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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 8 BOOKS/ HEALTH June 27, 2025 “Immigrant Doctors: Chasing The Big American Dream” Chronicles Inspiring Journeys Of Physicians “I mmigrant Doctors: Chasing the Big American Dream” by Dr. Satheesh Kathula, who immi- grated from a small town in India to the USA, 30 years ago with little more than a dream and no money in his pocket, currently a board-certified hematologist and oncologist and a clinical professor of medicine, chronicles the inspiring journeys of physicians from diverse backgrounds, born and educated in dif- ferent corners of the world, who ventured to the United States in pursuit of the iconic American Dream. According to Dr. Kathula, current President of Ameri- can Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), which represents over 120,000 physicians and Fellows of Indian Origin serving every 7th patient in the United States, “At the heart of their stories is a common thread- arriving with little more than ambition, determina- tion, and the relentless drive to succeed. These doctors overcame extraordinary challenges, from navigating the complexities of foreign education systems to adjusting to new cultures and battling societal stereotypes.” While many are familiar with the success stories of those who “made it,” few understand the sacrifices and hardships faced along the way. “This book is a heartfelt tribute to their courage in leaving home, the resilience required to build new lives from scratch, and their unwavering commitment to the medical profession. It celebrates the collective journey of immigrant doctors- demonstrating that the American Dream is not just a destination, but a testament to the strength of the human spirit,” Dr. Kathula states. Dr. Kathula landed in the United States as an inter- national medical graduate (IMG), “carrying with me the substantial aspiration of becoming a physician in this land of opportunity. However, I soon realized that the journey was more challenging than I had imagined.” Coming from a remote place in India, Dr. Kathla like many others, faced cultural shifts, language barriers, and the daunting process of integrating into a completely different healthcare system. “The path was filled with sacrifices and perseverance, but along the way, I had the privilege of meeting and interacting with countless other doctors who shared similar backgrounds,” the author states. Through these interactions, Dr. Kathula came to understand that while the world may see the successful careers of International Medical Graduates (IMGs), few truly recognize the hardships they endure to achieve that success. “The challenges are not just professional, but deeply personal—navigating new environments, over- coming linguistic and cultural barriers, and dealing with the pain of separation from loved ones. Despite these obstacles, these physicians have not only survived but flourished, making invaluable contributions to healthcare across the United States.” In Foreword, Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, President Elect, American Medical Association, writes, “The pursuit of the American Dream has long been a defining narrative for immigrants who arrive on U.S. soil with aspirations of a better future. For thousands of International Medi- cal Graduates, this dream is intertwined with the relent- less pursuit of excellence in medicine, the resilience to overcome bureaucratic hurdles, and the unwavering commitment to serve patients in a new land. “Immigrant Doctors: Chasing the Big American Dream” is a testament to their journey—an exploration of their struggles, suc- cesses, and the sacrifices made along the way.” Dr. Joseph M. Chalil, a Best Selling Author and Physi- cian Executive, USA describes thew book as “compel- ling and essential contribution that vividly captures the journey of international medical graduates (IMGs) navigating the challenging yet rewarding path to prac- ticing medicine in the United States. As an immigrant doctor from India and the author of two best-selling books on healthcare and policy, I deeply resonate with Dr. Satheesh Kathula’s powerful compilation of personal narratives.” Dr. Parag Mehta, Chairman, Dept. of Medicine, Long Island Community Hospital, President Medical Society of State of NewYork stated, “Dr. Satheesh Kathula captures the untold stories behind the white coats—the sacrifices made, the families left behind, the cultural and linguistic hurdles scaled, and the strength found in adversity. Each chapter is a testament to the human spirit and profes- sional dedication of IMGs, who play a pivotal role in sus- taining our healthcare system, especially in underserved communities.” Dr. Mark A. Marinella, Board certified Medical Oncolo- gy/Internal Medicine Assistant Clinical Professor of Med- icine, Wright State University School of Medicine, writes, “Dr. Satheesh Kathula has penned a timely and overdue book on the roles and benefits that immigrant physicians play in our health care system. Having practiced medi- cine for over 25 years alongside many physicians who have left their home countries to practice medicine in the United States, I have come to respect then value and necessity these doctors bring to patient care.” According to Dr. Beth Delaney, DNP, CNS, FNP-BC, OCN, ACHPN, “This book opened my eyes to struggles my colleagues face that I had not fully understood. Dr. Kathula offers valuable, external perspectives on both the strengths and shortcomings of the United States and our healthcare system. His reflections encourage honest as- sessment and spark hope for meaningful change.” Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, President Elect of AAPI, Chair- man and CEO, Urologic Clinics of North Florida, “In this book, Dr. Kathula eloquently shares his personal journey as an immigrant doctor navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. He highlights the barriers that many international medical graduates encounter and the resil- ience required to overcome them. Dr. Satheesh Kathula’s work serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement for those who aspire to achieve their dreams in the medical field. I wholeheartedly recommend Immigrant Doctors: Chasing the American Dream to anyone interested in un- derstanding the immigrant experience in medicine and the profound impact these dedicated professionals have on patients’ lives.” By Ajay Ghosh, Special to Desi Talk PHOTO:@DRKATHULA.COM PHOTO:HTTPS://THEIMMIGRANTDOCTORS.COM/ Dr. Satheesh Kathula.r Immigrant-Doctors-Book-Cover. Organizers Say AAPI’s 43rd Convention Offers Enriching Experience, Networking, Learning, And Celebrating D r. Satheesh Kathula, president of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, formally invited physicians and families to the 43rd Annual Convention and Scientific Assem- bly scheduled to be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, from July 24-27, 2025. The Convention expects nearly 1,000 delegates includ- ing physicians, academicians, researchers and medical students, along with guests from across the country. The Convention will offer 10–12 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions delivered by world- renowned speakers, a CEO Forum, Women’s Forum, and specialized tracks on Medical Education and Medical Licensing. In addition, attendees will enjoy three nights of enter- tainment, featuring notable artists. “Whether you are a physician, a healthcare profes- sional, or an industry partner, this convention presents a valuable opportunity to showcase your business and connect with influential leaders in the medical field,” Dr. Sunil Kaza, Chair of AAPI Board of Trustees, is quoted saying in the press release. Dr. Mario Capecchi, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Medicine/Physiology in 2007, for his contributions to the development of “Mouse knockout technology” will deliver the keynote address. Other confirmed speakers include: Dr. Bobby Muk- kamala, president-elect of the American Medical Associa- tion; Dr. Lyuba Konopasek, MD, Senior Vice President, Intealth/ECFMG, Executive Director, FAIMER; Michael Suk, MD, BOT Chair, AMA; George Abraham, MD, Chair, Federation of State Medical Boards; and Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy, a Padma Vibhushan awardee. “We have convened a dedicated group of people to meet the needs of the 2025 convention and are very excited about this year,” Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, president- elect of AAPI said. Dr. Meher Medavaram, vice president of AAPI, ex- pressed pride over how far AAPI had evolved. “Today, AAPI is strong representing over 120,000 Indian American physicians, 130 local Chapters, who make up 10% of total physicians in the US and nearly 50% of International Medical Graduates, rooted in every corner of the nation, who serve every 7th patient in the US.” “The annual convention offers extensive academic presentations, recognition of achievements and achiev- ers, and professional networking at the alumni and evening social events. We invite you to be an active par- ticipant in this transformative journey and be part of the Convention,” said Dr. Kathula. For more details on AAPI and the convention, please visit: www.aapiconvention. org and www.aapiusa.org By a StaffWriter