BURLINGTON, MA— Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, the frontline physician fighting ebola and Director of Infection Control, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory, is 2015 Woman of the Year. She was crowned Woman of the Year at the 13th Annual Woman of the Year Awards gala organized by INDIA New England News at Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA.
“Dr. Nahid Bhadelia is an exceptional blend of conscience, talent, drive and humility and it was our privilege to recognize her. Her example inspires me and I have no doubt that it will inspire my children’s generation as well. And you know what …. we can all use some inspiration!,” said Rama Ramakrishnan an entrepreneur who served as the chairman of the panel of judges. “Congrats to the organizing team for presenting the judges with some truly extraordinary candidates.”
Dr. Bhadelia is an infectious diseases physician, assistant professor at the Boston University School of Medicine and the Director of Infection Control and Medical Response at National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory at Boston University. But she is known more as a frontline physician fighting the deadly Ebola disease in Sierra Leone.
“Of all the extraordinary choices, Dr Nahid Bhadelia’s story will inspire both women and men of all ages to make courageous but difficult choices, even if it means putting one’s life on the line,” said Anupendra Sharma, a partner at Siemens Venture Capital who served as a judge. “That is truly the meaning of selfless service.”
Dr. Bhadelia’s specialization is in infection control issues related to emerging pathogens and highly communicable infectious diseases. She is the director of the medical response program for BU’s biosafety level 4 laboratories at the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory, one of six such programs in the United States.
Aside from her clinical training in infectious diseases, she has a master’s degree in international affairs from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and a background in health and human security with a focus on the impact of pandemics on macro level health indicators and community security.
Dr. Bhadelia has previously worked on projects with United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. She has served as a front line physician providing care to Ebola patients in Sierra Leone with World Health Organization. She is a Senior Policy and Technical Advisor to Partners in Health for their Ebola response program in Sierra Leone. She has also been an instructor for the US CDC/FEMA and Taiwan CDC’s healthcare worker preparedness courses for the Ebola Response.
Mondira (Mandy) Deb Pant and Aditi Taylor, Boston’s two emerging leaders in business and technology, served as Masters of Ceremony of the Woman of the Year 2014 Awards Gala celebrations. They were joined by TV Asia reporter Jharna Madan. Pant is Academic Research Director at Intel and Taylor is a Principal in the Boston office of Deloitte & Touche LLP’s Governance, Risk and Regulatory Services practice.
Dr. Manju Sheth, a physician at Lahey Health and a community leader and activist championing women’s rights and children’s education and health, served as the hostess of the evening.
“I have been a sponsor and have played a key role in organizing this spectacular event,” said Dr. Sheth. “It is the only event in New England which honors South Asian women. My congratulations to the winner Dr. Nahid Bhadelia and to the seven judges. I also want to thank our community for once again supporting us so whole heartedly. The response was simply overwhelming .Congratulations to all 20 outstanding women.”
The event is sponsored by Dr. Manju Sheth, the Boston Group, Leader Bank, Desai Foundation, One World Cuisine and Burlington Marriott. Supporting sponsor are Boston Sound & Light Company, Alankar and Dyuti Majumdar & Associates.
