitments for various speakers for the Expo’s CME program,” said Dr. Bhasker Patel. “We always have a panel of excellent speakers.” The committee is also in the process of recruiting its featured speaker for the main event. The conference is from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with registration set for 7:30 a.m. The event also includes a banquet following the conference. For more information on exhibitor space and sponsorship details for the ninth annual Medical Expo and Symposium, visit BIMDA.com.
Vol. 29 No. 7 February 14, 2011 A Weekly Space Coast Business Magazine
February 9, 2011 · >> click here << for story By SPACECOASTMEDICINE.COM
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA (Feb. 9, 2011) – Over the last 15 years the Brevard Indian Medical and Dental Association (BIMDA) has become one of the leading organizations of its kind in Central Florida.
The medical society was formed in 1996 by Dr. Mahesh Soni and Glad Kurian who shared a love of music and a vision for a networking medical society.
Kurian, the Executive Director and impresario of BIMDA, welcomes Brevard County’s medical and business community to attend BIMDA’s many events.
“We put a lot of time and effort into our BIMDA programs and events and are honored to have such a diverse group of people that attend our functions,” said Kurian. “We feel a part of this community and we will continue to grow and improve our organization.”
In the early years, Kurian’s enthusiasm for helping BIMDA grow was fueled by attending the 1997 AAPI Convention in Orlando.
BIMDA 2011 LEADERSHIP TEAM: Left to right seated: Dr. Homi Cooper, Dr. Mahesh Soni, Dr. Sudeshna Mitra, Dr. N. Rao Kopuri, Dr. Subhash Rege. Standing: Glad Kurian, Dr. Ashok Shah, Dr. Jashbhai Patel, Current BIMDA President Dr. Prakash Reddy, Dr. Gobi Balaji, Naren Shah, Dr. Abdul Karim. Not Present: Dr. Ravi Shankar, Secretary; Dr. Mukesh Aggarwal, Past President; and Dr. Manhar Shah, Engineering Services.
In 1999, Dr. Soni became the first President of BIMDA. Between 1996 and 1999, Glad Kurian and Dr. Soni traveled extensively throughout Florida to network with other medical associations. That created a constant exchange of networking visitors between Tampa, Orlando, Ocala, Port St. Lucie, Ft. Lauderdale and Melbourne – and allowed BIMDA to lead the way for such organizations in Florida.
In 2001, Dr. Kiran Modi, a cardiologist from Titusville, Florida, served as president, followed by Dr. Nikhita Dhruv, an Endocrinologist with Medical Associates of Brevard, who served as President in 2001.
In 2002, BIMDA hosted its first medical expo at the Radisson at the Port, an idea which was hatched from a trip made by Kurian to a medical expo in Ocala, and became reality after much support and encouragement from Dr Soni, Dr. Mukesh Aggarwal and Dr. Kantilal Bhalani.
In 2003, BIMDA continued to strengthen its regional impact by playing a pivotal role in the organization and support of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin convention in Orlando. Dr. Aggarwal served as the BIMDA president in 2003 (as well as a co-chair for the AAPI Convention) and Kurian handled the public relations for the convention. Dr. Aggarwal’s involvement in BIMDA was key to the growth of the society as his office staff served as the backbone of BIMDA’s administration from 2002 until the end of 2004.
In 2004, Dr. Homi Cooper became president, and led the organization as it received national notoriety for its impressive body of work.
In 2005, Dr. Abdul Karim, a cardiologist from Rockledge, became president of BIMDA, and the organization successfully raised significant funds for local charities.
In 2006, Dr. Ashok Shah, an Internist from Titusville, became president of BIMDA, and the organization had significant growth in support from a diverse group of pharmaceutical and medical service companies.
In 2007, BIMDA hosted the UCF Medical School Dean, Deborah German, on her first visit to Melbourne, and Dr. Ravi Palaniyandi, a cardiologist from Port St. John, became the President of the organization.
In 2008, Dr. Sumant Pandya, the director of pathology for Wuesthoff, became the BIMDA President. The annual BIMDA gala at the Hilton that year will be best remembered for something that Dr. Pandya introduced for entertainment – a full marching Irish Band in Grand Regalia.
