[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 167 (Wednesday, October 31, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2290]
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

                      Wednesday, October 31, 2007

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with sincere admiration that I 
recognize the Asian-American Medical Association, which will be hosting 
their 31st annual dinner and charity ball on Saturday, November 3, 
2007, at the Avalon Manor in Hobart, Indiana. Each year, the Asian-
American Medical Association pays tribute to prominent, outstanding 
citizens and organizations for their contributions to the community. In 
recognition of their efforts, these honorees are awarded the 
prestigious Crystal Globe Award each year at this annual banquet.
  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 
will present the Crystal Globe Award to the Indiana University School 
of Medicine--Northwest. Founded in 1972, the Indiana University School 
of Medicine--Northwest, which began with only four faculty members, has 
become the largest regional campus of the Indiana University School of 
Medicine outside of Bloomington and Indianapolis. Located on the campus 
of Indiana University--Northwest in Gary, Indiana, the school has 
received acclaim for its curriculum and innovation on a local, 
national, and international level. In particular, the Problem Based 
Learning Curriculum, which uses patient case studies as their primary 
educational tool, has received numerous accolades for the university 
since its inception in 1990. Since its founding in 1972 under the 
leadership of Dr. Panayotis Iatridis, the contributions of the Indiana 
University School of Medicine--Northwest, both in the education of its 
students and its commitment to the future, have been a source of pride 
and hope for the First Congressional District.
  While the past 35 years have shown immense advancements in the 
school's curriculum, the future appears even brighter for the Indiana 
University School of Medicine--Northwest. Under the leadership of Dr. 
Patrick Bankston, the school has made plans to expand class size and to 
add the final two years of medical education to the curriculum. Once 
this plan becomes a reality, which may occur as early as 2011, 
northwest Indiana will, for the first time, allow students to complete 
their medical education within the region.
  Madam 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, the Indiana University 
School of Medicine--Northwest, for their outstanding contributions to 
medicine and to the community. Their members' 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, D.C.

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