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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 6 CITY VIEWS May 1, 2026 Dr. Sumul Raval Becomes President-Elect Of Medical Society Of New Jersey S umul N. Raval, MD, DABPN, has been elected as a President-Elect of the Medical Society of New Jersey, adding another milestone to his decorated career and a mo- ment of great honor. As the oldest medical society in the United States—established even before the founding of the American Medical Association—MSNJ stands as a historic cornerstone of physician leader- ship and advocacy. Dr. Raval’s election reflects the confidence and respect he has earned among colleagues across New Jersey. A board-certified neurologist, world renowned Neuro-Oncologist and found- ing director of New Jersey’s first and most comprehensive brain tumor center at Monmouth medical Center Dr. Raval has built a reputation for clinical excellence, compassionate patient care, and mean- ingful contributions to the medical com- munity. His leadership arrives at a pivotal time in healthcare, where physicians face evolving challenges ranging from policy changes to workforce pressures and pa- tient access concerns. As President-Elect, he is positioned to play a vital role in shaping initiatives that support physicians while advancing high-quality care for patients throughout the state. Dr. Raval’s election also highlights his commitment to service, mentorship, and the advancement of organized medicine. Carrying forward the legacy of genera- tions of leaders within MSNJ, he brings a forward-thinking vision grounded in integrity and collaboration. In this role, he will continue to strengthen the voice of physicians, foster unity within the profession, and help guide the future of healthcare in New Jersey with purpose and dedication. Founded in 1766, the Medical Society of New Jersey (MSNJ) holds the distinc- tion of being the oldest professional society in the United States, pre-dating the American Medical Association by over 80 years . Originally established by 17 physicians meeting in New Brunswick to “form a society for the advancement of their profession,” the organization quickly took on the critical role of regulat- ing medical practice . Throughout the 19th century, MSNJ was instrumental in establishing licensing standards and edu- cational requirements, often clashing with “irregular” practitioners such as homeo- paths to ensure professional legitimacy . With a mission to promote public health and safeguard the rights of practitioners, the Society has served as the leading voice for medicine in the Garden State for over 250 years . Today, MSNJ represents over 30,000 active physicians and 45,000-47,000 licensed physicians in the New Jersey. MSNJ continues to evolve, addressing modern challenges while adhering to its core mission of protecting the physician- patient relationship . The organization has recently focused on pressing issues like physician burnout and mental health, launching initiatives to prevent physi- cian suicide and advocating to remove intrusive mental health questions from licensing applications . On the legisla- tive front, MSNJ successfully pushed for reforms that streamline the prior authori- zation process, forcing insurers to reduce decision times from 15 days to just 48 hours . By providing services ranging from health information exchange to cyberse- curity support, the Medical Society of New Jersey remains a vital resource, ensuring that the state’s physicians can deliver the highest quality of ethical and compassion- ate care . From Press Release HOTO:@GSNEUROLOGY.COM Dr. Sumul N. Raval SGML Eye Hospital USA Raises $50,000 At NJ Gala For Hospital In Ujjain M ore than 250 guests gathered on the evening of April 26, 2026, at Royal Albert’s Palace, Crystal Hall in Fords, New Jer- sey for a gala dedicated to supporting the SGML Eye Hospital near Ujjain, India. The event brought together philanthro- pists, community leaders, and supporters committed to advancing equitable eye care. Organized by SGML Eye Hospital USA, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in New Jersey, the evening focused on strengthening access to quality vision services for rural and underserved popu- lations through its partner hospital in Uj- jain, helping prevent avoidable blindness and restore sight to those most in need. The gala raised $50,000, organizers said in the press release. The funds are ex- pected to support critical initiatives aimed at restoring vision and preventing blind- ness among those with limited access to medical care. Since its inauguration in January 2023, SGML Eye Hospital has performed more than 2,000 eye surgeries and provided over 20,000 outpatient consultations, the press release said. Many of these services are offered at minimal or no cost to pa- tients facing financial hardship. “Despite this progress, the need remains urgent,” those involved in the organization, say. They estimate the Uj- jain region requires an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 eye surgeries annually, yet only 20,000 to 30,000 are currently performed, leaving a significant gap that the hospital says it aims to address through expanded services and modern infrastructure. The gala featured a cultural program that kept the audience engaged. The event opened with a Ganesh Vandana by Nitya Rhythm Dance Academy, led by Nisha Parikh. Musical performances by Sanjay Shah, Priti Kandlur, Lipika Jena, and Dr. Tushar Patel of STR Entertainment – (San- jay, Tushar, Rupen) accompanied by a live band, blended timeless classics and con- temporary favorites. Award-winning artist and philanthropist Medha Atre-Kulkarni also contributed to the cause through a silent auction of her watercolor, oil, and acrylic paintings. President of SGML Eye Hospital USA Dr. Tushar Patel, emphasized that the eve- ning represented more than a gathering— it was a call to compassion and purposeful action. He highlighted the pressing need in rural Madhya Pradesh, where many individuals continue to live with blindness or partial vision loss due to limited access to cataract surgeries. He shared the vision behind SGML Eye Hospital, established under the guidance of Shastri Anandjivan- dasji, and acknowledged the dedication of trustees, founders, and supporters. He encouraged attendees to contribute meaningfully toward restoring sight and hope, underscoring that even small acts of generosity can transform lives. Several key contributors were recog- nized for their dedication to the organi- zation’s mission. Members of the SGML Associate Trust, along with co-founders and long-standing supporters from across the United States and India, were acknowledged for their instrumental role in advancing the hospital’s humanitarian efforts. Members of the SGML Associate Trust, including Dr. Sparshil Patel, Smita (Miki) Patel, Usha Patel, Jatin Patel, Chhaya Patel, Arpita Patel, Jigna Patel, Dharmesh Patel, Dr. Sunil Parikh, Harry Shah, and Dr. Rajesh Thaker were recognized along with co-founders Ramesh Patel (Califor- nia), Dr. Supen Patel (South Carolina), Kamlesh Bhatt (Ujjain, India), and Gita & Sadgun Amin (South Carolina), were also acknowledged. The evening was emceed by Sanjiv Pandya, whose engaging presence and dynamic emceeing energized the audi- ence and inspired generous participation, the press release said. SGML Eye Hospital USA, Inc. thanked donors, sponsors, volunteers, and media partners for their support. For more information or to support this initiative, contact Dr. Tushar Patel at 848-391-0499. By a StaffWriter SGML Eye Hospital USA board members on stage at the fundraising gala held at Royal Albert’s Palace, Fords, NJ., April 26, 2026. PHOTO:SGML EYE HOSPITAL/ORGANIZERS