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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 5 CITY VIEWS May 15, 2026 Indian American Physicians Elected To American Medical Association’s International Medical Graduates Section D r. Satheesh Kathula, Dr. Deepu Sudhakaran, and Dr. Vikram B. Patel have been elected to the Interna- tional Medical Graduates Section (IMGS) of the American Medical Association (AMA). The AMA is the largest and only national association that convenes more than 200 state and specialty medical societies and other criti- cal stakeholders. The three distinguished Indian American physicians will assume their new posts at the 2026 Annual IMGS Meeting on June 5, 2026, a press release from the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) said. Dr. Kathula is a distinguished oncologist, community leader, and immediate past president of the American As- sociation of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) with more than two decades of leadership and public service. Dr. Kathula has served as a practicing oncologist for nearly 25 years, earning widespread respect for his com- passionate care and contributions to the advancement of cancer treatment. A graduate of Siddhartha Medical Col- lege in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Kathula currently serves as a clinical professor of medicine atWright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio. He has authored several medical papers and published a book “Immigrant Doctors: Chasing the Big American Dream” highlighting the contribution of immigrant doc- tors, their struggles and triumphs. It is Amazon’s best sell- ing. He embarked on his second book on cancer aware- ness for general public. “It is an honor to be elected to the AMA International Medical Graduates Section,” said Dr. Kathula. “IMGs are the backbone of the American healthcare system, and I am committed to strengthening pathways that allow them to thrive, lead, and serve with excellence. This role is an opportunity to elevate our collective voice and advance policies that ensure fairness, opportunity, and dignity for every physician who chooses to care for America.” Dr. Deepu Sudhakaran, MD, MBA, FACS, is a dedicated advocate for International Medical Graduates, advanc- ing equity through mentorship, policy engagement, and leadership. A long-standing AAPI member, he has served as Regional Director, governing body member, and President of the AAPI St. Louis Chapter/Indian Medical Council of Greater St. Louis. In June 2026, he will assume the role of Chair of the AMA IMG Section, guiding national strategy, shaping policy, and representing IMG interests within the AMA. His election reflects a commitment to responsible leader- ship, continuity of progress, and deep gratitude for the trust placed in him. Dr. Sudhakaran said, “The AMA IMG Section is es- sential in ensuring that International Medical Graduates—who make up over 30% of the U.S. physician workforce—have a voice in shaping policies that directly impact patient care, access, and workforce stability.” Dr. Vikram B. Patel is a distinguished physician and leader with extensive experience in medical organizations, including the AMA, Illinois State Medical Society, and McHenry County Medical Society. He currently chairs the IMG Section of ISMS and serves on multiple committees related to CME and pain medicine. Dr. Patel has held board and leadership roles in organizations such as theWorld Institute of Pain, ASIPP, ABIPP, and the Midwest Pain Society. His career reflects a strong commitment to advancing medical education, supporting IMGs, and improving patient care in pain management and healthcare systems. Dr. Patel said, “My hope for serving the IMG section at AMA was always a dream for me. I have served as a teller at the AMA meetings many times and am familiar with the house proceedings, especially during the official house business as well as elections. More recently, I have also served on the AMA Election Task Force 2.” The International Medical Graduates Section works to advocate for issues that impact international medical graduates (IMGs), who make up more than 25% of all physicians in the United States. All AMA members who are international medical graduates are automatically members of the Internation- al Medical Graduates Section. The International Medi- cal Graduates Section provides resources to potential residents who are going through the residency interview process, and monitors and assists in issues that impact the professional activities of the international medical graduates community. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:AAPI PHOTO:SCREENSHOT FROM PAINCAST.COM Dr. Satish Kathula Dr. Vikram B. Patel Dr. Deepu Sudhakaran D r. Krishan Kumar, M.D., FAAP, FACEP, a clinical professor of pedi- atrics and emergency medicine at the NewYork Institute of Technol- ogy College of Osteopathic Medi- cine), will be awarded an honorary degree at NYITCOM’s 65th Commencement on May 17, 2026, at the Long Island campus. Since joining NYITCOM in 2011, “Dr. Kumar has made a lasting impact through his leadership in medical education, clini- cal care, and service,” the Institute noted on its LinkedIn page. From serving as chair and program director of pediatrics at Nassau University Medical Center to establishing the Kumar Family Scholarship in 2024, “his dedi- cation to supporting future physicians continues to shape the next generation,” it added. The Institute recently also celebrated Dr. Kumar as one of this year’s honorees at the NYITCOM Alumni Awards recogniz- ing his decades of medical service and education. At the alumni event, Dr. Valentine, president of NYIT, commended Dr. Kumar and also pointed to his charitable works with the Indian American community. Several other physicians attending the event, like Dr. Shah and Dr. Jagdish Gupta, also praised Dr. Kumar for his lifetime of service. Dr. Kumar joined the faculty of NYIT- COM in 2011 and is also a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board. “Kumar has been a faithful supporter and friend of NYITCOM for more than 40 years,” the Institute said in a May 7, 2026, release about the Commencement ceremonies. In 2024, Dr. Kumar established the Kumar Family Scholarship to benefit a fourth-year medical student. He is the former chair and program director of Nassau University Medical Center’s (NUMC) department of pediat- rics. Dr. Kumar joined NUMC as an at- tending physician in the department of emergency medicine/pediatrics in 1990. He also previously served as an associ- ate professor of pediatrics at the State University of NewYork at Stony Brook, as an attending in the department of emer- gency medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and Coney Island Hospital, and as the medical director for Nassau County Fire Police EMS Academy. A graduate of Kanpur Medical College in India in 1977, Dr. Kumar emigrated to the United States in 1984. He joined Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx as a resident and soon became associate director of emergency medicine in 1988. He is a Fellow of the American Acad- emy of Pediatrics, the American College of Emergency Medicine, and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics. He is also a member of the NewYork State Board of Medicine and serves as the vice president of the American Associa- tion of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), the second-largest medical association in the United States. His numerous awards include being recognized as one of America’s Top Pedia- tricians by Consumers’ Research Council of America in 2010, the Medical Director of Excellence Award for outstanding con- tribution to paramedic education by the Nassau County Fire Police EMS Academy, as well as a number of congressional cita- tions from state and national representa- tives of NewYork. By a StaffWriter Dr. Krishan Kumar Honored At Alumnus Event; Also Will Receive Honorary Degree At NY Institute Of Technology Commencement Dr. Krishan Kumar, left, speaking at the Alumni celebration event of the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he was recognized for his service. Also seen in photo is Dean Dr. Nicole Wadsworth of NYIT. PHOTO:SCREENSHOT FROMVIDEO.COURTESY ITV GOLD