Mission and Objectives
International Asthma Services Inc dba Saahns is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization headquartered in the state of Colorado, USA. Saahns means 'Breath' in Urdu and Hindi, and our organization focuses on improving breathing.
To alleviate the sufferings endured by patients with lung problems, Dr. P.K. Vedanthan started International Asthma Services back in 1987, and this medical charitable organization is based in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. Born and raised in Mysore, India, Dr. Vedanthan (Dr. PK) is an American Board-certified Allergy and Asthma specialist settled in Colorado since 1974. He was highly influenced by his visits to his native land starting from the 1970s regarding the urgent need for helping the vast number of 'needy' asthmatics, and more recently, to improve the quality of the air we breathe.
Saahns has 2 main divisions:
To alleviate the sufferings endured by patients with lung problems, Dr. P.K. Vedanthan started International Asthma Services back in 1987, and this medical charitable organization is based in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. Born and raised in Mysore, India, Dr. Vedanthan (Dr. PK) is an American Board-certified Allergy and Asthma specialist settled in Colorado since 1974. He was highly influenced by his visits to his native land starting from the 1970s regarding the urgent need for helping the vast number of 'needy' asthmatics, and more recently, to improve the quality of the air we breathe.
Saahns has 2 main divisions:
- International Asthma Services (IAS)
- Global Chest Initiatives (GCI)
Our Mission:
International Asthma Services Inc dba Saahns, is established to improve the quality of life, education, treatment programs, as well as the infrastructure, primarily in developing countries, for patients suffering from lung problems.
IAS is dedicated to:
International Asthma Services Inc dba Saahns, is established to improve the quality of life, education, treatment programs, as well as the infrastructure, primarily in developing countries, for patients suffering from lung problems.
IAS is dedicated to:
- Improving the overall care of asthma patients around the globe.
- Educating patients, their families, as well as motivated physicians.
- Facilitating the transfer of technology.
- Reducing pollution and waste to help the environment.
Our Objectives:
International Asthma Services Inc dba Saahns provides charitable services to patients suffering from asthma and allergies in different locations around the world by:
1. Organizing asthma awareness camps;
2. Building free charitable clinics;
3. Arranging for the transfer of medical equipment across continents; and,
4. Expanding post-MD educational programs in the fields of allergy, asthma, and immunology.
International Asthma Services Inc dba Saahns provides charitable services to patients suffering from asthma and allergies in different locations around the world by:
1. Organizing asthma awareness camps;
2. Building free charitable clinics;
3. Arranging for the transfer of medical equipment across continents; and,
4. Expanding post-MD educational programs in the fields of allergy, asthma, and immunology.
Board of Directors
Dr. Pudupakkam K. Vedanthan, MD
Dr. Vedanthan (Dr. PK) is the founder/architect of International Asthma Services (IAS) a non-profit charitable 501 c-3 (tax exempt) organization registered in Colorado, USA.
Dr. Vedanthan is a native of Mysuru, India. He completed his medical education at the University of Mysuru and moved to USA along with his wife Mrs Kamala in 1971. He had further training in Medicine, Pediatrics and fellowship in Allergy & Immunology in Rhode Island and Denver, Colorado. He is certified by the American Boards of Pediatrics, Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
During his frequent visits to his native place in India, he was highly influenced by the lack of proper infrastructure and trained physicians in the field of Allergy & Asthma. To improve the awareness and care of these patients, starting in 1987, Dr. PK and a few of his colleagues started conducting allergy & asthma awareness camps in different parts of India. This led to the registration of ‘International Asthma Services’ as a medical charity in 1992. The services of IAS have spread to Kenya, Phillippines, Mauritius, Argentina, and Fiji over the subsequent years.
The main activities of IAS are in India. Regional chapters of IAS have been established to promote the education of physicians and patients in several locations. IAS has partnered with several service organizations such as Rotary clubs, Lions clubs, hospitals and educational institutions to conduct its activities. In the educational sphere, IAS has partnered with Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India to offer the formal course of Diploma in Allergy & Asthma (DAA) to qualified physicians since 2006.
Dr. PK, along with his wife Mrs. Kamala Vedanthan who assists as a coordinator of IAS, tours for nearly 5-6 months a year organizing and inaugurating IAS activities around the globe. He is the Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, USA. He has been recognized by the University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) for his dedicated efforts and contributions.
