Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know Indian American Physicians Hold Highly Successful 43rd National Convention 15 COVER STORY August 1, 2025 Service Award, Dr. Ravi Parikh, Most Distinguished Young Physician Award, and Dr. Avi Singh Gandhi, Most Distinguished MSRF Award. Winners of the Research/Poster Presentation from across the nation were honored with cash awards. Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Chairman of ParikhWorldwide Media/ITV Gold, was a distinguished guest. He spoke about his inspiring journey and his philanthropic work. From being a physician, and working to strengthen US- India relations, establishing a major publishing house with the goal of empowering the younger generation and bringing the American public closer to India. His work as a philanthropist, including with Life Global USA, establishing more than 100 schools in India. As the incoming President of the Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, GAPIO, he aims to help train young physicians in India and bring experts from around the world to help improve India’s healthcare services, enable placement of doctors coming to US in various hospitals, and also strengthening exchanges with top universities in US. Dr. Sunil Kaza, the outgoing BOT Chair, spoke of challenges faced and Dr. Gore shared her journey to becoming Chair of the BOT, and her plans for the future of AAPI. Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky Jacqueline Cole- man was joined for the lamp-lighting and ribbon- cutting ceremony, by Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the American Medical Association, Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy, a Padma Vibhushan awardee, and AAPI execu- tives. The national anthems of both the US and India were performed by Dr. Aarti Pandya. Apart from Dr. Mukkamala and Dr. Reddy, other speakers at the Convention included Dr. Lyuba Kono- pasek, MD, Senior Vice President, Intealth/ECFMG, Executive Director, FAIMER; Michael Suk, MD, BOT Chair, AMA; George Abraham, MD, Chair, Federation of State Medical Boards. Dr. Mario Capecchi, a 2007 Nobel laureate in Medi- cine/Physiology for his contributions to the develop- ment of “Mouse knockout technology” delivered the keynote address. And Dr. Mukkamala, in his keynote address, said, “I’ve been an AAPI member since I started medical school, and I’m an AMA member. But it’s like having a left hand and a right hand that don’t interact much. And that needs to be improved.” He added, “I’m excited to be the first Indian descent president of the AMA to integrate that more. So that AAPI and the AMA both work together to improve physicians’ ability to take care of patients and the health of this country. Both are critical to make that happen, and if two critical aspects aren’t working together. We can work together, and we can watch them grow exponentially. When we work together, it will be exponential growth for both organi- zations.” Kentucky Lt. Governor Coleman praised AAPI mem- bers for their sacrifices, adding, “…you are the reason that the Governor and I refer to you as a title you have truly earned, which is Healthcare Heroes. So, thank you for what you do.” Mayor of Cincinnati Aftab Pureval, shared his life story as a child born to refugees from the Himalayas, to the United States. “And it’s because of trailblazers like you that next generations like me and my brother can pursue our dreams in whatever field that may be. Congratulations everybody! So excited for you to choose Cincinnati, and I hope you have a wonderful conference.” Artificial Intelligence emerged as a critical theme, with Dr. Suresh Reddy and Dr. Nageshwara Rao ex- plored AI’s transformative potential in healthcare deliv- ery and patient management, while highlighting ethical considerations in medical technology. Daily morning programs focused on sleep tech- niques and anxiety management, providing physicians innovative strategies for personal and professional well- being, emphasizing holistic professional development. The Medical Licensing Forum, led by Dr. Amol Soin, brought together state medical board representatives to discuss critical practice pathways and professional standards. AAPI executives like Dr. Krishan Kumar, Dr. Nera- vetla, and others praised the Convention’s collaborative effort to shape the future of healthcare on a global scale. On July 24th, AAPI delegates enjoyed a cruise on the majestic River Queen Boat. The Biriyani Nite with Bol- lywood music on the banks of the Ohio River that went into midnight was yet another experience for the AAPI delegates at the convention. (The 44th annual convention will be held in Tampa, FL from July 2-5, 2026. For more information on AAPI and the 44th convention, please visit: www.aapiconven- tion.org . For more details on AAPI, visit: www.aapiusa. org). - Continued From Page 14 Scenes from the AAPI Convention in Cincinnati. PHOTO:COLLAGE- CourtesyAAPI Mayor of Cincinnati Aftab Pureval addressing the AAPI Convention in his city. Mayor Pureval is of Indian and Tibetan heritage. Nobel Laureate Dr. Mario Capecchi, speaking at the AAPI 43rd Convention. More than a thousand members and their families attended the AAPI 43rd Annual Convention and Scientific Convention in Cincinnati. Dr. Sunil Kaza, outgoing BOT chair being recognized for his contributions with the AAPI Presidential Award. Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman being greeted at the AAPI 43rd Convention in Cincinnati. PHOTO: ITV Gold PHOTO: ITV Gold PHOTOS:AAPI