“On behalf of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), I want to congratulate and offer our best wishes to our President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on the occasion of their solemn swearing ceremony as they commit the nation to unity, prosperity and strengthening of democratic values,” Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalgadda, President of AAPI said here today. Describing these as “critical times” for the nation, Dr. Jonnalagadda said, “We, the members of the medical fraternity are encouraged by President Biden beginning his presidency with paying tributes to the 400,000 Americans who have lost their lives to COVID and thanking the services of the healthcare professionals who are at the forefront of the fight against the pandemic.”

In her congratulatory note, Dr. Sajani Shah, Chair of AAPI BOT, while wishing the new Administration the very best as Biden and Harris were sworn in as President and Vice President of the United States, assume office on January 20th, 2021, praised Biden for pledging “to be a president who seeks not to divide, but to unify; who doesn't see red states and blue states, only sees the United States."

“America's leadership is vital on the issues that matter to us all, from climate change to COVID,” said Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, President-Elect of AAPI, in a message. She praised Vice President Kamala Harris, who has “made history by being elected to be the first ever woman and of South Asian heritage to become the Vice President of the United States.” Referring to her Indian origins, Dr. Gotimukula described the election of Kamala Harris as “Inspiring and is of immense pride for all Indian-Americans and to all women.”

Describing the 202 elections and the oath ceremony today on Capitol Hilly as a demonstration of the resilience of American democracy, Dr. Ravi Kolli, Vice President of AAPI said, “I do hope that the new Biden-Harris administration will be guided by its deep concern for building a society marked by authentic justice and freedom, while fostering understanding, reconciliation and peace within the US and among the nations of the world.”

“The overrepresentation of Indians in the field of medicine is striking – in practical terms, one out of seven doctors in the United States is of Indian Heritage. The nominations of dozens of leading experts in the new administration by Biden, including our own Dr. Vivek Murthy as the US Surgeon General makes us all proud,” said, Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, Secretary of AAPI said.

Describing the numerous efforts by AAPI during the pandemic, Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Treasurer of AAPI, pointed out, “AAPI as an organization has helped and is continuing to help the communities, especially during COVID-19 pandemic. I am confident that President Biden's administration the vaccine distribution will take place at a faster pace to end this pandemic. It is really great to see the diversity in the government. AAPI will continue to advise the new administration when needed”

Established in 1982, with the lofty ideal to bring together Physicians of Indian Origin in the United States under a single umbrella organization, and be their Voice in this adopted land of ours, American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) is a non-political umbrella organization which has over 100 local chapters, specialty societies and alumni organizations. Almost 10%-12% of medical students entering US schools are of Indian origin. AAPI represents the interests of over 80,000 physicians and 30,000 medical students and residents of Indian heritage in the United States. With their hard work, dedication, compassion, and skills, they have thus carved an enviable niche in the American medical community. AAPI’s role has come to be recognized as vital among members and among lawmakers. 

 

While offering fullest cooperation to the Biden administration, Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda said,  “The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (APPI) the largest ethnic medical organization in the country has taken several proactive steps in educating their members and the general public about the disease, the preventive steps that needs to be taken at this time and most importantly, they are using all their contacts and resources at the hospital administrative and government level to facilitate treatment protocols to be in place at the various hospitals around the country.” For more information on AAPI, please visit: www.aapiusa.org.