In 2009, Dr. Sue Mitra, an internist with Medical Associates of Brevard, became BIMDA’s President during which BIMDA adopted United Way of Brevard as its main charitable organization.
In 2010, under the leadership of President Dr. Jashbhai Patel, BIMDA’s CME Program featured world renowned Cardiologist Dr. Navin Nanda and hosted FIT President Catanese as its Keynote Speaker at its annual Gala – complete with authentic Brazilian dancers.
Dr. Patel, a surgeon with MIMA, is widely recognized as one of the senior most physician leaders in the entire Indian-American community in Brevard County. A highly respected surgeon, Dr Patel’s discipline and tenacity are formidable qualities that are leading BIMDA to its finest year since its inception.
This year, BIMDA is led by Dr. Prakash Reddy, a pulmonary and critical care specialist with MIMA, and is joined by board members Dr. Gobi Balaji an internist in Melbourne, Dr. N. Rao Kopuri, an orthodontist from Merritt Island (vice president), Dr. Ravi Shankar, a radiation oncologist with Cancer Care Centers of Brevard (secretary) and Dr. Subhash Rege from the Palm Bay Dental Center.
Over the years BIMDA has financially helped many worthy organizations including the Cancer Care Centers of Brevard Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Daily Bread, Earthquake Relief in Gujarat India and all of the area’s hospital foundations. Dr. Mitra enjoyed a very productive year as president and recruited fresh new talent to the BIMDA leadership team including Dr. Prakash Reddy – the president of BIMDA for 2011 and Dr. Gobi Balaji, the president-elect for 2012.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Florida State Surgeon General Dr. Ana Viamonte Ros, MD, MPH; Florida Representative John Tobia; Brevard County Comissioner Mary Bolin and Dr. Heidar Heshmati, Director of the Brevard County Health Department.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Dr. Heidar Heshmati, Director of the Brevard County Health Department, honored members of the Brevard County Dental Society for volunteering their services to the Adult Dental Clinic during a reception and dinner at the Suntree Country Club.
Over 200 people attended, including Florida State Surgeon General Ana Viamonte Ros, MD, MPH; Brevard County Commissioners Chuck Nelson and Mary Bolin; Brevard County Judge AB Majeed; Congressman Bill Posey’s Representative, Kathryn Rudloff; Florida Representative John Tobia; and JoAnn Hart, Director of Legislative Affairs for the Florida Dental Association.
The Adult Volunteer Dental Clinic was established in June 1994 through the combined efforts of the Brevard County Dental Society, Brevard County Board of County Commissioners, Brevard County Health Department and the Florida Department of Health.
Dr. Chris Edwards and Dr. Ron Askeland were among those honored with plaques and medals.
These dentists volunteered their time to provide dental services to low income adults who have no other access to dental care. The services provided deal with patients in acute pain and diagnosis of treatment. Since its inception, approximately 6,720 patients have received free treatment– with a value of over $2,700,000, based on 3,000 hours of treatment.
Each volunteer dentist was presented a certificate of commendation from the Brevard County Health Department, a special medal of recognition presented by State Surgeon General, a letter of appreciation from Congressman Posey anda Brevard County Board of County Commission Resolution, presented by Commissioners Nelson and Bolin.
The Brevard County Dental Society members look forward to continuing their efforts in supporting and providing services for the Brevard County citizens through the Adult Volunteer Dental Clinic.
For more information about the Brevard County Dental Society, CLICK HERE; or the Brevard County Health Department, CLICK HERE.
Dr. Ana M. Viamonte Ros and Glad Kurian, CIMA, Vice President, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in Windermere and Orlando.
