History

Association of Physicians of Gujarat (APG) was formed in 1972, for the purpose of providing an academic platform to the Physicians of Gujarat and to instill in them the practice of participation at various academic events.

The actual inception of APG was the thought of group of doctors like Dr. S. C. Kusumgar, Dr. R. K. Desal, Dr R. M. Shah, Dr. S. J. Damany, Dr. M. M. Parikh, Dr. Nathubhai Patel, Dr. Utkarsh Mehd, Dr. Bachubhai Desai and soon.

Dr. S. C. Kusumgar was the founder President and Dr. Bachubhai Desai & Dr. Utkarsh Mehd were the founder Secretaries of APG.

The first convention was convened in 1972 at Ahmedabad, followed by annual conventions at Baroda, Surat and Jamnagar, The First annual conference was convened at Ahmedabad in 1978, which later became a regular annual feature. To begin with conferences were held only where the medical colleges were located, namely, Ahmedabad, Baroda, Surat and Jamnagar.

Later on the concept was introduced of Mid annual conferences at other centres with the aim of disseminating

medical knowledge in towns and villages and at smaller cities where facilities for medical college was not available and also ancillary facilities were not available. Both the annual conferences and mid annual conferences were 1 day affair The first day of the conference is a CME day and it is named as Dr. T. B. Kasudiya and Dr. S. R. Koradiya CME programme.

Shrimad Jesighbapa Sadguru Shrimad Ramjibapa Seva Samaj (Ganthiol) was the real force behind the Rotating Lectureship of association of Physicians of Gujarat. This award is still continued to be conferred upon annually. Two APG Oration Awards are also given in the name of Dr. N. H. Patel, Ahmedabad & Dr. Rasiklal Shah

Sarvajanik Hospital, Modasa and R. H. Shah, Surat during annual conference. APG Lifetime Achievement Award and APS Young Achiever Award are also given on APG platform every year during APGCON.

As explosion of medical knowledge and technology occurred, concept of pre-conference CME was introduced making annual conferences 2 day affair. This became immensely popular as they served the purpose of dissemination of medical knowledge at all levels. Emphasis was on INTERACTIVE sessions with experts and problem solving of physicians practicing in places where ancillary facilities were not available, and those having rural practice.

Emphasis therefore was on Panel Discussion on a relevant topic of the day. Later on Oration lecture was introduced providing the Physicians of the State an opportunity to present their own innovative medical work. 31 years as of now, is a long period and various changes in the format of annual conferences are carried out keeping pace with the needs of the time.

Annual conferences have become a major source of dissemination of medical knowledge and technology physicians participate with marked enthusiasm.

The only point that needs to think prospectively is whether the Physician per se is forgotten in the day practice? The centre stage is occupied by super specialists. Are we doing justice to the cause of practicing physicians?

The problem needs to be carefully evaluated against the backdrop of original concept of APG and today’s needs of technology dissemination and update medical advances.

Association of Physicians of Gujarat (APG) is now affiliated with Association of Physicians of India since 2020 and hence APG is also known as API-Gujarat Chapter.

APG is a registered body with Charity Commissioner registration number: F/9865/2004/Ahmedabad.

The trustees are as follows:

(1) Dr. Kirti M. Patel

(2) Dr. Bharat J. Parikh

(3) Dr. Sarlaben Ratilal Shah

(4) Dr. Bankim N. Desai

(5) Dr. Mahadev G. Patel

Aims

Promotion of Medical Science and Professional Excellence

To promote the science and art of medicine and foster professional excellence among physicians.

Advancement of Medical Education and Clinical Skills

To organize academic activities, conferences, and CMEs to update medical knowledge and clinical skills.

Strengthening Inter-Specialty Collaboration

To strengthen inter-specialty collaboration for better patient outcomes.

Upholding Medical Ethics and Research Integrity

To uphold ethical standards in medical practice and research.

Representation and Advocacy for Physicians

To represent the collective voice of physicians in Gujarat in matters of policy, education, and healthcare reform.

Objectives

Building a Unified Physician Network

Establish a strong state-level network of physicians under the banner of API.

Organizing Academic and Scientific Events

Conduct regular CMEs, workshops, and annual scientific conferences.

Encouraging Youth Leadership and Research

Encourage young physicians to participate in research, publication, and leadership.

Promoting Ethical and Patient-Centric Practice

Promote ethical and patient-centric practice across all healthcare settings.

Strengthening Collaboration for Better Healthcare

Collaborate with government and other medical bodies to improve healthcare delivery in Gujarat.

Recognizing Excellence and Service

Recognize and celebrate contributions of physicians who exemplify excellence and service.

Fostering Mentorship and Community Outreach

Develop mentorship and community outreach programs in academic and rural medicine.

Vision

To be the most respected and dynamic professional body of physicians in Gujarat — leading innovation in education, research, and service delivery, while nurturing unity, integrity, and professional pride among all members.

Mission

Our Mission to Empower Physicians

To empower physicians through education, collaboration, and ethical practice — ensuring that every clinician in Gujarat is well-informed, well-connected, and well-equipped to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care to every patient.