International Relations and Collaboration Committee (IRCC)
IRCC Committee Members
- Dr. Kamlesh Bhargava MD FRCGP [INT] - Chairman, Toronto, Canada
- Dr. Nidhi Lal MD MPH - Co-Chairman, USA
- Dr. Lokesh Edara MD - USA
- Dr. Devina Maru MRCGP UK, MBA, MSc - UK
- Dr. Zarin Pilakkadavath DNB, MRCGP [INT] - UAE
- Dr. Sahdev Swain MRCGP - Advisor, UK
1. Vision
To create a globally connected community of Family Physicians by fostering international partnerships, enhancing clinical competencies, and promoting evidence-based practice in primary care.
2. Mission
To develop and sustain strategic international collaborations that promote excellence in Family Medicine through knowledge exchange, professional development, and global exposure for AFPI members.
3. Goals
- Strengthen global linkages between AFPI members, and international Family Physicians and organisations.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing through regular academic exchanges and collaborative programs.
- Provide AFPI members with exposure to international clinical practices through online and offline opportunities.
- Promote India as a hub for primary care innovation and learning.
Volunteers and Think Tank
- Invitation to individuals and organisations to be part of IRCC Think Tank, in India and internationally https://forms.gle/YzMEdgBiatBWNDzb9
- Serve as an advisory body to the IRCC, offering strategic insights and professional guidance.
- Help identify the evolving needs and challenges faced by Family Physicians in India.
- Propose innovative, globally informed solutions tailored to the Indian healthcare context.
Dr. Kamlesh Bhargava MD FRCGP [INT]
Chairman, IRCC
Researcher Author Mentor Family Physician
Dr. Kamlesh Bhargava is a Family Physician with over 38 years of experience. After his initial training in Bhopal, India, where he did his graduation and postgraduate work, he moved to Oman and subsequently to Canada in 2013.
He was the Founder Program Director of the Family Medicine Residency Training Program, at Oman Medical Speciality Board, Oman.
He has been an examiner for the MRCGP [INT] in Oman, for many years, besides South Asia. He led MRCGP [INT] OSCE in Oman for more than 10 years and has closely collaborated with the Royal College of General Practitioners in the UK.
He was awarded the FRCGP [INT] by the Royal College of General Practitioners, London UK, for his outstanding contribution to developing teaching, training, and research, for undergraduates and postgraduates in Family Medicine at SQ University Oman.
He is an internationally recognized teacher and has won awards for teaching both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, in India and abroad.
He has also been trained in the Center of Evidence-Based Medicine, the University of Oxford UK, where later he was invited to facilitate in workshops - and has organized and facilitated EBM workshops nationally and Internationally.
Currently based in Canada, as Founder & Director of Medical Consultants of North America, also in India, he is the Chairman of the International Relations and Collaboration Committee (IRCC) of the Academy of Family Physicians of India (AFPI), which has chapters in 21 Indian states.
He was also the Clinical Director of Nationwide Doctors in Bengaluru. He has been organizing online teaching training and webinars since 2015 for Family Physicians in India, and Director (International) Continuing Professional Development Group of AFPI
He was also teaching, training and mentoring Doctors in a health startup Clinikk
Dr. Bhargava has published several books, which are available on Amazon
Dr. Nidhi Lal MD MPH
Co-Chairman, IRCC
Nidhi K. Lal, MD, MPH, is a board-certified family medicine physician at Boston Medical Center (BMC) and a clinical associate professor of family medicine at Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine. Dr. Lal has extensive experience caring for underserved populations, teaching medical students and residents, and advocating on local and state levels. She is devoted to training more general practitioners in India to promote global health and to improve maternal child health outcomes in tribal communities. In 2017, she was honored by the Middlesex West District Medical Society as its 2017 Community Clinician of the Year, an award recognizing her professionalism and contributions as a physician.
