Programs
Our programs bring physicians, healthcare professionals, students, and community members together to advance healthcare, inspire future leaders, and improve the well-being of our communities through education, service, and collaboration.
NEOMED students present at APPNA-NEO event
College of Medicine students presented at the Association of Physicians of Pakistani-Decent of North American - Northeast Ohio chapter (APPNA-NEO) Future Forward: Leading Through Innovation CME & Gala earlier this year.
Humza Akbar (rising M3) helped organize the event and coordinate student research presentations.
Programming included several compelling presentations including "Hot Topics in Cardio-oncology," presented by Fawad Taj, M.D., as well as "Impact of Real-World Data and Artificial Intelligence on the Future of Healthcare," presented by Rehan Waheed, M.D. Physicians, residents and students from any background were welcome to attend both the meeting and gala.
NEOMED student poster presentations included:
- Ankit Patel (rising M3) presented a poster, titled "Ultrasound-guided Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy: Efficacy in Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis Management and Outcomes"
- Zoya Khan (rising M4) presented a poster, titled "Right Atrial Appendage Aneurysm in an Infant with Cor Triatriatum: A Rare Association"
- Sophie Tayade, Alex You and Abdullah Ali (rising M3s) presented a poster, titled “Strategies to Foster Mentorship in Medicine”
APPNA-NEO Physician Series with The Gathering Place
For the third consecutive quarter, our volunteer physicians have been giving patient-facing community talks in partnership with The Gathering Place—and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
These talks don’t just inform, they empower patients and families navigating cancer with knowledge and hope.
A heartfelt thank you to all of our APPNA-NEO physicians who’ve shared their time and expertise—you are making a real impact.
We need more volunteers!
If you are a physician interested in giving a talk, please contact Dr. Ehsan Balagamwala.
Residents and fellows—this is a wonderful opportunity to practice patient-facing education and community engagement.
Together, let’s keep strengthening this bridge between medicine and community.

As part of the Healthy Minds, Healthy Homes series, this session brings together experienced mental health professionals to explore key challenges in crisis care, psychiatric practice, and community-based support. Join us at La Villa Conference & Banquet, Cleveland, for insightful discussions focused on improving care and reducing stigma.
Beyond Training: The Next Chapter is an interactive webinar designed to support early-career physicians as they transition into independent practice. The session explores key professional, financial, and personal challenges, offering valuable insights from experienced physicians and leaders in the field.
Tobacco Free Cleveland
APPNA-NEO is starting Tobbaco free program in collaboration with City of Cleveland. Contact us for details
A Tobacco-Free Living Program supports individuals in quitting tobacco and building healthier, smoke-free lifestyles. It offers education, counseling, and practical tools to help people overcome addiction, manage cravings, and reduce health risks. The program promotes long-term wellness by encouraging positive habits, informed choices, and supportive, tobacco-free environments for individuals and communities.
Community Education Series for Seniors
The Community Education Series for Seniors provides engaging and informative sessions designed to support healthy, active, and independent living. The series covers topics such as wellness, safety, technology use, and social connection, empowering seniors with practical knowledge and resources. It also creates opportunities for learning, interaction, and staying connected within the community
Educational Webinar
APPNA-NEO's Demystifying the Match three-part webinar series guided aspiring physicians through the U.S. Residency Match process with expert insights, practical strategies, and firsthand experiences. The program empowered medical residency applicants with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate every stage of the Match journey and prepare for a successful medical career.
Watch the webinar series:






