The Indian Panorama

Tag: Dr. Krishan Kumar

  • AAPI’s First Ever Nationwide Stem Cell Donor Drive for Indian American Community Receives Overwhelming Responses Across the US

    AAPI’s First Ever Nationwide Stem Cell Donor Drive for Indian American Community Receives Overwhelming Responses Across the US

    PITTSBURGH, PA (TIP): In a groundbreaking initiative, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has launched the first-ever nationwide campaign to expand the stem cell donor pool among Indians. This effort addresses a critical gap in cancer treatment options for patients of Indian descent, who face significant challenges in finding compatible donors due to ethnicity-specific Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) matching. This noble initiative was launched in 2024 under leadership of AAPI’s immediate past President. Dr. Satheesh Kathula.

    The Urgency Behind the Mission

    Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, AAPI President expressed deep gratitude to the many AAPI members and students across the nation, who have been part of these initiatives. “Stem cell transplants are a vital treatment for blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma HLA markers, which determine donor compatibility, are inherited and vary by ethnicity. I’m thankful to our local AAPI Chapter leaders, members and volunteers across the nation who have initiated and are spearheading the Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Registration across the nation, joining hands with the national AAPI in our efforts in creating awareness and enrolling more youth and adults to be part of this noble mission.”

    Patients of Indian ethnicity are more likely to match with Indian donors—but the existing donor pool is alarmingly small. Until now, families have had to organize donor drives independently, while also coping with the emotional and medical toll of a cancer diagnosis.

    Stem cells are one of the treatment options for certain types of cancers. HLA typing, based on which stem cell donors and patients are matched is ethnicity specific. Indian patients have higher chances of matching with Indian donors. Unfortunately, Indian donor pool is very limited, making it difficult for patients to find a proper match. Moreover, until now, patients and their families are doing these drives on their own to find the match in addition to dealing with the diagnosis. There has been no unified push to increase the Indian donor pool.

    Recognizing this urgent need, AAPI partnered with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), the world’s largest stem cell registry—in 2024 to launch a unified, nationwide campaign.

    Mobilizing Communities Across the U.S.

    Dr. Sashi Kuppala, Chair of the Stem Cell Drive, while explaining the science, said “Matching donors is based on HLA typing, which is inherited and ethnicity-specific. Thousands of patients rely on transplants to survive.” Dr. Kuppala pointed to the “tremendous response to this initiative from the AAPI members and the wider Indian community.”

    Since November 2024, AAPI has organized drives in Milwaukee, Atlanta, Louisville, Evansville, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, Chattanooga, Huntsville, Little Rock, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Columbus, Edison, Chicago, Charlotte, Scranton, Sunnyvale, Milpitas, Frisco, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Leesburg, and San Diego under the leadership of the local high school and college students. AAPI provides volunteer certificates to the students who participate in the drives.

    Dr. Hetal Gor, Chair of AAPI BOT, emphasized the need for commitment. She said, “You could be someone’s only match—their only hope. Registering is a serious promise, but the donation process is safe and complication-free.”

    Expanding the Effort to India

    With the experience gained in the US, AAPI is expanding the stem cell drives to India. AAPI has partnered with the Global Association of Indian Medical Students, and DATRI, the stem cell bank in India and launching the stem cell drives at the Global Health Summit in Bhubaneswar, Odisha in January, 2026 in a grand scale. The campaign will then expand to medical schools across the country.

    Dr. Meher Medavaram, President-Elect, outlining the process, said, “Registration is simple. Scan the QR code, fill out your details, and return the cheek swab kit. Your HLA data will be stored securely.”

    Dr. Krishan Kumar, Vice President-Elect, while highlighting the disparity, said, “70% of patients lack a family match. For Indians, the odds are even lower due to the limited donor pool.”

    Dr. Seema Arora, Secretary, described the donation logistics, stating, “If matched, you’ll provide blood samples locally. Travel may be required, but all costs are covered. The process takes 20–30 hours over 4–6 weeks.”

    Dr. Soumya Nerevetla, Treasurer, in reinforcing the impact of Stem Donors on saving lives, said, “Finding a match is especially difficult for South Asians. Every donor helps save lives.”

