The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) brought key concerns of Indian-American physicians to the attention of U.S. lawmakers during its annual Legislative Day, held May 7–8, 2025, at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

The bipartisan event was attended by members of Congress from both Republican and Democratic parties and provided a platform for AAPI members from across the country to engage directly with legislators. Participants voiced pressing concerns about the U.S. healthcare system and called for comprehensive reforms.

“Healthcare continues to be the center of the nation’s focus, especially with changes in policies on Immigration, Medicare/Medicaid, and Medical Education. AAPI’s annual Legislative Day has become a vital part of AAPI’s growing influence and has its united voice heard in the corridors of power,” said President of AAPI, Dr. Satheesh Kathula.

Dr. Kathula and fellow AAPI leaders outlined several legislative priorities critical to improving healthcare delivery in the United States. These included “fixing Medicare reimbursement cuts, reforming prior authorization processes, addressing scope of practice concerns, fast-tracking green cards for H-1B visa holders, securing equitable telemedicine payments, and proposing amendments to the Stark Law.”

“AAPI has been seeking to collectively shape the best healthcare for the people of the U.S., with the physician at the helm, caring for the medically underserved—as we have done for several decades when physicians of Indian origin came to the U.S. in larger numbers,” said Chair of AAPI’s Legislative Affairs Committee, Dr. Deepak Kumar. 

Several Indian-American lawmakers—Representatives Ami Bera (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), and Shri Thanedar (D-MI)—joined the discussions, along with other Representatives including Rich McCormick, Frank Mrvan, and Dave Taylor. They listened to the delegates’ concerns and pledged their support.

AAPI delegates also held discussions with U.S. Senators John Boozman, Bernie Moreno, and Jon Ossoff, who praised the organization’s advocacy and acknowledged its significant contributions to the American healthcare system. The Senators expressed willingness to work on the issues raised by AAPI to help build a more efficient and equitable healthcare framework.

“AAPI addressed critical issues for physicians before lawmakers. The legislators responded positively, and we are encouraged by the momentum. AAPI’s advocacy on these critical topics will remain ongoing,” said Dr. Vidya Kora, Co-Chair of AAPI’s Legislative Affairs Committee.

In addition to healthcare-specific matters, AAPI also raised broader concerns affecting the Indian-American community, particularly in the context of Indo-Pak tensions. The organization called on lawmakers to stand with India in global efforts to eliminate terrorism.

“AAPI is once again in the forefront in bringing many burning health care issues facing the community at large and bringing this to the Capitol and to the U.S. Congress,” said Co-Chair of AAPI’s Legislative Affairs Committee, Dr. Sudhir Parikh. He thanked all participants for ensuring that lawmakers heard and acknowledged the community’s needs.

“AAPI Legislative Day has been a flagship annual event that rekindles and renews our energy in bringing up the issues that we need to bring to the attention of national policy makers and leaders of the U.S. Congress on Capitol Hill,” said AAPI President-Elect, Dr. Amit Chakrabarty. “AAPI continues to discover her potential to be a player in shaping the healthcare of each patient with a focus on health maintenance rather than disease intervention.”

Chair-Elect of AAPI’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Hetal Gor, added, “It is a tradition for nearly four decades, which has brought many important transformations in national healthcare policies that have helped Physicians of Indian Origin. Now, it is the need of the day to renew our friendship with new leadership and brief the Congressional leadership on issues that are important to us.”

Addressing the growing physician shortage in the U.S., Vice President of AAPI, Dr. Meher Medavaram, emphasized, “The U.S. is currently experiencing a physician shortage, which will be exacerbated by retiring baby boomers, affecting thousands of patients’ access to a physician, and ultimately the healthcare they need. In advocating for critical reforms in healthcare, AAPI’s role has come to be recognized as vital among members and among lawmakers.”

AAPI delegates stressed the importance of increasing the number of residency positions to meet rising demand and urged policymakers to provide opportunities for all qualified physicians of Indian origin to complete their training in the U.S.

“Through Legislative Day, we are building a strong foundation for future advocacy and legislative successes at both the federal and state level. The presence of several lawmakers from both parties is a testament to the strength of AAPI’s reputation as strong leaders, with our physicians proudly serving as healthcare providers in all 50 states,” said Treasurer-Elect of AAPI, Dr. Soumya Neravetla.

The delegation also met with Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Vinay Kwatra, to brief him on AAPI’s initiatives in India and to explore potential avenues for collaboration with the Indian government. During the meeting, AAPI leaders strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, extended condolences to the victims’ families, and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting justice and counterterrorism efforts.

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