May 10, 2001
Martin Gizzi, MD,
Director and Co Chair
Neuroscience Institute,
JFK Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison, NJ
Re: Dr. Chetan Thakar
Dear Dr. Gizzi:
We are writing to you on behalf of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI). Our association represents the interests of 36,000 physicians of Indian origin and has become the largest ethnic medical association in the United States. One of our primary concerns as an organization is the treatment of International Medical Graduates (IMG's) in licensure reciprocity, selection and deselection from managed care panels, discrimination in peer review activities, and unjust termination from Residency programs.
In this regard, a case was recently submitted to our Ethics and Grievance Committee on behalf of Chetan Thakar, MD. Dr. Thakar is a resident member of AAPI. We are bringing this to your attention because the grievance involves the Neuroscience Institute at JFK Medical Center in Edison, NJ.
As presented in the grievance, Dr. Thakar indicates that he was unfairly disqualified to continue his final year of residency at your institution, which jeopardizes his ability to complete his training in Neurology. He has requested that AAPI review the matter on his behalf. When ever possible, we strive to see that these cases are handled amicably and expeditiously. With that in mind, we look forward to your timely response on the matter.
We are sure that you and your institution are opposed to actions based on discrimination. This can be a very serious matter, especially when it involves someone’s career. We will be updating our committee and Dr. Thakar in the near future regarding our communications with you. Please do not hesitate to call me at (781) 326-0077 with questions or if you need any additional information.
Sincerely,
Onaly Kapasi M.D Dayan Naik, MD
Chairman, AAPI Ethics and Grievance Committee President, AAPI