ATLANTA (TIP) July 5: Dr. Anupama Gotimukula assumed charge as the President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), during the 39th annual Convention of America’s largest ethnic physician organization in Atlanta on July 4.

During a solemn ceremony attended in person by hundreds of AAPI delegates from around the nation at the Omni Atlanta, outgoing AAPI President Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalgadda passed on the gavel to Dr. Gotimukula.

“I am happy to declare that AAPI is stronger and is going to be in safe hands, as I pass on the traditional gavel to Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, the new President of AAPI,” he said.

“We came to the US pursuing the American Dream,” said the fourth woman President of AAPI in it 39 years long history in her inaugural address, noting AAPI helps “to elevate the voice of Indian Americans everywhere.”

“Through hard work and a bit of luck, most of us achieved that dream and have become successful and caring doctors who play a crucial role in the American healthcare system, “she said.

“We serve patients. Raise money for local causes. Contribute to our education system and improve the lives of millions of Americans,” Gotimukula said.

“We joined AAPI to socialize and meet others like us and in that journey learned that through this wonderful organization, we were able to make a bigger impact with the many academic, philanthropic and social initiatives.”

Acknowledging and thanking “our founding members and all the past leadership of AAPI who contributed to the growth of the organization,” Dr. Gotimukula said, “We stand on the shoulders of our predecessors.”

They “fought the good fight in bringing AAPI to where we stand today; vibrant, strong, healthcare heroes being recognized and valued by our peers, communities and most importantly the patients.” Healthcare professionals have made a significant difference in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Gotimukula noted.

“AAPI and our members have been on the frontlines serving patients, working with local public health authorities donating and distributing resources such as PPEs, critical hospital supplies as well as most recently providing much needed oxygen concentrators and ventilators in India.

“You are truly healthcare heroes who stood up and risked your lives to serve when it was most needed. A value that is not just American but also something we brought along from our motherland of India,” she said.

Dr. Gotimukula has a new Executive Committee, consisting of Dr. Ravi Kolli, President-Elect; Dr. Anjana Samadder, Vice President; Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Secretary; Dr. Krishan Kumar, Treasurer; Dr. Kusum Punjabi, Chair, Board of Trustees; Dr. Soumya Neravetla- President, Young Physicians Section; and, Dr. Ayesha Singh, President, Medical Student/Residents & Fellows Section.

Dr. Gotimukula will lead AAPI as its President in the year 2021-2022, the largest Medical Organization in the United States, representing the interests of the over 100,000 physicians and Fellows of Indian origin in the United States, serving the interests of the Indian American physicians in the US and in many ways contributing to the shaping of the healthcare delivery in the US for the past 39 years.

“As we look forward to the future beyond Covid-19, we at AAPI have so much more room to grow and serve,” Dr. Gotimukula said outlining her vision to make AAPI a premium healthcare leader, primarily focusing to improve and reform the current healthcare system.

I challenge myself, my Executive Committee, and you all, my AAPI colleagues, to rise up to the task of building on our accomplishments and successes over the last several years. My team and I have defined several goals for this year to further AAPI’s mission, along three key dimensions.”

“As one of the biggest stakeholders in the current healthcare system, there is an urgent need for Healthcare & Societal Reform, she said. “We need to be a part of the change we want in our healthcare system.”

Dr. Gotimukula urged AAPI to “improve health equity; get rid of discrimination; fight South Asian racial bias; reduce physician burnout; and improve the career trajectory of the younger generation of Indian American doctors who will be taking care of us as we age.”

A resident of San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Gotimukula is a board certified pediatric anesthesiologist, practicing since 2007, is affiliated with Christus Santa Rosa, Baptist and Methodist Healthcare systems in San Antonio.

After graduating with distinction from Kakatiya Medical College, NTR University of Health Sciences in India, she did Residency at University of Miami & University of Illinois, and Fellowship in Pediatric Anesthesiology at University of Michigan.

A resident of San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Gotimukula is a board certified pediatric anesthesiologist, practicing since 2007, is affiliated with Christus Santa Rosa, Baptist and Methodist Healthcare systems in San Antonio.

Dr. Gotimukula urged the AAPI fraternity to “participate. Get involved. Get engaged. Lend a hand. And stand up and be heard. To all the team members, I want to thank you for your efforts thus far and for the next year ahead. Together we will all make AAPI the community standard bearer for a better future.”

“My hope is that this year will bring us all back together to see the warm smiling faces from region to region across the country. Let’s move forward and achieve great success together.”

Earlier, in his farewell address, Dr. Jonnalagadda enumerated several programs AAPI had undertaken under his leadership in the past one year.

“AAPI has been coordinating several efforts, including tele-health to patients and Doctors in India,” he said. “AAPI will continue to be an active player in crafting the delivery of healthcare in the most efficient manner in the United States and India.”

“We will strive for equity in healthcare delivery globally. We will be able to take AAPI to stability, unity, growth and greater achievements,” the out-going President said.

The concluding day of the convention had the usual pomp and show displayed in music and dance by the local organizing committee of the Convention headed by Dr. Sreeni Gangasani.

(Based on a press release)