Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 14 COVER STORY August 1, 2025 Indian American Physicians Hold Highly Successful 43rd National Convention M ore than a thousand Indian American physi- cians met in Cincinnati, Ohio for the 43rd Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, AAPI, July 24-27, 2025. It was a highly successful meeting that sought to bridge medical expertise with technological innovation and network- ing to build a better health care system for future generations. Among the highlights of the convention was the handover of the gavel from outgoing President Dr. Sath- eesh Kathula to incoming President Dr. Amit Chakrab- arty, as well as Dr. Hetal Gor taking charge as Chair of the Board of Trustees. The packed schedule included Continuing Medical Education classes, seminars on AI in Medicine, Health &Wellbeing, aWomen’s Forum, CEO Forum, Bollywood Extravaganza, Medical Research and Jeopardy contest. The Convention was held at the Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter and Northern Kentucky Convention Center, concluding with a colorful gala and the official handing over of leadership. Dr. Chakrabarty’s executive committee consists of President-Elect Dr. Meher Medavaram, Vice President Dr. Krishan Kumar, Secretary Dr. Seema Arora, and Dr. Soumya Neravetla as Treasurer. Dr. Gautam Kamthan will serve as the President, YPS, and Dr. Priyanka Kolli is the President, MSRF, both, representing the Medical Students and Fellows at the national AAPI. Dr. Chakrabarty called it a “sacred beginning” for the largest ethnic medical association, and said he was committed to unifying it, and strengthening links with policymakers. “With this new chapter, we honor our heritage, step forward with courage, and vow to lead with integrity.” AAPI represents the interests of over 120,000 Indian American physicians, Residents, and Fellows, and is the second largest medical organization after the American Medical Association. Outgoing President Dr. Kathula highlighted the pro- grams and initiatives he and his executive committee had fulfilled in the past year. He presented Presidential Awards to Dr. Bhushan Pandya, Dr. Sunil Kaza, Dr. Vem- uri Murthy, and Dr. Dwarkanda Reddy for their accom- plishments and contribution to AAPI and to the larger society. And Dr. Kathula was honored for his outstand- ing leadership, commitment to AAPI’s mission. Among the leaders who organized the Convention, Dr. Vijaya Kodali was recognized for her hard work. At the BOT luncheon, physicians with distinguished achievements were honored with AAPI’s prestigious awards -- Dr. Navin Nanda, Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. P KVedantham, Most Distinguished Physi- cian Award, Dr. Krishan Kumar, Most Distinguished Physician Award, Dr. Jagdish Gupta, AAPI Outstanding By a StaffWriter President of the American Medical Association Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, addressing the AAPI 43rd Annual Convention in Cincinnati. Padma Shri recipient and chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media Dr. Sudhir Parikh speaking at the AAPI convention in Cincinnati,OH. Dr. Ravi Parikh being recognized with Most Distinguished Young Physician Achievement Award at the AAPI Board of Trustees luncheon during the AAPI 43rd Convention in Cincinnati, OH. Dr. Avi Singh Gandhi receiving the AAPI Most Distinguished MSRF Award. (MSRF- Medical Student Resident Forum) Renowned cardiologist Dr. Navin Nanda received the AAPI Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Krishan Kumar receiving the AAPI Most Distinguished Physician Award. Dr. Satheesh Kathula, outgoing President of AAPI, right, handing over the gavel to incoming President Dr. Amit Chakrabarty. PHOTOS:AAPI PHOTO:AAPI PHOTO: ITV Gold PHOTO:AAPI PHOTO:navinnandamd.com PHOTOS:AAPI Dr. Jagdish Gupta getting the AAPI Outstanding Service Award at the BOT luncheon during the AAPI Convention in Cincinnati, OH. Dr. P.K. Vedantham receiving the AAPI Most Distinguished Physician Award. - Continued On Page 15 PHOTOS:AAPI