Indian American (IA) Impact, an organization dedicated to empowering South Asian and Indian American communities, hosted its annual “2025 Summit: Desis Persist – Our Stories, Our Strength” on September 16–17, 2025, at the Georgetown Marriott in Washington D.C.

Opening the summit, IA Impact Board Chair Vikas Raj highlighted the significant role South Asians play in America’s healthcare sector.

“South Asians are clearly among the most represented groups in America’s medical workforce,” Raj said. “But the impact of our communities, doctors, researchers, and health leaders extends far beyond clinics and hospitals.” 

He noted that amid rampant health misinformation, South Asian professionals have emerged as some of the most trusted voices, using their expertise to safeguard public health and reach communities well beyond their own.

The summit’s opening plenary featured a panel discussion, “Beyond the Exam Room: South Asian Health Leaders Shaping Public Trust,” moderated by NBC News and MSNBC Medical Analyst Dr. Vin Gupta.

Panelists included: Maryland Secretary of Health, Dr. Meena Seshamani; Chief Patient Officer, American Cancer Society (ACS, Dr. Arif Kamal; Pennsylvania State Representative (PA-30), Dr. Arvind Venkat; and Pediatrician and Founder of PedsDocTalk, Dr. Mona Amin. 

The discussion centered on healthcare leadership, advocacy, and the critical role of relatability and storytelling in shaping policy and public trust. Panelists also addressed challenges such as healthcare consolidation, the influence of social media, and the need for stronger navigation and trust within health systems.

Dr. Seshamani called for calm, collaborative leadership in health policy. “This is definitely a very interesting time that we are in,” she said. “I think one that really calls for calm leadership and being able to bring people together as we chart a path forward for how we can improve health in our country.”

Dr. Kamal emphasized unity in tackling major health issues. “It is important to figure out what we agree on regardless of our backgrounds or political affiliations,” he said, noting that the fight against cancer is a unifying cause. 

He underscored the progress of the past three decades, adding, “We don’t want to lose that momentum,” and highlighted ACS partnerships with governments, nonprofits, and other sectors to invest in health technologies.

Dr. Venkat shared his journey from physician to policymaker, describing how COVID-19 advocacy propelled him into politics. “I was very involved in my local community in providing advice of how to safely move forward,” he recalled. “Seeing the divisions that we have to this day related to healthcare and science motivated me to run for office.”

When he expressed an interest in running for office, he noted he was fortunate that the local Democratic Committee consisting of political professionals helped guide him in how to run an effective campaign, how to deliver a message, how to raise money, where to avoid conflicts, and where to focus on what really matters in terms of being successful.

“I think this concept of relatability is really important,” said Dr. Kamal. He stressed grassroots political engagement, noting that relatability builds trust, which in turn drives meaningful conversations and alignment.

Echoing that sentiment, Dr. Seshamani emphasized combining professional expertise with personal caregiving experiences. By sharing personal stories as both medical professionals and family caregivers, she said, South Asians can deepen connections, foster mentorship, and create new opportunities, reinforcing the summit’s theme, “Our Stories, Our Strength.”

Dr. Amin encouraged professionals to recognize their strengths and platforms of influence. “I am really good at talking to people, good at writing,” she explained, describing how she uses blogging, videos, and social media to reach parents worldwide. 

While not all her followers are South Asian, she said, “They know that I’m South Asian. They know that I’m very proud of my heritage. I share a little bit of my culture on my social media as well.” 

For her, advocacy begins with knowing one’s audience and finding the right outlet, whether through politics, content creation, or organizational leadership.

The two-day summit featured several other panel discussions, South Asian Day on the Hill, and concluded with a Gala on September 17, celebrating the resilience, advocacy, and achievements of the South Asian community.

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