The Coalition of Asian-American Independent Practice Association (CAIPA) and Healthfirst hosted a Lunar New Year gala in Flushing, bringing together hundreds of guests to celebrate the occasion and recognize the dedication of healthcare professionals. The event, co-hosted by Shirley Huang, Vice President of CAIPA and CAIPA Foundation, and William Wang, Assistant Vice President of Asian Market Development at Healthfirst, highlighted the contributions of frontline medical workers while fostering community engagement.
During the evening, Dr. George Liu, President and CEO of CAIPA, underscored the organization’s significant progress over the past year, including the addition of 200 new physicians, expanding its network to 1,400 medical professionals serving nearly 500,000 patients across more than 70 specialties. CAIPA also achieved an impressive 4.5 out of 5 rating in New York State’s healthcare evaluation. Looking ahead, Liu announced the launch of the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) program, aimed at helping patients prevent complications, improve quality of life, and lower healthcare costs.
Healthfirst CEO Pat Wang addressed upcoming federal policy changes, noting that significant adjustments to federal benefits will take effect in 2025, urging beneficiaries to stay informed and plan accordingly. The event also drew notable elected officials, including Congresswoman Grace Meng, City Council Member Sandra Ung, and State Senator John Liu, who commended CAIPA’s critical role in supporting the community, particularly during the pandemic.
Beyond speeches and networking, the evening featured a lively entertainment program. Doctors traded lab coats for costumes, performing cowboy dances, traditional qipao routines, and even a tango. The festive evening combined gratitude, celebration, and cultural pride, creating a joyful start to the Lunar New Year.