Dr. Vedanthan is a native of Mysuru, India. He completed his medical education at the University of Mysuru and moved to USA along with his wife Mrs Kamala in 1971. He had further training in Medicine, Pediatrics and fellowship in Allergy & Immunology in Rhode Island and Denver, Colorado. He is certified by the American Boards of Pediatrics, Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
During his frequent visits to his native place in India, he was highly influenced by the lack of proper infrastructure and trained physicians in the field of Allergy & Asthma. To improve the awareness and care of these patients, starting in 1987, Dr. PK and a few of his colleagues started conducting allergy & asthma awareness camps in different parts of India. This led to the registration of ‘International Asthma Services’ as a medical charity in 1992. The services of IAS have spread to Kenya, Phillippines, Mauritius, Argentina, and Fiji over the subsequent years.
The main activities of IAS are in India. Regional chapters of IAS have been established to promote the education of physicians and patients in several locations. IAS has partnered with several service organizations such as Rotary clubs, Lions clubs, hospitals and educational institutions to conduct its activities. In the educational sphere, IAS has partnered with Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India to offer the formal course of Diploma in Allergy & Asthma (DAA) to qualified physicians since 2006.
Dr. PK, along with his wife Mrs. Kamala Vedanthan who assists as a coordinator of IAS, tours for nearly 5-6 months a year organizing and inaugurating IAS activities around the globe. He is the Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, USA. He has been recognized by the University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) for his dedicated efforts and contributions.
Mrs. Kamala Vedanthan
Mrs. Kamala Vedanthan is a highly accomplished Carnatic classical vocalist and composer. She was born in Mysuru, India and emigrated to USA in 1971 along with her spouse, Dr. PK. Mrs. Kamala, in addition to her domestic responsibilities, has been passionately involved in the global activities of IAS DBA Saahns since its inception.
She is also a trained EKG technician, Allergy Asthma Assistant, as well as Dental Assistant. With her extensive background in both the medical and non-medical arenas of life, Kamala has consistently been a valuable asset to this organization.
Along with her spouse, Dr. PK, Mrs. Kamala assists as a coordinator of IAS and tours for nearly 5-6 months a year organizing and inaugurating IAS activities around the globe.
She is also a trained EKG technician, Allergy Asthma Assistant, as well as Dental Assistant. With her extensive background in both the medical and non-medical arenas of life, Kamala has consistently been a valuable asset to this organization.
Along with her spouse, Dr. PK, Mrs. Kamala assists as a coordinator of IAS and tours for nearly 5-6 months a year organizing and inaugurating IAS activities around the globe.
Dr. Vinay Mehta, MD
Dr. Vinay Mehta is an American board certified allergist from Lincoln, Nebraska. He is a regular visiting faculty for the DAA program at Christian Medical College, Vellore India. He has widely published on various subjects in the field of allergy. He is active in the American Academy of allergy, asthma and immunology as a teaching faculty in several symposiums.
Dr. Vinay has been associated with IAS activities very closely for the past 8 years. He has been an active volunteer missionary and teacher for the IAS outreach activities in India, Kenya, Russia. He is also a regular voluntary faculty for the Diploma Allergy Asthma (DAA) training program at the Christian Medical College-Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Dr. Vinay has been associated with IAS activities very closely for the past 8 years. He has been an active volunteer missionary and teacher for the IAS outreach activities in India, Kenya, Russia. He is also a regular voluntary faculty for the Diploma Allergy Asthma (DAA) training program at the Christian Medical College-Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Dr. Preveen Ramamoorthy, MD
Dr. Preveen Ramamoorthy founded the Molecular Diagnostics department at National Jewish Health, Denver in 2007. Currently, he directs the translation of biomarkers into molecular diagnostic tests at the Advanced Diagnostic Laboratories at National Jewish Health. His laboratory has launched numerous rapid diagnostic, prognostic and companion diagnostic tests and is serving patients and physicians at National Jewish Health and the U.S.A.
Prior to joining National Jewish Health Dr. Ramamoorthy was involved in the development of viral vaccines, cancer vaccines and monoclonal antibodies at MedImmune. Dr. Ramamoorthy completed his post-doctoral fellowship at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring in genomics and molecular diagnostics. During his Ph.D at Clemson University Dr. Ramamoorthy co-invented a prolactin receptor antagonist, a molecular therapeutic drug for breast cancer. Dr. Ramamoorthy obtained his Master’s in Medical Microbiology at the University of Madras before he embarked upon his Ph.D program at Clemson University.
Dr. Ramamoorthy is passionately interested in the development of genome based diagnostic tests, integrating them into personalized medicine clinical programs and enabling physicians and patients to prevent, manage and treat diseases. In addition, Dr. Ramamoorthy has social entrepreneurial aspirations in creating and developing diagnostics solutions suited for resource insufficient settings such as developing countries. He is convinced that the bi-directional flow of healthcare ideas and innovations from developing countries to developed countries will not only benefit health care sector of developing countries but also developed countries.
