India Tribune Newsdesk
Chicago, IL: Leaders of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), joined by community leaders, elected officials, physicians, and distinguished guests, gathered in Oak Brook to officially launch AAPICON 2027, the organization's annual national convention scheduled to be held in Chicago in June 2027.
The ceremonial kickoff celebrated AAPI's proud legacy while outlining an ambitious vision for the future. The evening highlighted the organization's commitment to scientific excellence, physician leadership, community service, and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Convention Co-Chair Dr. Utpal Parikh welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration as preparations begin for one of AAPI's premier national events. The ceremony opened with an inspiring rendition of the American and Indian national anthems by Dr. Radhika Chimata, setting a patriotic and respectful tone for the evening.
Among the distinguished guests was Dr. Suresh Reddy, former President of both AAPI and the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Interventional Radiologist, and Oak Brook Village Trustee. He proudly noted that Oak Brook is the only municipality in the United States to have produced three national AAPI presidents, reflecting the community's deep connection with the organization.
Oak Brook Mayor Larry Herman praised AAPI physicians for their outstanding contributions to healthcare, education, and humanitarian service. He presented an official proclamation recognizing AAPI as the nation's largest ethnic medical organization, representing more than 100,000 physicians, residents, fellows, and medical students. The proclamation also honored Oak Brook as the home of AAPI's international headquarters for more than three decades and recognized the three national AAPI presidents from the village—Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, the 11th President; Dr. Suresh Reddy, the 36th President; and Dr. Meher Medavaram, the 42nd and current President. Mayor Herman presented village medallions to the three leaders, while AAPI honored him with its Distinguished Leadership Award.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Meher Medavaram, AAPI President and the only physician to have simultaneously served as President of both AAPI and IMA. She described AAPICON 2027 as more than a convention, calling it a platform for scientific innovation, physician wellness, leadership development, global health collaboration, and service to humanity. She encouraged physicians across the nation to participate as ambassadors, mentors, innovators, and future leaders while recalling how previous Chicago conventions inspired many young physicians who later assumed national leadership positions within AAPI.
Convention Chair Dr. Umang Patel pledged that the organizing committee would work with dedication and humility to deliver one of the most successful conventions in AAPI's history. Dr. Sujeeth Punnam, AAPI Treasurer, shared plans to achieve record fundraising and attendance, reflecting Chicago's importance within the organization. Senior Advisor Dr. Bharat Barai reaffirmed his commitment to guiding the convention planning process with his experience and leadership.
Adding an international dimension to the evening, Dr. Dwarakanatha Reddy, President of IMA Telangana State and Overseas Coordinator for the Global Health Summit 2027 in Hyderabad, conveyed greetings from India and invited AAPI members to participate in the upcoming global conference while extending his full support for AAPICON 2027.
Former AAPI President Dr. Gopal Lalmalani reflected on the organization's remarkable journey, recalling milestones such as renaming the association to the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin for greater inclusiveness, relocating its headquarters from Michigan to Oak Brook, and hosting a sitting U.S. President at an AAPI convention. He encouraged the 2027 organizing committee to pursue equally ambitious goals.
U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi applauded the achievements of Indian-American physicians and encouraged the community to complement professional success with greater civic participation through voting, advocacy, and public service.
Former AAPI President Dr. Ranga Reddy of Springfield, Illinois, who has documented the organization's history and helped organize previous Chicago conventions, shared valuable insights from past experiences and expressed confidence that AAPICON 2027 would set new benchmarks for excellence.
The evening concluded with group photographs featuring past AAPI and IMA presidents, officers of the IMA Charitable Foundation, and leaders from organizations including the Federation of Indian Associations and the American Telugu Association. Media partners captured the celebration as enthusiasm continued to build for the 2027 convention.
The ceremonial launch demonstrated the strong commitment of AAPI's leadership team, led by Dr. Meher Medavaram, along with Dr. Umang Patel, Dr. Utpal Parikh, Dr. Sujeeth Punnam, Dr. Bharat Barai, and numerous past presidents and volunteers. Their collective vision aims to make AAPICON 2027 a landmark event that advances medical excellence, strengthens physician leadership, and reinforces AAPI's enduring mission of service, innovation, and unity.
