The First 100 Days of Dr. Satheesh Kathula’s AAPI Presidency

NEW YORK: It’s been 100 days since Dr. Satheesh Kathula assumed charge as the President of AAPI in late July 2024. Dr. Kathula, who rose from an ordinary member over two decades ago to be the President today, has served AAPI in various capacities. He was the Regional Director and 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 served as the President-Elect of AAPI during the years 2023-24.

Dr. Kathula’s presidency began with organizing Leadership Seminars for AAPI leaders at the Indian Consulate in New York and leading the India Independence Day Parades. “I proudly represented AAPI at the Independence Day celebrations in both Chicago and New York. These events were a celebration of our heritage and an opportunity to showcase the vital role AAPI plays in the community,” says Dr. Kathula.

Recognizing the importance of Media and the role it plays in conveying AAPI’s core messages and showcasing the many initiatives to AAPI members spread across the US and to the larger public, Dr. Kathula was instrumental in organizing the largest press conference in AAPI’s history at the Consul General’s office in NYC. “This event served to outline our strategic goals and initiatives, garnering significant media attention and public interest. In addition, this platform allowed us to raise awareness and advocate for necessary reforms, emphasizing the importance of protecting our healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Kathula.

In addition, he participated in an interview on BBC and with the Press Trust of India, where he addressed critical issues surrounding physician safety in India and the contributions of Indian American physicians.

His efforts to engage the Diplomatic officials of India in the US led him to his productive meetings with the Hon. Consul General of New York, Binay Pradhan, and Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph. “These meetings fostered a stronger relationship between AAPI and Indian diplomatic channels, paving the way for future collaborations.

A critical priority of Dr. Kathula has been to build bridges with AAPI’s local chapters. In his efforts to reach out to the local Chapters, he attended several alumni meetings for Guntur, Rangaraya, and Siddhartha medical colleges, as well as Osmania, Gandhi, Kakatiya, Telangana medical colleges, and BJMC. Additionally, he participated in the Indian Physicians of Florida chapter’s annual gala. The annual FallGoverning Body meeting in Huntsville, AL was highly successful where key decisions were made for the betterment of the organization. “These interactions have strengthened our network and fostered a sense of community,” Dr. Kathula said.

He was a guest of honor for the Kakatiya Research Initiative for Transformative Innovations (KRITI), organized by NRI alumni of Kakatiya Medical College in Warangal. He participated as the guest of honor for the Indian Medical Association of Telangana State. He had an opportunity to meet the president-elect of the National IMA, Dr. Dilip Bhanushali who assured support and discussed common goals challenges, and opportunities to collaborate.

The historic Global Healthcare Summit in New Delhi, with a very minimum of days to prepare and organize turned out to be highly successful. “This year we gather under the important and timely theme of preventing cancer and heart attacks through lifestyle modifications and technology in a world where chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular illnesses continue to pose significant health threats, where corrective mission has never been more urgent,” said Dr. Kathula. GHS events received extensive coverage in media outlets across India and by leading publications in the US. This event was instrumental in highlighting AAPI’s commitment to public health and community engagement.

In order to materialize the themes and plans of AAPI, it’s vital to have local Government participation and collaboration. Towards this end., Dr. Kathula along with the AAPI delegation met with Hon. Indian Minister of Health Mr. J.P. Nadda and Minister of Coal, Mr. Kishan Reddy, with their discussions focusing on collaborative initiatives that could benefit both the healthcare sector and the community at large in India.

In addition, Dr. engaged with the Hon. Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr. Revanth Reddy, and key advisors, including Mr. Vem Narendar Reddy and Chief Secretary Mr. Jayesh Ranjan. During these meetings, “We discussed AAPI’s initiatives aimed at preventing cancer and heart disease, emphasizing our commitment to public health.” said Dr. Kathula.

Education is a primary role of AAPI, Dr. Kathulaled several continuing medical education webinars designed to provide valuable resources and knowledge to AAPI members. These sessions have been well-received and have facilitated ongoing professional development.

In collaboration with the American Heart Association, under his leadership, AAPI initiated CPR training programs to equip AAPI members and the community with essential lifesaving skills. This partnership underscores AAPI’s commitment to health education and awareness.

Dr. Kathula received the Dr. Daniel Blumenthal Award on behalf of AAPI in Washington, DC. This recognition reflects our hard work and dedication to excellence in our field. The American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) presented the fourth annual Dr. Daniel S. Blumenthal Award to AAPI in recognition of its efforts to promote health equity.

In collaboration with AAPI leadership., Dr. Kathula has been credited with successfully conducting a fair election for the Vice President of AAPI, ensuring transparency and integrity in our electoral processes. This is crucial for maintaining trust within our organization, said Dr. Kathula.

Financial Oversight and transparency have been a focus of Dr. Kathula’s Presidency. “I appointed committees to audit pending accounts, ensuring financial accountability and transparency. This step is vital for building a strong financial foundation for our future initiatives.” A fundraising event for AAPI will be held in Dayton, OH on November 17th in association with MVAPI.

Dr. Kathula has been credited to have been working diligently to resolve several ongoing lawsuits, focusing on protecting AAPI’s interests while striving for equitable solutions. This effort is essential for the stability and reputation of our organization.

A new initiative under Dr. Kathula is the launching of the “Million Miles to Honor Veterans” initiative, aimed at promoting awareness and support for our veterans. This campaign encourages participation in physical activities while honoring the sacrifices of those who have served.

Another major focus under his Presidency is his efforts to initiate a bone marrow and stem cell donation project to facilitate and encourage donations within our community. This program is vital for increasing awareness and addressing the critical need for donors, potentially saving lives.

Moving forward, Dr. Kathula says, he remains “committed to making a lasting impact and believe in the immense potential of AAPI. Together, we can strengthen our organization and continue to serve our communities effectively. Let’s keep working collaboratively for our shared vision, as AAPI is truly greater than any individual. Thank you for your continued support and dedication.”

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 programs, and inventions that shape the landscape of healthcare in the US and around the world.

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