Tag: Dr. Meher Medavaram

  • 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’s 41st Convention will Focus on: “True and Total Health is the Wellbeing of Mind, Body, and Spirit”

    AAPI’s 41st Convention will Focus on: “True and Total Health is the Wellbeing of Mind, Body, and Spirit”

    CHICAGO (TIP): “True and Total Health is the Wellbeing of Mind, Body, and Spirit” will be the theme for the 41st annual Convention 2023 of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) planned to be held at the iconic Marriott Downtown in Philadelphia, PA from July 6th-9th, 2023” Dr. Ravi Kolli, President of AAPI announced during a press meet on April 25, 2023.
    The virtual press conference was addressed by Dr. Ravi Kolli, President of AAPI, Dr. V. Ranga, Chair of AAPI Board of Trustees, Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Vice President of AAPI, Dr. Meher Medavaram, Secretary of AAPI, Dr. Sumul Raval, Treasurer of AAPI, and Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, CME Chair, who has been newly elected as the Treasurer-Elect of AAPI.
    Dr. Kolli informed the media that AAPI successfully concluded its annual election with the participation of over 5,000 members to elect a new leadership team that will be taking charge at the convention. Headed by Dr. Anjana Samadder, the only 5th woman president of AAPI in its 41 years long history, the new team will comprise of Dr. Satheesh Kathula as the President-Elect, Dr. Amit Chakrabarty as the Vice President, Dr. Sumul Raval as the Secretary; Dr. Sreeni Ganagasani as the Treasurer; and Lokesh Edara – as the Chair, Board of Trustees.
    Dr. Ravi Kolli will continue to serve AAPI as the Immediate Past President of AAPI and help the leadership in their tasks as needed. In response to a question on his tenure as president of AAPI, Dr. Kolli said “I maintained good relations with everyone, every group, every region, and everybody. I am very proud of my contributions in bringing people together and reaching out to team members to reach their full potential.”
    While describing the schedule for the three-day convention, Dr. Kolli said, the convention will be addressed by eminent speakers, including Indian- American Congressmen, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Ami Bera, and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal as well as senators, Governors of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Mika Singh will perform at the convention along with other artists, and Miss England will also attend as a special guest.
    Additionally, Spiritual guide of Heartfulness Meditation and Padma Bhushan awardee, Kamlesh Patel commonly known as Daaji, Her Holiness Jagadguru Sai Ma, representatives from Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), and other spiritual institutions have been invited. CME speakers and faculty from prestigious institutions including U Penn, Harvard and Stanford will also participate in the convention, AAPI president Ravi Kolli informed.
    Dr. Kolli said that the event will host panel discussions on the future of health care, CEO forums, and sessions on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in conjunction with entertainment and cultural sessions.
    According to Dr. Ranga, “The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin Convention offers an exciting venue to interact with leading physicians, health professionals, academicians, and scientists of Indian origin. Physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country 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.”
    “AAPI Convention will focus on addressing physician burnout and the Convention team has planned several wellness packages,” said Dr. Anjana Samadder, President-Elect of AAPI. “As we witness a significant increase in physician burnout, Convention will be an opportunity to relax, interact with your colleagues, and learn effective ways to address the challenges in caring for patients and care for self and thus avoid burnout,” Dr. Samadder added. “Our Annual Convention in Philadelphia is just around the corner. Our team is working very hard with great enthusiasm, and they are all very excited to see you at this fantastic memorable event. Some of the highlights of the convention are: Very informative CMEs, product theaters; Women’s Forum, CEO Forum, Financial Seminars, Spiritual sessions &Yoga, Obesity awareness walk, Alumni reunions, Local Tours, Special programs for non-physician spouses, and lots more,” said Dr. Raghunandan Lolabhattu, CEO & Acting Chair of Convention 2023 and Vice Chair of Board of Trustees, AAPI.

