America
Dr. Hetal Gor’s Visionary Leadership Shines at AAPI’s 43rd Annual Convention
Cincinnati, OH: Aug 4, 2025 –
The 43rd Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) unfolded with grandeur at the Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter and Northern Kentucky Convention Center, bringing together a vibrant community of Indian American physicians, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. From July 24-27, 2025, this iconic event served as a platform for celebrating achievements, fostering collaboration, and charting a bold future for AAPI under the leadership of Dr. Hetal Gor, who assumed the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees (BOT) on July 26. The convention was a testament to AAPI’s enduring commitment to advancing healthcare, promoting cultural heritage, and inspiring the next generation of medical professionals.
Dr Hetal Gor is a board certified obgyn in NY/NJ , gynecological & surgical aesthetics specialist, women’s advocate, political activist , awarded entrepreneur gave her vision as Chairwoman of Board of Trustees. Her plan is to implement Clarity, Transparency, Honesty, to lead with Integrity Ethics Financial stability that our organization needs. Reflecting on her decade-long journey with AAPI, from co-chairing the 2016 NYC Convention to her current role, Dr. Gor shared her vision with palpable enthusiasm: “Knowledge is power. Starting this year, we’re launching monthly medico-legal Zoom webinars in collaboration with the South Asian Bar Association to empower our community.” Her focus on integrative medical wellness, aimed at combating physician burnout, resonated deeply with attendees. “A well-balanced person is a better physician,” she declared, emphasizing the need for work-life balance in a demanding profession.
Dr. Gor outlined ambitious plans, including free health fairs, public education sessions, and a robust mentorship program for junior physicians and medical students. “We’re committed to financial stability, transparency, integrity, and hard work,” she promised, adding, “We’ll create a fun, stress-free environment with positive vibrations, where everyone feels included.”
The outgoing BOT Chair, Dr. Sunil Kaza, delivered a stirring farewell address, reflecting on a challenging yet triumphant year. “The start of AAPI’s 2024-2025 terms was like a storm, the likes of which AAPI had never seen before!” he said, quoting Sadhguru: “You can learn to prevent the storm, or you can learn to ride the storm. If you can learn how to ride the storm, the storm is not a problem anymore. We decided to ride the storm! We decided to right the ship!” Dr. Kaza highlighted key achievements, including scholarships through the Kakani Educational Scholarship for 2023-2025, funding for medical students, residents, and fellows, and support for young physicians’ initiatives.
On the global front, Dr. Kaza emphasized AAPI’s advocacy in India, including meetings with India’s Health Minister, Mr. JP Nadda, to enhance emergency medicine education and increase residency seats. “We sponsored research awards for GAIMS, supported its peer-reviewed journal, and raised $45,000 for health and education initiatives in India,” he noted, also mentioning the $31,000 raised for 62 tribal schools through Ekal Vidyalaya. Dr. Kaza’s leadership was lauded for its fiscal responsibility, ethical election standards, and collaboration with the Executive Committee, ensuring transparency and unity.
A highlight of the convention was the CEO Forum, a dynamic session that brought together trailblazing physician-entrepreneurs to share insights on leadership and innovation. Moderated by Dr. Hetal Gor, the panel featured Dr. Raj Pandya, an orthopedic surgeon and serial entrepreneur, and Dr. Sandeep (Sunny) Dronawat,a chemical engineer turned healthcare IT innovator. The forum underscored the importance of entrepreneurial thinking in medicine, addressing challenges like business management and work-life balance.
Dr. Pandya, founder and CEO of the Atlanta Orthopedic Institute and Unicorn Health, defined a CEO’s role with clarity and humility: “A CEO is about taking ownership and being ultimately responsible. As a surgeon, every time I walk into the operating room, I’m the CEO of that case.” He emphasized clarity as a key characteristic: “Understand the problem at a granular level, and the solution presents itself. You need clarity, humanity, and relentless responsibility.” Reflecting on his diverse ventures, including the hospitality industry with Twisted Taco, Dr. Pandya shared, “My restaurant ventures are a natural extension of my work in the operating room. It’s about sustainability and transforming mindsets, from farm to table.”