Dr. Lokesh Edara, MD
Passionate Advocate for Family Medicine in India
Lokesh Edara is a visionary leader and compassionate physician dedicated to advancing Family Medicine in India. With over four decades of medical expertise and a relentless commitment to patient-centered care, he serves as an inspiration to aspiring physicians and healthcare leaders.
Professional Journey
- Physician, Asthma Allergy Centers
Renowned for his expertise in Allergy and Immunology, Dr. Edara is committed to providing cutting-edge care for patients with asthma and allergic disorders. - Champion of Family Medicine in India
Dr. Edara passionately advocates for developing Family Medicine as a cornerstone of healthcare in India, emphasizing the importance of primary care in transforming health outcomes for communities. - Legacy of Impact
Dr. Lokesh Edara exemplifies excellence, bridging global medical expertise with a heartfelt mission to strengthen India's healthcare system. His work not only improves individual lives but also inspires the next generation of healthcare professionals to prioritize holistic, patient-centered approaches in Family Medicine.
Dr. Zarin Pilakkadavath
Dr. Zarin Pilakkadavath is a Family Medicine Specialist whose dedication to patient care and medical excellence spans over a decade. With prestigious qualifications including DNB(Family Medicine) and MRCGP [INT] from the Royal College of General Practitioners, London, after graduating from the University of Kerala, she has carved a path of impact and inspiration. She has also done her Masters in clinical research from Boston University, USA.
Her global career includes roles in India and Saudi Arabia, where she has excelled in patient-centered care, community health, and academic mentorship. As a Family Medicine Specialist and Academic Coordinator at KIMS Hospital, Trivandrum, she shaped the future of family medicine by mentoring postgraduates. Her work in multicultural settings like PHCC As-Shefa and Jeddah National Hospital showcases her adaptability and commitment to holistic healthcare. She was the founder secretary of AFPI Kerala Chapter. She is currently working as a Family Medicine Specialist with Aster Clinics in Dubai, UAE.
Dr. Zarin’s journey reflects resilience, compassion, and leadership, inspiring others to pursue excellence in family medicine while bridging global healthcare practices for the betterment of communities.
Dr. Devina Maru MRCGP (UK), MBA, MSc
Dr Devina Maru is a GP in Central London, UK, with experience in both national and international healthcare policy and medical education.
She has a diverse range of clinical and business experience after obtaining her MBA and is a co-founder of Health Pioneers Charity, helping reduce health and education inequalities amongst young people in lower socio-economic deprived areas.
She is a national multi-award winner including the Prime Minister’s Point of Light and NHS Rising Star Parliamentary Award 2023 for her work in service improvement, patient care and improving GP training, the national Asian Women of Achievement Award winner and was invited to meet the King at Buckingham Palace for her work.
Dr. Sahadev Swain MRCGP (UK)
A Visionary in Family Medicine Advisor
Dr. Sahadev Swain, MBBS, MRCGP (UK), is a UK-based physician and a passionate advocate for the advancement of Family Medicine in India. As a GP Partner and finance lead at an inner-city teaching practice in Luton, Bedfordshire, he provides exceptional care to a diverse, multi-ethnic population in a deprived area.
Dr. Swain’s commitment to healthcare extends beyond clinical practice. He is the editor of Family Medicine in India – Success Stories, showcasing achievements in Indian primary care, and the founder of an international forum to support Indian doctors. His expertise in women’s health, family planning, and health inequality drives initiatives like the Luton Wellbeing prevention service and the Luton-wide Patient Reference Group.
A recognized clinical teacher and examiner at Cambridge’s Clinical School, Dr. Swain combines education with research, serving as a GP Advisor on the IMPROVE project led by Cambridge University. As an RCGP ambassador and Local Medical Committee member, he influences healthcare policy and implements transformative strategies like the NHS Five-Year Forward View.
Dr. Swain’s efforts bridge global healthcare practices with Indian needs, inspiring systemic change and nurturing future leaders in Family Medicine. His legacy exemplifies dedication, innovation, and a commitment to holistic healthcare.
