[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 127 (Monday, November 13, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1996-E1997]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO THE ASIAN-AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 13, 2006

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere admiration that I 
recognize the Asian-American Medical Association, which hosted the 30th 
Annual Asian-American Charity Ball on Saturday, November 4, 2006, at 
the Avalon Manor in Hobart, Indiana. Each year, the Asian-American 
Medical Association pays tribute to prominent, outstanding citizens for 
their contributions to the community. In recognition of their efforts, 
individuals are honored at this annual banquet and are awarded the 
prestigious Crystal Globe Award.
  The Asian-American Medical Association has always been a great asset 
to Northwest Indiana. Its members have selflessly dedicated themselves 
to providing quality medical service to the residents of Indiana's 
First Congressional District, and they have always demonstrated 
exemplary service through their many cultural, scholastic, and 
charitable endeavors.
  At this year's charity ball, the Asian-American Medical Association 
presented Surjit S. Patheja, M.D., with the Crystal Globe Award. Dr. 
Patheja was born in Pakistan in 1947 and graduated from Rangoon 
University Medical College in 1959. He practiced medicine in Burma for 
several years until immigrating to the United States in June 1964. 
After practicing medicine in locations such as Connecticut, New York, 
and Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Patheja relocated to Northwest Indiana, 
where he has resided for the past 35 years. Although now retired from 
his practice, Dr. Patheja, board certified in Radiology and Nuclear 
Medicine, has been an invaluable member of the medical community since 
his arrival in Northwest Indiana, even serving as President of the 
Porter County Medical Society and the Tenth District Medical Society. 
Aside from the many accolades he has earned in the area of medicine, 
Dr. Patheja has also been instrumental in establishing scholarships and 
endowments for young adults. As if these accomplishments were not 
impressive enough, Dr. Patheja has always remained an active member of 
the community, donating his time through membership in several clubs 
and associations, including the Valparaiso Rotary Club, the Sikh 
Religious Society of Chicago, the Indian Medical Association of 
Northwest Indiana, and, of course, the Asian-American Medical Society. 
He is also a member of the American College of Radiology and the 
Radiological Society of North America.
  Although Dr. Patheja has devoted so much of his time to medicine and 
to the Northwest Indiana community, he has always made a special point 
of sharing as much time as possible with his loving wife of 61 years, 
Mindy,

[[Page E1997]]

and their three children. Aside from spending time with his family, in 
his spare time, Dr. Patheja has always enjoyed golfing and photography.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in commending the Asian-American Medical Association, as well 
as this year's Crystal Globe Award recipient, Surjit S. Patheja, M.D., 
for their outstanding contributions to medicine and to the community. 
Their unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for the 
people of Northwest Indiana and throughout the world is truly 
inspirational. For these reasons, they are to be praised, and I am 
proud to serve as their Representative in Washington, DC.

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