    Dr. Kuppala and the AAPI leadership encourage individuals and communities to host local drives and spread awareness.  For more information or to organize a drive, contact: Sashikuppala@yahoo.com Learn more at: www.aapiusa.org

    (Based on a Press Release issued by Ajay Ghosh)

  • AAPI Members Elect New Leadership Team for 2026 and Beyond

    AAPI Members Elect New Leadership Team for 2026 and Beyond

    CHICAGO, IL (TIP):  “We have successfully concluded our elections in a very transparent manner for the year 2025-26 for leadership positions at the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI),” Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of AAPI, and Dr. Lokesh Edara, AAPI’s Chief Election Officer and Past Chair of AAPI BOT, jointly announced here today. “We thank the election officers and all the members of AAPI for participating in the Election.”

    After months-long elections season, where multiple candidates contested at the annual elections for various offices for AAPI for the year 2025-26 and beyond, preliminary election results were announced on April 12th, 2025, while the results became official after the deadline for possible recounts.

    Dr. Krishan Kumar has been elected Vice President of AAPI, Dr. Seema Arora has been elected as the Secretary, and the new Treasurer elected for 2025-26 is Dr. Soumya Neravetla, a first-ever second-generation Indian American physician elected to the position in the 43-year-old history of AAPI.

    Dr. Anjali Gulati, Dr. Sunitha Polepalle, and Dr. Srini Gokarakonda were elected as members of the Board of Trustees, and the Chair-Elect of the Board of Trustees of AAPI is Dr. Hetal Gor. Dr. Kathula will continue to guide AAPI as the Immediate Past President.

    Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, who serves as the President-Elect of AAPI, and Dr. Meher Medavaram, the current Vice President of AAPI, did not contest the elections, as the current President-Elect will assume charge as the President of AAPI in July 2025, and the current Vice President will become the President-Elect for the year 2025-26.

    Dr. Raj Bhayani, who was in a direct contest with Dr. Krishan Kumar for the office of the Vice President, conceded the election. AAPI Secretary-Elect Dr. Seema Arora won the contest against Dr. Malti Mehta and Dr. Shirish Kumar Patel, while Dr. Leena Gupta conceded the election to Dr. Soumya Neravetla as the Treasurer.

    The following offices for Regional Directors are declared uncontested: NW Central: Dr. Annu Terkonda; SW Central: Dr. Sharma Prabhakar; NE Central I: Dr. Mohan Kesani; NE Central II: Dr. Dharmesh Gandhi; SE Central: Dr. Shashank Ponugoti; New England: Dr. Madhavi Gorusu; Mid-Atlantic I: Dr. Inderpal Chhabra; Mid-Atlantic II: Dr. Avinash C. Gupta; and, South-Atlantic: Dr. Uma Jonnalagadda. The Regional Director positions for the Pacific and Mountain Regions remain open for contests.

    The deadline for filing the nominations was January 31st, 2025. Ballots were mailed/emailed by the AAPI Office by March 7th to all active members of AAPI. All the ballots from AAPI members were to reach the Election Agency by the Second Friday of April 11th, 2025. The ballots were counted, and the election results were announced on April 12th, 2025.

    While thanking the contestants and the thousands of Indian American physicians, who are actively holding membership at the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), and participated in the election process, Dr. Kathula said, “A heartfelt thank you to all the contestants in AAPI elections — your willingness to volunteer your time and energy speaks volumes about your commitment to our beloved organization, AAPI. Congratulations to all the winners! We’re incredibly proud of your achievements and grateful for your dedication. I know firsthand how much it takes, having run in four elections and won them all. Your passion, effort, and courage are truly commendable, and they continue to inspire our members and future leaders.”

    Dr. Sunil Kaza, AAPI BOT Chair thanked all the candidates for their commitment to the vision and mission of AAPI. He said, “I want to congratulate all the winners of the election, and all the candidates for their passion and dedication to serving AAPI, and regardless of the outcome, we need you as a valuable team member of our beloved AAPI.  I wish them the very best and my wholehearted support.”

    “As the incoming President of AAPI, I would like to congratulate my incoming new team for the year 2025-26,” said Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, who will assume charge as the President of AAPI during the 43rdh annual convention in Cincinnati, OH in July this year. “I’m very honored and consider myself fortunate to be bestowed with the responsibility of leading the four decades old strong organization with the cooperation and collaboration of an excellent team of dedicated, hardworking, and loyal officers and executive committee members who are with me to take AAPI to newer heights,” Dr. Chakrabarty added.