Prior to joining National Jewish Health Dr. Ramamoorthy was involved in the development of viral vaccines, cancer vaccines and monoclonal antibodies at MedImmune. Dr. Ramamoorthy completed his post-doctoral fellowship at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring in genomics and molecular diagnostics. During his Ph.D at Clemson University Dr. Ramamoorthy co-invented a prolactin receptor antagonist, a molecular therapeutic drug for breast cancer. Dr. Ramamoorthy obtained his Master’s in Medical Microbiology at the University of Madras before he embarked upon his Ph.D program at Clemson University.
Dr. Ramamoorthy is passionately interested in the development of genome based diagnostic tests, integrating them into personalized medicine clinical programs and enabling physicians and patients to prevent, manage and treat diseases. In addition, Dr. Ramamoorthy has social entrepreneurial aspirations in creating and developing diagnostics solutions suited for resource insufficient settings such as developing countries. He is convinced that the bi-directional flow of healthcare ideas and innovations from developing countries to developed countries will not only benefit health care sector of developing countries but also developed countries.
Dr. Harold S. Nelson, MD
Dr. Nelson received an undergraduate degree in economics from Harvard College and later earned a doctor of medicine degree from Emory University. He then completed a residency in internal medicine at Letterman General Hospital and a fellowship in allergy/immunology at the University of Michigan.
Dr. Nelson has published over 300 articles and book chapters. . He has served on the Board of Regents of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), as well as on the Board of Directors of both the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. He was a member of the First, Second and Third Expert Panels of the NIH – NAEPP for developing the Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma.
Dr. Nelson has been honored with the “Fellow Distinguished Award” and “Gold-Headed Cane Award” of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology; the “Distinguished Clinician Award”” Special Recognition Award” and “Distinguished Service Award” of the AAAAI; the “Outstanding Clinician Award” from the World Allergy Organization and the “Lifetime Achievement Award” of the National Jewish Medical and Research Center. He was also honored with named lectureships at the annual meetings of the ACAAI 2008-9 and the AAAAI 2001-10.
Dr. Nelson has published over 300 articles and book chapters. . He has served on the Board of Regents of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), as well as on the Board of Directors of both the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. He was a member of the First, Second and Third Expert Panels of the NIH – NAEPP for developing the Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma.
Dr. Nelson has been honored with the “Fellow Distinguished Award” and “Gold-Headed Cane Award” of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology; the “Distinguished Clinician Award”” Special Recognition Award” and “Distinguished Service Award” of the AAAAI; the “Outstanding Clinician Award” from the World Allergy Organization and the “Lifetime Achievement Award” of the National Jewish Medical and Research Center. He was also honored with named lectureships at the annual meetings of the ACAAI 2008-9 and the AAAAI 2001-10.
Erika L. Kurt
Erika Kurt is a New York-based attorney and consultant whose practice has focused on international legal issues, health and human rights, and public policy. Erika is currently working as a Strategist for LGT Venture Philanthropy where she is developing a framework to increase the impact of philanthropic investment strategies in emerging markets in the health and sanitation sector.
Erika has a longstanding commitment to taking action on pressing global challenges and harnessing collaborative action to achieve real, lasting change. Drawing on her experience from the public and private sectors, Erika founded and chaired an advocacy campaign to support evidence-based reforms to health policy and spending limiting access to lifesaving medicines. While working at the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College, Erika designed and managed public policy programs to empower the next generation of public service leaders, foster informed policy debate, and promote financial literacy. She has also fought for the implementation of a major human rights treaty, won asylum for immigrant victims of gender-based persecution, assisted victims of domestic violence, and taught classes on human rights.
Erika graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Vassar College with Highest Honors in International Studies and French and earned two law degrees with Distinction from McGill University Faculty of Law.
Erika has a longstanding commitment to taking action on pressing global challenges and harnessing collaborative action to achieve real, lasting change. Drawing on her experience from the public and private sectors, Erika founded and chaired an advocacy campaign to support evidence-based reforms to health policy and spending limiting access to lifesaving medicines. While working at the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College, Erika designed and managed public policy programs to empower the next generation of public service leaders, foster informed policy debate, and promote financial literacy. She has also fought for the implementation of a major human rights treaty, won asylum for immigrant victims of gender-based persecution, assisted victims of domestic violence, and taught classes on human rights.
Erika graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Vassar College with Highest Honors in International Studies and French and earned two law degrees with Distinction from McGill University Faculty of Law.
