Our Bureau
Cincinnati, OH
The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) concluded its 43rd Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly on July 27, 2025, in Cincinnati, blending medical innovation, cultural celebration, and a historic leadership transition. Over 1,000 delegates — physicians, residents, fellows, and students — gathered at the Cincinnati Marriott at River Center and the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, reaffirming AAPI’s standing as the largest ethnic medical association in the U.S., representing over 120,000 Indian American physicians and impacting one in every seven patients nationwide.
The convention’s highlight was the ceremonial passing of the gavel on July 26, when outgoing President Dr. Satheesh Kathula handed leadership to Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, an Alabama-based urologist with nearly 25 years in AAPI. His executive team includes Dr. Meher Medavaram (President-Elect), Dr. Krishan Kumar (Vice President), Dr. Seema Arora (Secretary), and Dr. Soumya Neravetla (Treasurer). Dr. Hetal Gor assumed the role of Board of Trustees (BOT) Chair, with Dr. Gautam Kamthan and Dr. Priyanka Kolli leading the Young Physicians Section (YPS) and the Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows Section (MSRF).
Dr. Chakrabarty pledged to unify AAPI across regional and generational lines, expand membership, engage younger physicians, and amplify its influence in U.S. healthcare policy. “Our membership is our strength, and our voices must resonate in the corridors of power,” he said. Dr. Kathula reflected on a year of impactful initiatives, including the Global Health Summit in India, research contests, and charitable programs, presenting Presidential Awards to four distinguished members.
The four-day event combined academic rigor with cultural vibrancy. Over 10 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions featured world-class speakers, including Dr. Suresh Reddy, Dr. Vemuri Murthy on global cardiac arrest outcomes, and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy on AI-driven gastrointestinal advances. Panels such as the Medical Licensing Forum and CEO Forum offered professional insights, while a robust research symposium recognized outstanding medical research from students and residents. Morning wellness programs in yoga, meditation, and stress management promoted physician well-being.
The Women’s Forum, chaired by Dr. Divya K. Navani, drew strong engagement with its timely focus on Imposter Syndrome among women physicians, linking it to burnout. Networking flourished through alumni meetings, a singles mixer for younger members, and social events.
Awards honored leaders for their contributions to medicine and community service, including Dr. Navin Nanda and Dr. P.K. Vedantham. Keynotes by AMA President Dr. Bobby Mukkamala and Nobel laureate Dr. Mario Capecchi emphasized collaboration and innovation, while Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, U.S. Congressman Jonathan Jackson, and Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval lauded AAPI’s impact.
Cultural celebrations were equally rich. The July 24 opening featured a ribbon cutting with the lighting of a traditional lamp and renditions of both national anthems. Delegates enjoyed a scenic Ohio River cruise with music and dance, a midnight Biryani Night, and a gala with performances by Monali Thakur, a fashion show, comedy acts, and the AAPI Got Talent showcase.
The convention’s agenda balanced professional sessions with strategic meetings, exhibits, and product theaters. The final day was devoted to governance, planning, and continued networking.
Dr. Hetal Gor, new BOT Chair, outlined a vision for clarity, transparency, and financial stability. Newly elected BOT member Dr. Sunitha Polepalle encouraged more American medical graduates to join AAPI, while Treasurer Dr. Soumya Neravetla became the first second-generation physician in the role.
The event was chaired by Dr. Satheesh Kathula, whose meticulous planning ensured seamless execution. “Together, we fulfilled our promises despite challenges unlike AAPI had ever seen,” he said. Dr. Suresh K. Gupta, South Atlantic Regional Director, reflected on his 40-year journey with the organization, calling it a tapestry of professional growth and service.
Dr. Chakrabarty closed by inviting members to the 44th Annual AAPI Convention in Tampa, Florida, July 2–5, 2026. “AAPI’s mission is clear, our programs will thrive, and our impact will benefit society,” he said. “Join me in shaping the national healthcare system with a focus on health maintenance.”
— Asian Media USA
