iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
The president of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) discussed the organization’s key projects that it will undertake in India, including programs focused on the prevention of cancer and heart attacks, and widespread CPR training initiatives aimed at improving emergency response capabilities across the country.
“On behalf of AAPI, I had an opportunity to meet with Deputy Consul General Varun Jeph to discuss various collaborative initiatives between AAPI and the Government of India,” said Dr. Satheesh Kathula, president of AAPI. Dr. Kathula along with dozens of physicians of Indian origin, who flew in from many parts of the United States to participate in India’s 78th Independence Day celebrations and the India Day Parade in New York City, met with the officials at the Indian Consulate in New York on Sunday, August 18.
“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,” Jeph tweeted on X after the meeting.
Dr. Kathula’s priorities for AAPI included:
- Promote AAPI’s mission of education, excellence in patient care, research, and professionalism.
- Increase membership of AAPI and enhance membership benefits. Engage the younger generation more
- Collaborate with major physician organizations in the US
- Fast-tracking of Green Cards process for Physicians
- Leverage the strength of 120,000 Indian American Doctors through Legislative endeavors
- Helping Indian Medical Graduates in navigating the US system and providing them with Mentorship and Observership
Dr. Kathula described the meeting as very productive. “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,” he said.
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.
The next edition of the Global Health Summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from October 18-20, 2024 is expected to bring together healthcare professionals and experts from around the globe 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 rural/remote regions of the country. The 18th annual GHS will build on past initiatives and add several new programs, Dr. Kathula added.
“My priority is to engage the second-generation physicians and foster mentorship to ensure AAPI’s continued relevance and vitality,” Dr. Kathula said. “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 with the executive committee, and board of trustees, to make AAPI stronger and more viable.”