    Dr. Hetal Gor, AAPI BOT Chair-Elect said, “I am looking forward to working with the new leadership  and members of AAPI in strengthening the goals and mission of AAPI and to help make AAPI a healthcare leader in US and globally and work in the best interests of our Physicians and our community here in the US and serve our motherland, India.”

    Dr. Meher Medavaram, President-Elect of AAPI for 2025-26, said, “I want to express my sincere gratitude to all AAPI members for this honor and assure that I will sincerely work for the betterment of our beloved organization, AAPI. Once again, I thank everyone for the opportunity to serve.” She expressed gratitude to the Election Committee, who “successfully organized this election, with great participation from AAPI members.”

    “I stand before you today filled with immense gratitude and humility. Winning this election is not just a personal achievement but a collective victory, and I am deeply honored to have your trust and support,” said Dr. Krishan Kumar. “This victory belongs to all of us. It is a testament to the power of unity, collaboration, and the belief that together, we can achieve great things. Let’s move forward together, with determination and hope, to build a brighter future for our community.”

    Dr. Seema Arora said, “I’m very honored, and consider myself fortunate to be bestowed with the responsibility for serving the four decades old strong organization with the cooperation and collaboration of an excellent team of dedicated, hardworking, and loyal officers and executive committee members who are with me to take AAPI to newer heights.”

    Dr. Soumya Neravetla, the newly elected Treasurer of AAPI, said, “I am honored to be elected as the Treasurer of national AAPI. I appreciate and thank all of you for your trust in me. Your guidance, support, and vote made this possible. This win belongs to all our members for trusting our vision of growth & progress. I hope to receive your continued support and inspiration.”

    The growing influence of physicians of Indian heritage is evident, as increasingly physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in healthcare, academic, research, and administrative positions across the nation. We the physicians of Indian origin are proud of our great achievements and contributions to our motherland, India, our adopted land, the US, and in a very significant way to the transformation of Indo-US relations.

    Serving 1 in every 7 patients in the US, AAPI members care for millions of patients every day, while several of them have risen to hold high-flying jobs, shaping the policies and programs, and inventions that shape the landscape of healthcare in the US and around the world.

    Since its inception in 1982, AAPI has been at the forefront, representing a conglomeration of more than 125,000 practicing physicians in the United States, seeking to be the united voice for the physicians of Indian origin. For more details about AAPI, please visit: www.aapiusa,org

    (Based on a press release issued by Ajay Ghosh, Media Coordinator AAPI)

  • AAPI Organizes Cervical Cancer Vaccine Camp in Hyderabad

    AAPI Organizes Cervical Cancer Vaccine Camp in Hyderabad

    HYDERABAD/CHICAGO (TIP): “We at AAPI, in keeping with our efforts and initiatives to educate, create awareness and provide support on disease prevention, I am pleased to announce that API organized a Cervical Cancer Vaccine Camp On January 9th at Tanvir Hospital in Hyderabad as part of the ongoing APPI’s 15th annual Global Healthcare Summit (GHS) 2022 being held at the Hotel Avasa in Hyderabad, India,” Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, President of Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) said here today. “I am grateful to Dr. Meeta Singh and Dr. Naunihal Singh, who led the Vaccination camp in Hyderabad,” she added.

    The Global Healthcare Summit 2002 was inaugurated on Jan 5th at Hotel Avasa in Hyderabad by Honorable Vice President of India, Shri Venkaiah Naidu. In his address, delivered virtually he said, ““With numerous initiatives, AAPI has come a long way since its inception and has proved to be beneficial not only to Indian-origin American Physicians, but to Indian healthcare as well,” Mr. Naidu observed. He urged the medical fraternity and told them: “As you seek excellence in human health and well-being, do not forget the power of a kind human touch when treating your patients.” The Vice President complimented AAPI for its services in India – for raising $5 million during the second wave of the pandemic, for its ‘Adopt a Village’ program among its other initiatives.

    The Vice President of India noted that “AAPI, founded in 1982, is one of the largest groups that represent the interests of more than 80,000 practicing Indian-origin physicians in the United States and 40,000 medical students, residents and fellows of Indian origin.”

    Usually, cervical cancer develops slowly over time, and another powerful preventive measure is Pap test screening, a procedure during which cells are collected from the surface of the cervix and examined. The Pap test can both detect cancer at an early stage, when treatment outcomes tend to be better, and detect precancerous abnormalities, which can then be treated to prevent them from developing into cancers.

