The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has announced its newly elected office bearers for the 2025–26 term.

“We have successfully concluded our elections in a very transparent manner for the year 2025–26 for leadership positions at the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI),” Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of AAPI, and Dr. Lokesh Edara, AAPI’s Chief Election Officer and Past Chair of the Board of Trustees, jointly announced on April 30. “We thank the election officers and all the members of AAPI for participating in the Election.”

Dr. Krishan Kumar has been elected as Vice President, Dr. Seema Arora will serve as Secretary, and Dr. Soumya Neravetla has been elected Treasurer. Dr. Neravetla makes history as the first second-generation Indian American physician to be elected Treasurer in AAPI’s 43-year history.

Elected to the Board of Trustees are Dr. Anjali Gulati, Dr. Sunitha Polepalle, and Dr. Srini Gokarakonda. Dr. Hetal Gor will serve as Chair-Elect of the Board of Trustees. Dr. Kathula will continue to guide AAPI as Immediate Past President.

Several Regional Director positions were uncontested and declared as follows: Dr. Annu Terkonda; SW Central: Dr. Sharma Prabhakar; NE Central I: Dr. Mohan Kesani; NE Central II: Dr. Dharmesh Gandhi; SE Central: Dr. Shashank Ponugoti; New England: Dr. Madhavi Gorusu; Mid-Atlantic I: Dr. Inderpal Chhabra; Mid-Atlantic II: Dr. Avinash C. Gupta; and, South-Atlantic: Dr. Uma Jonnalagadda. 

The Regional Director positions for the Pacific and Mountain regions remain open for contest.

Expressing appreciation to all the candidates and members, Dr. Kathula said, “A heartfelt thank you to all the contestants in AAPI elections, your willingness to volunteer your time and energy speaks volumes about your commitment to our beloved organization, AAPI. Congratulations to all the winners.”

He added, “I know firsthand how much it takes, having run in four elections and won them all. Your passion, effort, and courage are truly commendable, and they continue to inspire our members and future leaders.”

Chair of AAPI’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Sunil Kaza, also extended his gratitude. “I want to congratulate all the winners of the election, and all the candidates for their passion and dedication to serving AAPI,” said Dr. Kaza. “Regardless of the outcome, we need you as a valuable team member of our beloved AAPI.  I wish them the very best and my wholehearted support.”

Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, the incoming President who will assume office during AAPI’s 43rd Annual Convention in Cincinnati, OH this July, stated, “I’m very honored, and consider myself fortunate to be bestowed with the responsibility of leading the four decades old strong organization with the cooperation and collaboration of an excellent team of dedicated, hardworking, and loyal officers and executive committee members who are with me to take AAPI to newer heights.”

Chair-Elect of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Gor, said, “I am looking forward to working with the new leadership and members of AAPI in strengthening the goals and mission of AAPI and to help make AAPI a healthcare leader in the U.S. and globally.”

President-Elect for 2025–26, Dr. Meher Medavaram, said, “I want to express my sincere gratitude to all AAPI members for this honor and assure that I will sincerely work for the betterment of our beloved organization, AAPI. Once again, I thank everyone for the opportunity to serve.” She also commended the Election Committee for “successfully organizing this election, with great participation from AAPI members.”

Dr. Kumar, newly elected Vice President, said, “I stand before you today filled with immense gratitude and humility. Winning this election is not just a personal achievement but a collective victory, and I am deeply honored to have your trust and support,” adding “This victory belongs to all of us. It is a testament to the power of unity, collaboration, and the belief that together, we can achieve great things. Let’s move forward together, with determination and hope, to build a brighter future for our community.”

Newly elected Secretary, Dr. Arora, added, “I’m very honored, and consider myself fortunate to be bestowed with the responsibility for serving the four decades old strong organization with the cooperation and collaboration of an excellent team of dedicated, hardworking, and loyal officers and executive committee members who are with me to take AAPI to newer heights.”

AAPI’s new Treasurer, Dr. Neravetla, said, “I am honored to be elected as the Treasurer of national AAPI. I appreciate and thank all of you for your trust in me. Your guidance, support, and vote made this possible. This win belongs to all our members for trusting our vision of growth and progress. I hope to receive your continued support and inspiration.”

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