Indian American Physicians Elected to AMA IMG Section Leadership

Three distinguished Indian American physicians, Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Dr. Deepu Sudhakaran, and Dr. Vikram B. Patel, have been elected to leadership positions in the American Medical Association International Medical Graduates Section. They will assume office at the 2026 Annual IMGS Meeting on June 5, 2026.

The American Medical Association is the largest national organization representing physicians in the United States, convening more than 200 state and specialty medical societies and other key stakeholders. According to a statement, the AMA continues to follow its mission to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.

Dr. Kathula is an oncologist, community leader, and immediate past president of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, with more than two decades of leadership and public service. He has practiced oncology for nearly 25 years and is widely recognized for his patient care and contributions to cancer treatment. A graduate of Siddhartha Medical College in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, he currently serves as a clinical professor of medicine at Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio.

Dr. Kathula has authored several medical papers and published the book “Immigrant Doctors: Chasing the Big American Dream,” which highlights the contributions, challenges, and achievements of immigrant physicians. He is currently working on a second book focused on cancer awareness for the general public.

“It is an honor to be elected to the AMA International Medical Graduates Section,” said Dr. Kathula. “IMGs are the backbone of the American healthcare system, and I am committed to strengthening pathways that allow them to thrive, lead, and serve with excellence. This role is an opportunity to elevate our collective voice and advance policies that ensure fairness, opportunity, and dignity for every physician who chooses to care for America.”

Dr. Sudhakaran is an advocate for international medical graduates, with a focus on mentorship, policy engagement, and leadership. A long-standing member of AAPI, he has served as Regional Director, a governing body member, and President of the AAPI St. Louis Chapter, also known as the Indian Medical Council of Greater St. Louis.

In June 2026, he will assume the role of Chair of the AMA IMG Section, where he will guide national strategy, contribute to policy development, and represent IMG interests within the AMA.

“The AMA IMG Section is essential in ensuring that International Medical Graduates—who make up over 30% of the U.S. physician workforce—have a voice in shaping policies that directly impact patient care, access, and workforce stability,” said Dr. Sudhakaran.

Dr. Patel is a physician and leader with experience in several medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, the Illinois State Medical Society, and the McHenry County Medical Society. He currently chairs the IMG Section of the Illinois State Medical Society and serves on multiple committees related to continuing medical education and pain medicine.

He has held leadership roles in organizations such as the World Institute of Pain, the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, the American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians, and the Midwest Pain Society. His work reflects a commitment to advancing medical education, supporting international medical graduates, and improving patient care in pain management.

“My hope for serving the IMG section at AMA was always a dream for me. I have served as a teller at the AMA meetings many times and am familiar with the house proceedings, especially during the official house business as well as elections. More recently, I have also served on the AMA Election Task Force 2,” said Dr. Patel.

The IMGS advocates for issues affecting international medical graduates, who represent more than a quarter of physicians in the United States.

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