    “January is #CervicalCancer Awareness Month! In coordination with the local organizers of the GHS, AAPI donated the funds for the HPV Vaccination, a total of 200 doses of the vaccine for 100 children from the state of Telangana on January 9th,” said Dr. Meher Medavaram, an organizer of the program. “AAPI’s this new initiative through education and awareness programs, is aimed at helping save millions of lives in India,” she added.

    “GHS 2022, which has initiated several new programs benefitting India, has become an effective forum to educate and create awareness about these deadly diseases that are preventable,” Dr. Udhaya Shivangi, Chair of AAPI GHS 2022 said. “If vaccination programs are effectively implemented, approximately 90 percent of invasive cervical cancer cases worldwide could be prevented, in addition to the majority of precancerous lesions.”

    Patients being examined at the camp.

    Dr. Ravi Kolli, President-Elect of AAPI, said, “Our theme for GHS 2022 is: ‘Prevention Better than Cure.’ Cervical Cancer is preventable through Vaccination and Early Pap smears and cervical examinations. Justifiably so, one of our preventive campaign goals this year is to provide education and prevention of Cervical Cancer in India.”

    While elaborating the objectives of the Summit, Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Secretary of AAPI, said, “In addition to Cervical cancer, GHS 2022 has provided education on: Chronic diseases which can be prevented- notably diabetes, cardiovascular, hypertension, COPD, oncology, maternal and infant mortality, lifestyle changes, geriatrics, management of neurological emergencies, ENLS, a certification course”. Dr. Krishan Kumar, Treasurer of AAPI said, “Through Continuing Medical Education and non-CME seminars by experts in their fields, AAPI provides comprehensive and current reviews and guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of various disease states to reduce morbidity and mortality and achieve cost effective quality care outcomes.” According to The American Cancer Society, Cervical Cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. The cervical cancer death rate dropped significantly with the increased use of the Pap test for screening. Cervical cancer is among a number of cancers that can be caused by infections with pathogens – bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

    Cervical cancer could be the first cancer EVER in the world to be eliminated, if: 90 % of girls are vaccinated; 70% of women are screened; and, 90% of women with cervical disease receive treatment.

    Once a leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States. Today, screening and prevention have greatly reduced the impact of this form of cancer. Increasing screening and prevention are key components of the effort to eradicate cervical cancer. Since almost all cases of the disease are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, vaccines that protect against the virus could prevent the vast majority of cases. Moreover, regular Pap tests can catch – and lead to treatment of – the disease at the precancerous stage.

    There are several AAPI leaders who have worked hard to make the GHS a memorable event, said Dr. Gotimukula. “Among them, I want to recognize Dr. Sujeeth Punnam, US Coordinator, Dr. Dwarkananda Reddy, GHS Indian Coordinator; Dr. Lokesh Edara, Chair Global Medical Education; Dr. Prabhakar Sharma, CME Chair, Dr. Prabhat Sinha, Chair Sponsorships and Exhibits, Dr. Seema Arora, Chair of Women’s Forum; Dr. Joseph M. Chalil, Chair of CEO Forum; Dr. Belani Kumar, Chair of the Medical Students Research Poster presentations; Dr. Lakshmi Thirunagari and Coordinators of Medical Jeopardy. Expressing confidence, Dr. Gotimukula, the 4th ever Woman President in the four decades long history of AAPI, the largest ethnic medical organization in the United States, said, “Together we can all bring the awareness in the community to prevent Cervical Cancer in India which is 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in women!” For more information, please visit www.aapiusa.org/ https://summit.aapiusa.org

  • The 40th AAPI Convention in San Antonio, TX to Focus on “Heal the Healers” with its much needed “Wellness Package” for Physicians and Families

    The 40th AAPI Convention in San Antonio, TX to Focus on “Heal the Healers” with its much needed “Wellness Package” for Physicians and Families

    CHICAGO (TIP): “Physician, heal thyself,” especially when there are growing signs of burn out among physicians, by offering positive remedial resources as part of a first ever Wellness Program being offered to participants at the 40th Annual Convention of AAPI to be held in San Antonio from June 23rd to 26th, 2022.

    The Covid pandemic has impacted all aspects of human life as never been before. The past two years have been challenging to everyone, particularly those are assigned with the responsibility of caring for the sick, especially as hundreds of Millions were affected by the big pandemic. Over 115,000 health care workers died from Covid-19 from January 2020 to May of this year, according to a new World Health Organization estimate.