Dr. Dronawat CEO of Fetal Life and chairman of West Wind Power, spoke passionately about problem-solving across industries. “As a chemical engineer, my training was to solve problems, whether medical or environmental. That’s what drives me to diversify,” he said. Addressing work-life balance, he advised, “Organize your time with a good calendar and an assistant. Delegate and prioritize—don’t waste time on social media.” On conflict resolution, Dr. Dronawat offered a practical approach: “Focus on the problem, not the person. Attack the issue together, not each other.”
The audience engaged eagerly, with questions ranging from managing staff to overcoming Conflicts Dr. Madhu Ramaswamy, a pulmonary critical care physician, asked about tackling self-doubt in business ventures. Dr. Pandya responded philosophically: “Align with yourself, and the solution becomes self-evident. Understand the problem deeply, and don’t let ‘nobody cares’ stop you—just do it.” Dr. Dronawat added, “Lead by example. Motivate your team by caring about them first, not confronting them directly.”
The convention recognized outstanding contributions through the AAPI Service Awards, presented by Dr. Uma Jonnalagadda. Honorees included Dr. Navin Nanda, Dr. P K Vedantham, Dr. Krishan Kumar, Dr. Jagdish Gupta, Dr. Ravi Parikh, and Dr. Avi Singh Gandhi. “AAPI is glad to recognize your dedication and contributions,” Dr. Jonnalagadda said, celebrating their impact on the organization and the broader medical community.
Dr. Sudhir Parikh, CEO of Parikh Media, emphasized the role of media in preserving Indian heritage. “It’s an honor to be associated with AAPI, which promotes friendship between India and the United States,” he said. His commitment to amplifying AAPI’s message underscored the convention’s theme of unity and cultural pride.
Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval delivered a heartfelt keynote, sharing his journey as the son of a Tibetan refugee and a Punjabi father. “My parents loved the idea of the American dream, and they achieved it against all odds,” he said. Praising the Indian American community, he noted, “Our community is drawn to healthcare, public service, and supporting the vulnerable. Trailblazers like you enable the next generation to pursue their dreams.” Pureval’s words struck a chord, reinforcing AAPI’s role in fostering opportunity and resilience.
The CEO Forum’s discussions resonated with attendees, particularly young physicians aspiring to venture beyond clinical practice. Dr. Pandya’s advice to his younger self was poignant: “Take ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ off the table. Leave it all on the field—don’t be afraid.” Dr. Dronawat echoed this, emphasizing gratitude and civic engagement: “Community work gives you gratitude, which creates positive vibrations that enhance your work.”
Attendees like Mr. Maulesh Patel posed thought-provoking questions about influential figures in personal, professional, and spiritual life. Dr. Pandya cited his parents, Dr. James Andrews, and the Bhagavad Gita, while Dr. Dr. Dronawat highlighted his family and friends as his guiding lights. Dr. Jagdish Gupta, a surgeon and SURGI center founder, asked about resolving conflicts diplomatically. Dr. Pandya advised, “Lead by example. Do what you need to do, and your staff will follow.” Dr. Dronawat added, “Build relationships first. Lower their defenses with care, then address the issue.”
AAPI’s initiatives extended beyond the convention, with plans to establish the AAPI Global Foundation and secure FCRA exemptions for charitable activities in India. Dr. Kathula, the outgoing AAPI President, praised the collaborative spirit: “The organizing committees have worked tirelessly to make this convention rewarding and memorable.” His gratitude extended to Dr. Kaza, Dr. Gor, and the volunteers who embodied AAPI’s vision.
The convention highlighted AAPI’s growing influence, with Indian American physicians holding pivotal roles in healthcare, academia, and research across the United States. As Dr. Gor aptly summarized, “AAPI is transitioning into multiyear thinking, maintaining core continuity while driving innovation.”
Mr. Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman and Founder of Asian Media USA, lauded the convention’s impact: “AAPI’s 43rd Annual Convention is a shining example of unity, innovation, and leadership. Dr. Gor’s vision, coupled with the entrepreneurial spirit showcased in the CEO Forum, sets a powerful precedent for the future. The event not only celebrated the achievements of Indian American physicians but also inspired a new generation to lead with clarity, compassion, and courage. AAPI continues to be a beacon of excellence, bridging cultures and advancing healthcare globally.”
