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The 44th Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), held July 2 to 5, 2026, at the JW Marriott and Tampa Marriott Water Street in Tampa, concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AAPI and the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
According to AAPI, the agreement marks one of the most significant developments in recent Indo-American healthcare cooperation.
In a statement, AAPI said the Memorandum of Understanding was formally signed on July 4 by Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, then-president of AAPI, and Dr. Urvish Patel, director of the AAPI-IMA Strategic Initiative. Representing the Indian Medical Association, Dr. Dhiren Patel signed the agreement, with co-signatures from Dr. Meher Medavaram, current president of AAPI, and Dr. Krishan Kumar, president-elect of AAPI, to ensure continuity of collaboration between the two organizations in the years ahead.
The signing ceremony was attended by several AAPI leaders, including Dr. Lokesh Edara, past Board of Trustees chair; Dr. Sunil Kaza, past Board of Trustees chair; and Dr. Sashi Kuppla, a member of the AAPI Board of Trustees, along with senior leaders from both AAPI and the IMA.
AAPI credited Dr. Anil Kumar J. Nayak, president of the Indian Medical Association, with playing a key role in strengthening the partnership. The organization said his leadership, commitment, and active coordination helped deepen institutional ties between AAPI and the IMA, supporting shared medical goals and benefiting millions of people in India.
“The agreement brings together two of the world’s most influential physician organizations in a shared commitment to advancing medical education, research, healthcare innovation, humanitarian outreach, and global public health initiatives,” the statement said. “For AAPI, which represents more than 120,000 physicians and medical students of Indian origin across the United States, the partnership reinforces its role as a bridge between the healthcare systems of India and the United States.”
According to AAPI, the MoU was the defining achievement of the convention, which was held under the theme, “Stronger Together: United in Care, Undivided in Voice.” The event brought together physicians, researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and healthcare professionals from around the world.
Dr. Meher Medavaram described the partnership as a reflection of the organization’s future direction. “My vision is to lead AAPI with unity, integrity, inclusion, and purpose,” Dr. Medavaram said. “This MoU strengthens our collective ability to serve communities across borders while empowering physicians to work together toward common healthcare goals.”
Dr. Amit Chakrabarty emphasized the broader significance of the agreement. “This convention is the real stage, the real celebration of our community,” Dr. Chakrabarty said. “Partnerships like the AAPI-IMA MoU reflect AAPI’s commitment to global medical leadership and our responsibility to build meaningful healthcare collaborations that benefit communities across borders.”
Reflecting on the collaboration, Dr. Chakrabarty said, “I have been working closely with the IMA leadership over the past year, including face-to-face discussions during my visit to the IMA Annual Conference in Ahmedabad. After refining the contents and incorporating the remaining items, I am thrilled that we were able to finalize and sign it at our annual convention in Tampa.”
According to leaders from both organizations, the Memorandum of Understanding establishes a long-term framework for collaboration among AAPI, the AAPI Global Foundation, and the Indian Medical Association.
The agreement outlines several key areas of cooperation, including expanded physician exchange programs, educational initiatives, mentorship opportunities, research partnerships, and humanitarian projects aimed at addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities.
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