The Dawoodi Bohra community hosted the fifth annual national conference of the Saifee Burhani Medical Association of America in Los Angeles, bringing together more than 180 healthcare professionals and students from across the United States and Canada.
The three day conference convened physicians, dentists, pharmacists, registered dietitians, physician assistants, allied healthcare professionals, and pre health and medical students for a multidisciplinary programme focused on clinical care, prevention, professional development, and community health.
“The national SBMAA medical conference is the highlight of the year,” said Dr. Mohammed Manasawala, a neuroradiologist from Maryland and a member of the SBMAA board. “It brings together healthcare professionals across disciplines to share expertise, strengthen collaboration, and support meaningful community health efforts.”
“There is genuine satisfaction in seeing the initiatives, collaborations, and professional relationships that develop between doctors, dentists, and allied health professionals during the conference,” he added.
Sessions addressed a wide range of health priorities, blending clinical insight with practical application. Discussions on diabetes awareness and prevention examined lifestyle based interventions, early screening, and community education models. Cardiovascular sessions focused on risk assessment, preventive strategies, and emerging tools in patient care. Presentations on medical innovation explored the growing role of artificial intelligence, data driven diagnostics, and new technologies shaping clinical decision making.
Environmental health was approached through prevention and sustainability, with speakers highlighting the health benefits of green initiatives such as tree planting and cleaner local environments. Practitioner wellbeing sessions emphasized practical strategies for maintaining physical and mental health amid demanding schedules, including strength training, mobility focused movement, and realistic habit building. Several sessions also explored preventive care within community settings, including nutrition awareness and sustainable changes to shared meals and local programmes.
The first day opened with a Cardioembolic Stroke Symposium focused on stroke prevention. Sessions examined commonly used devices and procedures to reduce stroke risk in patients with heart rhythm disorders, as well as tools used to detect previously undiagnosed atrial fibrillation.
The afternoon featured presentations highlighting best practices implemented by local members in their own communities, including clinics, cancer screenings, and vaccine drives. Speakers also outlined a community wide coronary calcium screening programme and shared a step by step approach to establishing local community clinics.
Hands on ultrasound sessions were offered alongside practical workshops for students and early career professionals. These included guidance on interpreting scientific research and a panel discussion on navigating healthcare careers, mentorship, and professional relationships.
Saturday’s programme was framed by the values underpinning the community’s approach to healthcare. The day opened with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a message from Shahzada Husain Burhanuddin, son of His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community. He spoke about the responsibility of healthcare professionals to serve with compassion and integrity, reflecting Syedna’s longstanding guidance to medical practitioners to promote healthier lifestyles and strengthen care within their communities.
The programme continued with remarks from Hasan Shakir of the community’s central Department of Health and Well Being, who outlined key areas of focus including professional excellence, ethical business practices, and meaningful engagement at the local level.
Breakout sessions covered a range of clinical and professional topics, including diabetes management, ear, nose, and throat care in primary settings, advances in neuro-intervention, genomic tools in modern medicine, artificial intelligence in healthcare, and the health impacts of climate change.
The conference also highlighted service to the wider society through Project Rise, the Dawoodi Bohra community’s philanthropic initiative. During the same month, medical professionals played a key role in coordinating the community’s Diabetes Awareness Campaign, which saw communities across the United States participate in learning sessions, local initiatives, and fundraising efforts.
For organisers, the conference reflected months of coordinated effort.
“Being part of the organising team was a truly enriching experience,” said Lamya Mogri, lead organiser, vice president of a Los Angeles based marketing firm, and an active member of the local chamber of commerce.
Maria Merchant, a physician assistant specialising in ear, nose, and throat care from Albany, said, “I was most excited to learn about different specialties, connect with colleagues, and take what we learned back into everyday patient care.”
For first time attendees, the conference underscored the impact of shared learning and connection.
“This is my first time attending an SBMAA medical conference, and I am genuinely impressed,” said Major Dr. Salman Fidahussain from Atlanta, Georgia. “The level of professionalism, learning, and connection is exceptional. I have grown not only as a physician, but also as a leader. I leave inspired to serve more and deliver better care.”
The Saifee Burhani Medical Association of America is a professional association of healthcare practitioners affiliated with the Dawoodi Bohra community’s Department of Health and Well Being. Since its inception, SBMAA has convened annual national conferences across the United States, providing a platform for continuing education, cross disciplinary exchange, and community health initiatives. Previous locations for the SBMAA medical conference include Dallas and Chicago, bringing together healthcare professionals and students from across North America.