    “The backbone of every health system is its workforce — the people who deliver the services on which we rely at some point in our lives,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. “The pandemic is a powerful demonstration of just how much we rely on health workers and how vulnerable we all are when the people who protect our health are themselves unprotected.” Some have argued that governments have forsaken their duty to protect health care workers and warned that pandemic would have long tail effects, with many healthcare professionals considering leaving the workforce. At this critical juncture in human history, American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) the largest ethnic medical organization in the country, representing the interests of over 100,000 physicians of Indian origin, is focusing on themes such as how to take care of self and find satisfaction and happiness in the challenging situations they are in, while serving hundreds of patients everyday of their dedicated and noble profession, Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, President of AAPI said.

    “This year AAPI Convention team from San Antonio is very much motivated on focusing on addressing physician burnout and we have planned these wellness packages. As we are seeing in our daily lives the physician burnout has increased significantly. “We do acknowledge that these are challenging times, more than ever for us, physicians, who are on the frontline to assess, diagnose and treat people are affected by this deadly pandemic, COVID-19. Many of our colleagues have sacrificed their lives in order to save those impacted by this pandemic around the world,” Dr. Gotimukula added.

    Accordingly, some of the major themes at the convention include: Yoga and Meditation practices, Welcome kit with books & self-care supplies, A Personal Reflexology Session, Take home wellness routine, Ailment based yoga therapy sessions, Workshop on Spiritual well-being, Book talk with Yoga Gurus, including on the science of Yoga & Lifestyle medicine, as well as an unique opportunity to visit first of its kind in San Antonio, Aum Ashram as part of the Wellness session.

    Esteemed yoga gurus and experts, who are planned to share their wisdom and leading the Wellness Sessions include: Paramguru Sharatha Jois, Sadhvi Bhagawati, Saraswati Eddie Stern, Dr. Sat Bir Khalsa, Dr. Dilip Sarkar, Dr. Pankaj Vij, and Dr. Param Dedhia.

    “Our physician members have worked very hard during the Covid 19 pandemic as the 2022 convention is a perfect time to heal the healers with a special focus on wellness,” said Dr. Dr Jayesh Shah, Chair of AAPI Convention 2022.

    In her welcome note, Dr. Hetal Nayak, Coordinator of the Wellness Program said, “With great enthusiasm we invite you to participate in our AAPI convention wellness package themed ‘Heal the Healers.’ This is the first time in the AAPI convention we offer these exclusive wellness packages geared towards the well-being of Physicians and their families by bringing the essence of science and spirituality of yoga and lifestyle medicine into our selfcare routine. As we all aware, a calm mind and a refined intellect are essential for making right choices. We promise to leave you empowered with the tools required.”

    Dr. Kusum Punjabi, Chair of AAPI BOT said, “At AAPI, the largest ethnic medical association in the nation, we are proud, we have been able to serve every 7th patient in the country. We serve in large cities, smaller towns and rural areas, sharing our skills, knowledge, compassion and expertise and caring millions of people.”

     Acknowledging the need for this much needed program as part of the convention, Dr. Ravi Kolli, President-elect of AAPI elaborated, “Healthcare today is more complex than ever. With more advancements, tools and information at our fingertips, physicians have an overwhelming job to diagnose and treat our patients every day, 24/ 7/ 365 days a year. In every city and hospital, in our military and in our rural communities, we, the doctors pave the way to provide better healthcare to our patients.”

    “A huge thank you to all of the doctors, physicians, and other healthcare professionals for your dedication and commitment to service during this uncertain time,” Dr. Anjana Samadder, Vice President of AAPI said. “This is a unique opportunity for All of us, the front-line physicians who are putting our lives at risk to the save the lives of others,” Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Secretary of AAPI said. “Thank you for fighting selflessly against this virus and helping keep everyone healthy and safe,” Dr. Krishan Kumar, Treasurer of AAPI added.

    During the annual convention, physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country and internationally will convene and participate in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities in the coming year.

    Planned to have a limited number of attendance due to the ongoing Covid pandemic and the taking into account the safety of the participants, including Physicians, Healthcare Leaders, Academicians, Researchers and Medical Students, “the annual convention offers extensive academic presentations, recognition of achievements and achievers, and professional networking at the alumni and evening social events,” Dr. Gotimukula added.

    For more information, please visit: www.aapiconvention.org and www.aapiusa.org