Amit Chakrabarty, MD, President AAPI
Amit Shah, MD
Arti Prasad, MD, FACP, ABOIMThe AAPI Ayurveda Consortium and Faculty of the Maharishi International University Fellowship MS in Integrative Medicine and Ayurveda invite you to take a deep dive into the modern evidence basis of Ayurveda and its experience at The Raj, America’s Premier Ayurveda Health Center and Wellness Spa.
Organized by Ayurveda Consortium AAPI and Maharishi International University
Hosted by The Raj – America’s Premiere Maharishi AyurVeda Health Center
Evening Arrival & Welcome Banquet and Inaugural Address by AAPI President, Amit Chakrabarty, MD
Two-Day “Taste of Ayurveda” Retreat
Includes:
CME Scientific Sessions presented by MIU Faculty of the Fellowship MS in Integrative Medicine and Ayurveda
Includes:
Sunday Afternoon Departure
Have any questions?
Please refer to the FAQ section or contact info@aapiusa.org
Dr. Amit Chakrabarty practices adult and pediatric urology at the Poplar Bluff Urology. He was the past Chairman and CEO of Urologic Clinics of North Alabama (www.ucna.com).
Dr. Chakrabarty received his medical degree with honors from MKCG Medical College in Berhampur, India in 1980, and his Master of Surgery degree from Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. He did a fellowship in Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh in 1987. He completed his residency in Urology and fellowship in Uro-Oncology (Research) at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan in 1995.
Dr. Hagelin is past President of Maharishi International University and a world-renowned quantum physicist, educator, public policy expert, proponent of peace, and scientist of consciousness.
Dr Hagelin is currently chairman of the department of physics at MIU. He helped develop a highly successful grand unified field theory based on the superstring. For this work he was named winner of the prestigious Kilby Award, which recognizes scientists who have made “major contributions to society through their applied research in the fields of science and technology.” The award recognized Dr. Hagelin as “a scientist in the tradition of Einstein, Jeans, Bohr and Eddington.”
Charles Elder is Executive Director of the Fellowship MS in Integrative Medicine and Ayurveda for Doctors and Advanced Practice Providers; Senior Investigator at the Center for Health Research; and Emeritus Physician in the Department of Internal Medicine at Kaiser Permanente Northwest.
Sankari Wegman is Assistant Professor, College of Integrative Health and Medicine, at Maharishi International University.
Recently Dr Wegman became a Trustee of Maharishi International University
Dr. Shah is the founder of Palmetto Medical Group and Integra Wellness Center. He is a board certified in Internal Medicine with a special board certification in Integrative Medicine.
His goal is to provide Integrated personalized care with a focus on Prevention and lifestyle modifications with Ayurvedic approach whenever possible.
Dr. Amit Shah has obtained his medical degree from Municipal medical college in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India and was trained at Yale University affiliated residency program at St. Vincent Medical Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He also has obtained special certification by American Board of Integrative Medicine. His passion is in a truly integrative model of care which is being provided by Integra Wellness Center and his medical practice. He balances the application of Ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with modern medical science.
He also is nominated as a Chair of Ayurveda Consortium by incoming president of AAPI.
Arti Prasad, MD, FACP, ABOIM
Dr. Prasad is the Director of the MS Fellowship in Integrative Medicine and Ayurveda at Maharishi International University. She also is Adjunct Professor, at the College of Integrative Health and Medicine at MIU.
Dr. Prasad is the Chief Strategic Development Officer, Hennepin Healthcare and Professor of Medicine, at the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Leslie Elder is Adjunct Associate Professor, College of Integrative Health and Medicine, at Maharishi International University
Candace Badgett and her husband, Rogers Badgett, pioneered the use of Ayurvedic medicine in North America, building the first Ayurveda clinic in the US, The Raj, in 1991. Candace is also an International Trustee of the women’s wing of the Transcendental Meditation organization, and speaks regularly on Ayurveda and women’s health, empowerment and spiritual fulfillment.
Laurina Carroll has been teaching the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique for the past 28 years, and has taught TM to more than 2500 people. Laurina is also a long-time practitioner Maharishi Ayurveda, and is the author of ” Perfect Health for Busy people” a Maharishi Ayurveda guide book.
Cedar Rapids (CID) is the closest airport. Next closest is Des Moines (DSM).
Direct Flights to Cedar Rapids (CID) and Des Moines (DSM) as of August 2025:
Southeast Iowa average mid-November temperatures range from mid to low 50s in the day, and mid to low 30’s at night.
The Raj has two excellent Indian chefs who will be preparing a variety of vegetarian Indian food that is well-spiced, fresh and delicious. Indian food will be served at all the meals, every day.
For most situations, airport transportation will be arranged for you. Buses will bring guests from the airport to The Raj. If your plane will be arriving late at night, you will be provided with contact information to arrange for your own transportation services.
Business casual is the usual dress code for CME conferences. Saris are welcome (The Raj owner loves to wear sarees, having spent so much time in India). But you will want to bring some very casual clothes if you opt to take the Ayurveda treatments, since those luxurious treatments involve copious amounts of oil.
Have additional questions?
Please contact info@aapiusa.org
The Raj opened its doors 33 years ago, pioneering the use of Ayurvedic medicine in the West. It is America’s premier Ayurveda Health Center offering authentic Panchakarma treatments according to the Vedic text. Even the building is built according to Vedic architecture (Vastu) . It is a lovely facility with refined décor and the comfort of a lovely residential home. You will feel relaxed the minute you walk through the door! Our two excellent Indian Chefs will provide you with gourmet Indian food at every meal. Together with Maharishi International University Fellowship Faculty— The Raj owners, Candace and Rogers Badgett, look forward to welcoming AAPI members for a relaxing, enjoyable and informative Ayurveda CME Retreat!
The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) is a dynamic and influential organization representing over 100,000 physicians, residents, and medical students of Indian heritage across the United States. For more than four decades, AAPI has served as a unifying force—advancing professional excellence, advocating for equity, and celebrating the rich cultural legacy that Indian American physicians bring to the fabric of American medicine.
In alignment with its commitment to holistic health and cultural integration, under the leadership of President Dr. Amit Chakrabarty and with the guidance and support of Ayurveda exponents Dr. Amit Shah and Dr. Arati Prasad, AAPI has established a dedicated initiative: the AAPI Ayurveda Consortium. This special committee was formed with a clear and forward-looking mission—to promote education, research, and clinical awareness of Ayurveda, India’s ancient system of medicine, among physicians of Indian origin practicing in the U.S.
Ayurveda, with its emphasis on personalized care, preventive wellness, and mind-body balance, offers valuable insights that complement modern medical practices. By fostering integrative health approaches, AAPI aims to:
Through the Consortium, AAPI is not only honoring the wisdom of its roots but also positioning Indian American physicians as leaders in shaping a more inclusive, integrative future for healthcare in the United States.
John Hagelin, PhD, President Emeritus MIU
Charles Elder, MD, MPH, FACP, ABOIM
Sankari Wegman, PhD
Leslie Elder, MD
Candace Badgett, Owner of The Raj
Laurina Carrol, Transcendental Meditation Instructor