    “We will have one of the very best conventions in history,” Dr. Kathula said. “The convention will focus on Mental Health as well as Physical health and various other medical specialty updates, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Convener of the Convention stated that “Medical Jeopardy, Research, and Poster presentations by medical students, will be a great way to bring the next generation of physicians into AAPI and will help accomplish the mission of AAPI. In addition, advocacy to dismantle the stigma of mental illness and Suicide Prevention will be the highlight of the program.”
    While describing the many initiatives of AAPI both in India and the United States over the past four decades, Dr. Medavaram said, “The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin Convention offers an exciting venue to interact with leading physicians, health professionals, academicians, and scientists of Indian origin. Physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country 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.”
    Dr. Raval said, “The scientific program, comprising of CMEs and workshops at the convention are developed by leading experts with contributions from the Scientific Advisory Board and the International Scientific Committee. The workshops will be led by world-famous physicians on topics relevant to the needs of the time.” Discussions and deliberations will address the Stigma of Mental illness, Suicide prevention, Management of Chronic diseases and NCD and, other health issues including Climate Change and its impact on health will be discussed, he added.
    Dr. Gangasani referred to some of the topics for the CMEs will include Psychiatry, Ophthalmology, Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, Neurology, and Oncology. “In our efforts to realize the core mission of AAPI, which is to share the best from leading experts from around the world, to collaborate on clinical challenges, the convention will have clinical tracks that are of vital to healthcare leaders and members,” Dr. Gangasani added.
    While urging all AAPI members to make plans and be part of the historic Convention, Dr. Kolli said: “We have a wonderful team planning and organizing the event to make the 2023 annual convention a memorable experience. Please reach out to any one of the representatives from the Philly team for any of your queries and visit www.aapiconvention.org for more details or call the AAPI office at (630) 990 2277 for further information.
    (Press Release)

     

  • AAPI’s National Blood Donation Drive and Stem Cell Registry Launched, Honoring Fallen Covid Warriors

    AAPI’s National Blood Donation Drive and Stem Cell Registry Launched, Honoring Fallen Covid Warriors

    CHICAGO, IL (TIP):  “I am grateful to the dozens of local AAPI Chapters who have initiated and organized Blood Donation Drives and Stem Cell Registration across the nation, in honor of the Fallen Heroes of Covid-19, and as India is celebrating 75 years of our Independence, we have taken  this initiative to do National AAPI Blood Donation Drives in 75 cities,” said Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI,) the largest ethnic organization in the United States.

    “On the occasion of the 75thIndependence Day of India, we the physicians of Indian origin serving every 7th patient in the United States, are excited to launch this unique and noble initiative and Stem Cell Drive”  in 75 cities across the United States,” Dr. Gotimukula added.

    The launch event of the Blood Drive was organized in Chicago on August 7th under the leadership of Dr. Meher Medavaram, Chair of AAPI’s Blood Donation Initiative. “Several cities that have organized the Blood Donation Drive, include Dayton (OH); Oakbrook village (IL); Ridgeland, Mississippi; Dallas (Tx), and Columbus (SC). Dozens of other cities have planned to organize similar events across the nation in next few months,” she said.

    “AAPI has launched 75 city blood donation drive. It only takes 15 minutes of one’s time and can save and sustain 3 lives with each pint of blood. So let us all be the heroes and life savers. We all are one humanity and one family, Vasudhaiva Kutubakam,” said Dr. Ravi Kolli, President-Elect of AAPI.

    Describing the benefits of Blood Donation, Dr. Meher Medavaram said, a single donation can save three lives. Each blood component of whole blood transfusion can help up to three different people. Pointing to the fact that Blood cannot be manufactured despite medical and technological advances. The only way we can give blood to those who need it is through donation. It doesn’t cost us anything to donate but your donation saves lives. Blood is needed every two seconds.

    Nearly 21 million blood components are transfused in the U.S. every year. While not everyone is able to donate blood, Dr. Gotimukula pointed out that only 37 percent of the country’s population is able to donate blood. On why she and the AAPI leadership chose this as a priority\, Dr. Gotiumuka said, “The 3rd Covid Wave is causing increased ICU admissions again. There is a dire need for blood. Your friends or family may need blood someday. And this noble cause helps save many lives.”

    Dr. Kusum Punjabi the Chair of Board of Trustees of AAPI, said “As the pandemic has exhausted all the resources, especially the lifesaving and much needed Blood across the nation and the world, AAPI is in the forefront, once again, spreading the message for the need to donate blood and save lives.”

     Dr. Anjana Samadder, Vice President of AAPI, said, who herself has experienced the ordeal with Covid -19, and has come out stronger, resilient and tenacious, quoting Red Cross said, “Blood is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.”

    “With the ongoing pandemic, the United States and the world need the help of blood and platelet donors and blood drive hosts to meet the needs of patient care,” said Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Secretary of AAPI, he being an Oncologist is much aware of the national shortage

    “It is very difficult to find a matched stem cell donor for Southeast Asians should they need a bone marrow or stem cell transplant and this drive will help increase the number of potential donors.” Dr. Krishan Kumar, Treasurer of AAPI said, “Blood donation helps save lives. Since blood has a limited shelf life, the supply must constantly be replenished by generous blood donors.”

    I urge others to take the lead in your town and help in AAPI’s blood donation drive. Thank you and truly appreciate your support in helping our blood banks.”  For more details to organize Blood Donation Drive in your city/town/region, please contact: Vijaya Kodali, AAPI Office Manager at: vkodali@aapiusa.org. For more details on AAPI, please visit: www.aapiusa,org

    (Press Release)