02/16/2026

Medical Yatra: Serving Ohio and Beyond

Dr. Kelly Whaley, a previous Service Award recipient, recently returned from participating in a Medical Yatra in Indore, India.

The Yatra, a Hindi term for pilgrimage, marked the twenty-fifth program organized by the Association of Indian Physicians of Northern Ohio (AIPNO). This year’s mission focused on addressing women's health concern’s, particularly the prevention and treatment of HPV, cervical cancer, and breast cancer.  Additional specialties represented included internal medicine, family practice, Gastroenterology, Pulmonology, Cardiology, and CPR training. 

This was the first year podiatric medicine was included. Dr. Whaley provided important care, including wound treatment, venous ulcerations, paronychia, lots of pes planus, arthritis, and palliative care.

Volunteer teams visited three villages, greeted by a billboards advertising when the Medical Yatra would be in town. At each of the three stops, the medical team was welcomed with opening ceremonies, prayers, and gifts. Dr. Whaley shared that the people she met were "very gracious, appreciative, helpful and genuinely happy and proud of their culture. The humanitarian work is greatly needed and very much appreciated.”

Each day began with yoga and meditation. Among Dr. Whaley’s favorite aspects of the experience was learning about Indian culture, foods, Hindi, and geography. Because of the language barrier, local students served as translators; she formed a specials bond with her 13-year old translator in Balwani.

After sightseeing and a long trip home, a jetlagged Dr. Whaley returned to work just two days later. Looking ahead, the program hopes to expand podiatry services to future Yatras. For more information on how you can help give back, please reach out to Dr. Whaley.

OHFAMA members know how essential podiatric care is. Thank you for making an impact in Ohio… and beyond!