Dr. Satheesh Kathula Accepts the Daniel Blumenthal Award for AAPI Advocacy

NEW YORK, NY: The American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) presented the fourth annual Dr. Daniel S. Blumenthal Award to four organizations in recognition of efforts to promote health equity. National Medical Association (NMA), National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA), and National Council of Asian Pacific Islander Physicians (NCAPIP) were the other organizations that were recognized for their organizations’ exemplary work.

“It was a true privilege and honor to receive the Daniel Blumenthal Award on behalf of AAPI,” said Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) after receiving this prestigious award in Washington, DC on October 9, 2024. “Many thanks to the past presidents, leaders, and volunteers of AAPI who made this possible. This award truly inspires all AAPI members, who are serving the community and our society at large.”

“ACPM congratulates the NMA, NHMA, NCAPIP, and AAPI on this well-deserved recognition. Their dedication to promoting equity in the practice of medicine contributes significantly to the overall health and well-being of our nation,” a statement issued by ACPM stated.

The Blumenthal Award serves as a celebration of the progress made to rectify inequities in our nation’s health system and a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to address ongoing, persistent barriers to achieving full access to medical care, preventive services, lifestyle interventions, health education and well-being for all.

“I am proud to recognize these deserving organizations that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to diversity in medicine,” stated Dr. Mirza Rahman, President of ACPM. “Patients and health systems both benefit when the physician population is representative of the diverse patient population that we see in America.”

Immediately following the awards ceremony, Dr. Kathula was invited and participated in a panel discussion on equity in medical practice and leadership roles in medicine along with Lucille Perez, MD, Past President National Medical Association (NMA), Gilbert Burgos, MD, MPH, interim President and Chairman of the NHMA Board of Directors, National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA), Winston F. Wong, MD, MS, FAAFP, Chair and Acting CEO of National Council of Asian Pacific Islander Physicians (NCAPIP).

“Indian Americans are underrepresented in leadership roles disproportionate to the number of physicians we have“, Dr. Kathula said during the panel discussion. “At AAPI, we all should prioritize encouraging and mentoring the physicians including young physicians to take leadership positions to make a positive impact.”

Dr. Kathula expressed his appreciation to Dr. Mirza Rahman, President of ACPM for the invitation and Dr. Jill Whalen for moderating the session. “We had a great discussion about equity in healthcare and as ethnic physician organizations how can we address or fix the issues surrounding equity in healthcare,” said Dr. Kathula. “Thanks to Dr. Mirza Rahman, President of ACPM for the invitation and Dr. Jill Whalen for moderating the session.”

ACPM encourages collaboration among providers, policymakers, and institutions to address the nation’s health challenges effectively, as a diverse health professional workforce is integral to a highly functioning health system and a healthy nation.

The Blumenthal Award serves as a celebration of the progress made to rectify inequities in our nation’s health system and a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to address ongoing, persistent barriers to achieving full access to medical care, preventive services, lifestyle interventions, health education and well-being for all.

Founded in 1982, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin represents a conglomeration of more than 80,000 practicing physicians in the United States. In addition, it also serves as a platform for more than 40,000 medical students, residents, and fellows of Indian origin in this country.

The AAPI YPS/MSRF (Young Physicians Section/Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows Section) runs under the main AAPI umbrella to give representation to them. 1 in every 7 people in the USA is touched by the care of a physician of Indian origin at any given time.

AAPI also has a Charitable Foundation (AAPI-CF) that spearheads free clinics and health fairs in India. Currently, 7 such clinics are being actively run in various states of India under the AAPI flagship. Every year, this mammoth cohort of physicians and physicians-to-be get together in a grand extravaganza, the Annual AAPI Convention, a beautiful blend of professional programs with cutting-edge CME along with a dash of color in the form of social events and exhibits featuring esteemed invitees from the United States and India.

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