AAPI

I had the privilege of attending the AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin) Spring Governing Body Meeting held on March 29th, 2025 in the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee. This meeting was an important milestone as we came together to make key decisions that shape the future of the organization. One of the major highlights of the session was the successful amendment of the AAPI Bylaws, ensuring that our governance framework evolves in line with the changing needs of our members and the broader community. In addition, we reviewed and approved the operational budget, laying a solid foundation for AAPI’s strategic initiatives in the year ahead. Transparent financial planning continues to be a cornerstone of our organization’s sustainability and impact. The day concluded with a vibrant and well-attended Fundraising Gala, where we celebrated our shared mission and raised support for future programs. It was heartening to witness the generosity and commitment of our members and supporters.

Had the pleasure of hosting American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) West Coast Retreat in association with AAPI President Dr Sateesh Kathula and my Co-Convener Dr Anjali Gulati. What started as a smallexperiment in a quiet/beautiful boutique hotel Wine & Roses in even quieter town of Lodi, CA, grew to about 130 Doctors coming from all over US. We were able to share pure joy and world-class educational lectures with the audience glued to the seats and yearning for more, even though the ambience and the weather being beautiful. The Retreat offered an exceptional mix of continuing medical education (CME) by eminent speakers, networking opportunities, delicious food, a winery tour, a grand gala, and a vibrant entertainment.Dr. Sreekar Reddy, Consul General of India, San Francisco, was an Honored Guest at the event. Participants at the Retreat celebrated Women’s Day with the Pink/Red Theme, honoring the achievements and accomplishments of women. A standout feature of the retreat was the “Hearts of AAPI,” where numerous Doctors participated in creating heart-themed artwork on canvas, concept by Dr. Jignesh Patel The presence of national leadership added special importance to the event. Prominent among those who had attended the event were: Dr, Satheesh Kathula, President; Dr. Sunil Kaza, BOT Chair; Dr. Raj Bhayani, Secretary; Dr. Hetal Gor, BOT Member; and, Regional Directors Dr. Ram Singh and Dr Srini Gokarakonda; Past President, Dr Sudhakar Jonnalagadda; and, Past BOT Chair, Dr Seema Arora. AAPI Bay Area Chapter President, Dr Shashwathi Kale, BOT Chair Dr Amara Balakrishnan, EC members Dr Deepa Rathi, Dr Rinku Srivastava, Dr Meenakshi Jain and CME Chair, Dr Pankaj Vij. Geetesh Iyer, an Indian Raga creative director, singer-songwriter, and a Grammy Award nominee, based out of the San Francisco Bay Area, provided entertainment with his excellent rendition of Indian songs.  News Links: https://theunn.com/aapi-organizesnational-retreatfor-physicianshttps://theindianeye.com/2025/03/15/aapi-organizes-national-retreat-for-physicians-in-the-west-coast    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

About 100 hospitals across US were reached and nurses were appreciated for their great work during the covid pandemic. For the first time we were able to reach hospitals in Birmingham, UK and Rockhampton, Australia. Treated them for a lunch.

AAPI Nurses appreciation week program (Lunch Vouchers) reached out to 100 critical care nurses in Stockton, CA St Joseph Medical Center- Sujeeth R. Punnam, MD, FACC, Incoming Regional Director, Pacific Zone

Attended AAPI Governing Body Meeting in Oakbrook, IL as Regional Director, Pacific Zone. Gala night after that!

Attended AAPI, Bay Area Chapter Gala! Highlight of the event was the fashion show presented by women physicians on the theme of 5 elements of Nature- Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth Chief Guest was Lilly Mei, Mayor of Fremont City. With President Dr Raj Gupta and team

Started off at a high note at Hotel Avasa in Hyderabad, India on Jan 3rd, 2022 with Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Venkaiah Naidu attending the inaugural session virtually. He invoked Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (world is one family) and praised Indian doctors in the US for being the personification of our nation’s civilizational value. Vice president complimented AAPI for its services in India and especially during the second wave of pandemic and helping Indian healthcare system with most needed oxygen supplying equipment’s like concentrators and ventilators. Highlight of the day was the Research poster presentations by finalists of medical students coming from all parts of India.

Attended AAPI’s Global Health Meeting in the beautiful coastal city of Vizag. Contributed as Moderator for Cardiology Session dealing with topics from prevention to cutting edge latest structural heart techniques.