ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
AAPI kicks off 2027 national convention with Chicago event
AAPI leaders, physicians and public officials gathered in Oak Brook to launch the 2027 national convention.
-
1759953093.png)
Staff Reporter - Mon, 03, Aug 2026
- 03:11 EDT
- 25
Mayor Herman thanked physicians for their contributions to medicine, education and humanitarian service. He read a proclamation recognizing AAPI as the nation's largest ethnic medical organization, representing more than 100,000 physicians, residents, fellows and medical students. / Asian Media USA
The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) formally launched AAPICON 2027 during a kickoff event in Oak Brook, Illinois, bringing together physicians, community leaders, elected officials and guests ahead of the organization's national convention scheduled for June 2027 in Chicago.
Dr. Utpal Parikh, convention co-chair, welcomed attendees and opened the event. Dr. Radhika Chimata performed the U.S. national anthem followed by the Indian national anthem.
Among those attending were former AAPI President Dr. Suresh Reddy, an interventional radiologist and Oak Brook village trustee, who noted that Oak Brook is the only town in the United States to have produced three national AAPI presidents. He invited Oak Brook Mayor Larry Herman and Village Manager and CEO Greg Summers to join him during the program.
Mayor Herman thanked physicians for their contributions to medicine, education and humanitarian service. He read a proclamation recognizing AAPI as the nation's largest ethnic medical organization, representing more than 100,000 physicians, residents, fellows and medical students.
The proclamation also recognized Oak Brook as the home of AAPI's world headquarters for more than 30 years and honored former presidents Dr. Gopal Lalmalani and Dr. Suresh Reddy, along with current President Dr. Meher Medavaram. Village medallions were presented to the three leaders, while AAPI presented Herman with a Distinguished Leadership Award.
Addressing the gathering, AAPI President Dr. Meher Medavaram said AAPICON 2027 would focus on scientific innovation, physician wellness, mentoring future physicians, global health initiatives and service. She encouraged attendees to serve as ambassadors, mentors and team builders, recalling that previous AAPI conventions in Chicago had inspired physicians who later assumed national leadership roles.
Convention Chair Dr. Umang Patel said the organizing team would work together to deliver the 2027 convention. AAPI Treasurer Dr. Sujeeth Punnam outlined fundraising and attendance goals for the event, while Senior Advisor Dr. Bharat Barai joined the leadership team overseeing preparations.
Dr. Dwarakanatha Reddy, president of IMA Telangana State and overseas coordinator for the Global Health Summit 2027 in Hyderabad, attended as a special guest. He invited participants to the summit and offered support for the convention.
Former AAPI President Dr. Gopal Lalmalani reflected on key milestones in the organization's history, including renaming the association to the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, relocating its headquarters from Michigan to Oak Brook and hosting a sitting U.S. president at an AAPI convention. He encouraged organizers to pursue similarly ambitious goals for AAPICON 2027.
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi urged Indian Americans to increase their civic participation by voting, advocating for their communities and seeking public office.
Former AAPI President Dr. Ranga Reddy also addressed the gathering, sharing lessons from previous Chicago conventions and expressing support for the organizing committee.
The event concluded with group photographs featuring past IMA presidents, officers of the IMA Charitable Foundation and representatives of organizations including the Federation of Indian Associations and the American Telugu Association. Asian Media USA Chairman and Founder Suresh Bodiwala said, "Asian Media USA is honored to chronicle this journey and looks forward to the excellence that Chicago will deliver in 2027."
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Leave A Comment
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login