(New York, August 26 :
“On behalf of AAPI, I had an opportunity to meet with Deputy Consul General Hon. Varun Jeph to discuss various collaborative initiatives between AAPI and the Government of India,” said Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI).
Dr. Kathula along with dozens of physicians of Indian origin, who flew in from many parts of the United States to join in and participate at the 78th India’s Independence Day celebrations and the Inda Day Parade in New York City, met with the officials at the Indian Consulate in New York on Sunday, August 18th.
Hon. Jeph and the Indian Consulate in New York tweeted on X after the meeting: “Deputy Consul General Hon. Varun Jeph and AAPI President Dr. Satheesh Kathula met in New York today. Had constructive discussions on the role of Indian physicians in the US in strengthening Indo-US healthcare collaborations and empowering the vibrant Diaspora community. Wished him the best for his tenure as AAPI President.”
Dr. Kathula described the meeting as very productive. While elaborating on the discussions he had with Hon. Jeph, he said, “The discussions highlighted key projects that AAPI will be undertaking in India, including programs focused on the prevention of cancer and heart attacks, as well as widespread CPR training initiatives aimed at improving emergency response capabilities across the country.”
Dr. Kathula pointed to the next edition of the Global Health Summit, planned to be held in New Delhi from October 18-20, 2024. This summit is expected to bring together healthcare professionals and experts from around the world to share knowledge, explore innovative healthcare solutions, and strengthen global health partnerships.
The flagship annual event of AAPI, the Global Healthcare Summit has contributed to ushering in new ways of providing healthcare to India’s 1.4 Billion people, who live in the congested urban centers and in the rural/remote regions of the country. The 18th annual GHS will build on past initiatives and add several new programs, Dr. Kathula added.
Dr. Kathula has served AAPI in various capacities. He was the Regional Director, a member of the Board of Trustees. He was elected overwhelmingly by AAPI members as the national Treasurer, Secretary, and Vice President of AAPI, and has served as the President-Elect of AAPI during the year 2023-34. In his inaugural note, Dr. Kathula assured all AAPI members and all physicians of Indian origin that “I will sincerely work for the betterment of our beloved organization, AAPI.”
Dr. Kathula has clearly laid out his vision for AAPI on his personal website:
1.Promote AAPI’s mission of education, excellence in patient care, research, and professionalism.
2.Increase membership of AAPI and enhance membership benefits. Engage the younger generation more
3.Collaborate with major physician organizations in the US
4.Fast-tracking of Green Cards process for Physicians
5.Leverage the strength of 120,000 Indian American Doctors through Legislative endeavors
6.Helping Indian Medical Graduates in navigating the US system and providing them with Mentorship and Observership
Dr. Kathula said, “My priority is to engage the second-generation physicians and fostering mentorship to ensure AAPI's continued relevance and vitality.” Dr. Kathula says, “My goals for AAPI have been very clear. I want to focus on education, communication, and legislation, involving the younger generation. Increasing the membership, creating benefits for members, and making AAPI financially stronger are some of my objectives. I will work hand in hand with the entire executive committee, and board of trustees, to make AAPI stronger and more viable.”
Since its inception in 1982, AAPI has been at the forefront, representing a conglomeration of practicing of Indian origin physicians in the United States, seeking to be the united voice for the physicians of Indian origin. Dr. Satheesh Kathula says, “We will continue the noble mission and strengthen our efforts to make AAPI reach greater heights.” For more details about AAPI, please visit: www.appiusa.org
