Noted Indian Cardiologist, Dr. Keyur Parikh has been awarded the International Service Award by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) for the year 2004. The award, a tribute to his dedication to international causes was received by Dr. Parikh amongst his global counterparts at a recent glittering ceremony of the college’s 53 Annual Scientific Session in New Orleans, Louisiana.
With this honour, Dr. Keyur Parikh becomes the first Indian and only the second recipient of the ACC award for his efforts towards enhancement of cardiovascular care and commitment to international causes.
Widely respected by his peers, Dr. Parikh was chosen by the Fellowship Members of the American College of Cardiology (FACC) for this prestigious award. The citation of International Service Award is presented “to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to international causes, continually serving medically developing or under developed countries through their benevolent actions, thereby enhancing cardiovascular care and education world-wide.”
Commenting about his achievement Dr. Keyur Parikh said that the award is an honour not just for himself but also to his country, which he had always sought to represent as proudly and honourably as he could. “I am particularly happy that it has come to me after 8 years of returning to India to let my countrymen benefit from the medical expertise that came my way because I was fortunate to study at some of the best medial schools in the world. I came back expecting no more reward than the gratitude of my patients. I am grateful to have received it in ample measure and also the recognition of my peers,” he said.
Having studied and practiced medicine in his specialty in leading institutions in the U.S, Dr. Keyur Parikh left behind a lucrative career to return to India in 1995. Since then, he has been associated with numerous healthcare organizations and institutions in India and is currently associated with SAL and other hospitals in Ahmedabad.
The ACC, a prestigious medically and world renowned institution has a membership of over 26,000 cardiovascular physicians and scientists – cardiologists, pediatric cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, researchers, academicians and specialists in the cardiovascular field, from all over the world. This ACC is devoted to fostering optimal cardiovascular care and disease prevention through professional education, promotion of research, leadership in the development of standards and guidelines and the formulation of health care policies.