Phuong Dinh
An aficionado for cultivating empowered healthy communities,
Phuong Dinh combines her lived experience as a refugee and
professional background in healthcare management to guide health
organizations in designing equitable healthcare experiences for the
people they serve.
Phuong has extensive experience facilitating collaborations among
clinical, health plan, health system and community leadership to
streamline population health efforts, implement large-scale value-
based strategies, and advance healthcare equity. After completing
her Administrative Fellowship at Kaiser Permanente of Colorado,
Phuong joined the University of Colorado Medicine to manage innovative value-based programs. Currently at CO Access, Phuong was selected by the VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to lead the development and implementation of DE&I principles across operational areas focused on members and community, as well as represent the organization internally and externally to deliver on health equity deliverables.
Phuong serves on the executive committee as Past President for the Colorado Health
Administration Alumni Association, is co-founder of the GlobalMindED Young Professionals
Advisory Committee, and is a long-time advisory board member of the International Asthma
Services. She is also a member of Alpha Sigma Nu and the American College of Healthcare
Executives. Phuong holds a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry from Regis University and MBA in
Healthcare Administration from the University of Colorado Denver, where she was selected for
the Eugenie Sontag Award - the program’s highest honor.
Phuong Dinh combines her lived experience as a refugee and
professional background in healthcare management to guide health
organizations in designing equitable healthcare experiences for the
people they serve.
Phuong has extensive experience facilitating collaborations among
clinical, health plan, health system and community leadership to
streamline population health efforts, implement large-scale value-
based strategies, and advance healthcare equity. After completing
her Administrative Fellowship at Kaiser Permanente of Colorado,
Phuong joined the University of Colorado Medicine to manage innovative value-based programs. Currently at CO Access, Phuong was selected by the VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to lead the development and implementation of DE&I principles across operational areas focused on members and community, as well as represent the organization internally and externally to deliver on health equity deliverables.
Phuong serves on the executive committee as Past President for the Colorado Health
Administration Alumni Association, is co-founder of the GlobalMindED Young Professionals
Advisory Committee, and is a long-time advisory board member of the International Asthma
Services. She is also a member of Alpha Sigma Nu and the American College of Healthcare
Executives. Phuong holds a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry from Regis University and MBA in
Healthcare Administration from the University of Colorado Denver, where she was selected for
the Eugenie Sontag Award - the program’s highest honor.
Ranjani Vedanthan
Ranjani (Rani) Vedanthan has been actively involved in various roles within IAS dba Saahns since its inception, starting with the creation of its name and logo. She is an avid supporter of her parents and their charitable work, and continues to assist this organization by designing and maintaining its website. She also supports Dr. PK in editing and preparing his innumerable presentations, as well as the various published textbooks. She has offered her support at medical camps by preparing and disseminating educational materials, as well as instructing patients on the proper use of inhalers and similar devices.
Rani graduated from Bryn Mawr College, Cum Laude in History, with Minors in Mathematics and Computer Science. She won fellowships to study at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and earned her MA in South Asian Studies with a Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies. She continued her studies and attained a multiple-subject teaching credential from San Francisco State University. Before returning to Fort Collins in 2013, Rani spent 10 years as a public-school teacher in Oakland, CA, and Harlem, NYC, teaching Mathematics in middle school. In October 2022, Rani earned a BS in Accounting with Honors from Colorado State University Global and worked in the industry as an accountant and tax preparer. She is also an avid Bharatanatyam dancer and has taught dance in Fort Collins. Currently, Rani is supporting this charity with website maintenance and upcoming projects, planning her upcoming wedding, and preparing choreography and presentations as an Interport Lecturer for voyagers in the Fall 2025 Semester at Sea journey to India.
Rani graduated from Bryn Mawr College, Cum Laude in History, with Minors in Mathematics and Computer Science. She won fellowships to study at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and earned her MA in South Asian Studies with a Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies. She continued her studies and attained a multiple-subject teaching credential from San Francisco State University. Before returning to Fort Collins in 2013, Rani spent 10 years as a public-school teacher in Oakland, CA, and Harlem, NYC, teaching Mathematics in middle school. In October 2022, Rani earned a BS in Accounting with Honors from Colorado State University Global and worked in the industry as an accountant and tax preparer. She is also an avid Bharatanatyam dancer and has taught dance in Fort Collins. Currently, Rani is supporting this charity with website maintenance and upcoming projects, planning her upcoming wedding, and preparing choreography and presentations as an Interport Lecturer for voyagers in the Fall 2025 Semester at Sea journey to India.