By Ken Datzman The Brevard Indo–American Medical and Dental Association is reaching out to all physicians and dentists on the Space Coast through a social event designed to benefit and raise awareness of United Way of Brevard County’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society. Tocqueville was a French political thinker and historian best known for his book “Democracy in America,” which was published after his travels in the U.S. in the 1700s. Tocqueville Society members support their United Ways annually through gifts of $10,000 or more. The newest local members of the giving society are businessowners Mike Shah and his wife Rashmi. They also are lifetime members of BIMDA. An organization with 200 professionals, BIMDA will host its first Physicians Social Mixer from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at Mercedes– Benz, Porsche, Audi on Nasa Boulevard in Melbourne. The event is free of charge and being sponsored by the Shahs, who will be honored at the function for their financial commitment to United Way of Brevard. To make a reservation to attend the social, call Chris Logan at United Way at 631–2740, or send an e–mail message to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. “I think the Social Mixer is going to be a great avenue to reach physicians and dentists in the community and generate awareness of how United Way of Brevard is helping needy residents in the region,” said Dr. Sudeshna “Sue” Mitra, a practicing physician with Osler Medical and president and chairperson of BIMDA. “We look forward to nurturing a long–term relationship with United Way and supporting this outstanding organization.” “Physicians are pulled in so many ways,” added Rob Rains, president of United Way of Brevard. “They get up very early in the morning and make their rounds at the hospitals. They are seeing patients all day. They have paperwork to complete. They have medical records to transcribe. Many area physicians run their own practices, too, so it’s hard for them to carve out free time and that’s what the Social Mixer is about. They can connect with each other in a comfortable setting and learn how they can help their community.” George and Liz Mikitarian serve as Tocqueville Society chairs for United Way of Brevard. George Mikitarian is president and chief executive officer of Parrish Medical Center in
Titusville. The event’s keynote speaker will be Howard Lance, president, chairman and chief executive officer of Melbourne–based Harris Corp., whose company is very active supporting charitable organizations in the county and United Way in general. Rains said the Social Mixer offers his organization a unique platform to tap a professional base of people “we have not been successful in reaching. This type of event affords us the opportunity to make our case and have somebody like Howard Lance talk about why he and his wife Christine give to United Way and are supporters of it. This gathering presents a great opportunity for our organization and hopefully the event will yield support.” BIMDA feels “very fortunate to embrace Howard Lance, the chairman, president and CEO of a well–recognized international company, as the speaker for the Social Mixer. It definitely helps raise BIMDA’s visibility to a corporate level,” added Dr. Mitra, an internal medicine specialist in Melbourne. Lance is a former chairman of the United Way of Brevard board of directors. The local United Way helps fund 46 member agencies in the county and 76 programs. “United Way reaches out to so many charities in the county,” said Glad Kurian, volunteer executive director of BIMDA and event chairman for the Social Mixer. “That’s the reason we were attracted to United Way.” Kurian, a Florida Tech M.B.A. graduate, is a financial professional with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC in Orlando. Rains, who is in his 15th year guiding the local United Way, said his organization has “worked hard to build a level of trust in the community. Supporters of United Way can have full confidence knowing their dollars are helping people who really need help, and there is an efficiency and effectiveness to giving through United Way. I think we are a model organization in a lot of respects.” The impact United Way of Brevard is making in the county caught the eye of entrepreneur Mike Shah, president and founder of Southeast Petro Distributors Inc. headquartered in Cocoa. He and his wife made a pledge to the Tocqueville Society of United Way of Brevard. “Our family has made a fantastic life in this community. It has given us a lot. America has given us a lot,” said Mike Shah, who started his business with one gasoline station and today oversees a gas and oil–distribution network that serves Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee.
BIMDA’s inaugural Physicians Social Mixer will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at Mercedes–Benz, Porsche, Audi in Melbourne. From left: Rob Rains, United Way of Brevard president; Glad Kurian, BIMDA executive director; Dr. Sue Mitra, BIMDA president; Suzanne Sparling, V.P. of investor relations for United Way; Rashmi Shah, Southeast Petro Distributors; Susan McGrath, V.P. of resource development for United Way; and Mike Shah, Southeast Petro Distributors.
In 1999, Dr. Soni became the first President of BIMDA. Between 1996 and 1999, Glad Kurian and Dr. Soni traveled extensively throughout Florida to network with other medical associations. That created a constant exchange of networking visitors between Tampa, Orlando, Ocala, Port St. Lucie, Ft. Lauderdale and Melbourne – and allowed BIMDA to lead the way for such organizations in Florida.
