Legion of AAPI Physicians Unite to Ceremoniously kickoff AAPICON 2027

Chicago, IL: 
The legion of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin [AAPI] Physicians, community leaders, elected officials, dignitaries and families gathered in strength and robust spirit to ceremoniously kick-off of AAPICON 2027, the organization’s National Convention in June of 2027 in Chicago.

This distinguished celebratory kick-off event unfolded as a powerful celebration of legacy, leadership, and collective ambition with the ceremonial kick-off of AAPICON 2027 was a moment of genuine pride and promise by leaders of AAPI that set in motion flurry of inspiring remarks with Dr. Utpal Parikh, Convention Co-Chair, who greeted every guest and set a tone of unity and anticipation. Following Dr. Radhika Chimata delivered a stirring rendition of the American national anthem followed by Indian National Anthem , filling the hall with emotion and shared respect.

Standing prominently among the dignitaries were Past President Dr. Suresh Reddy Dr. Suresh Reddy, Past President of both AAPI and IMA, an Interventional Radiologist, and Oak Brook Village Trustee, reminded the audience of a remarkable distinction: Oak Brook is the only town in America to have produced three national AAPI presidents. He invited Mayor Larry Herman and Village Manager and CEO Greg Summers to join him, underscoring the deep roots the organization has planted in the community.

Mayor Larry Herman addressed the gathering and thanked the physicians for their enduring contributions to medicine, education, and humanitarian service across the United States and beyond. He then read a formal proclamation recognizing AAPI as the largest ethnic medical organization in the nation, representing more than 100,000 physicians, residents, fellows, and medical students. The proclamation celebrated Oak Brook as the proud home of AAPI’s world headquarters for over thirty years and honored the three national presidents the village has produced: Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, the 11th President; Dr. Suresh Reddy, the 36th President; and Dr. Meher Medavaram, the 42nd and current President. Village medallions were presented in recognition of their service, and AAPI reciprocated by bestowing a Distinguished Leadership Award upon Mayor Herman.

The heart of the evening arrived with the address of Dr. Meher Medavaram, President of AAPI and the only individual to have simultaneously held the presidencies of both AAPI and IMA addressing the gathering declared that AAPICON 2027 would be a collaboration of excellence, a platform for scientific innovation, a commitment to physician wellness, a stage for mentoring the next generation, an expansion of global health initiatives, and a renewed dedication to serving humanity. She urged every attendee to serve as an ambassador, innovator, mentor, and team-builder, recalling how earlier Chicago conventions had inspired young physicians who later rose to national leadership.

Supporting this bold vision stood a committed leadership team. Dr. Umang Patel, Convention Chair, pledged that the entire group would set aside ego and personal experience to serve the President’s vision and deliver one of the most memorable conventions in AAPI history. Dr. Sujeeth Punnam, AAPI Treasurer and interventional cardiologist who traveled from Stockton, California, outlined ambitious fundraising and attendance goals befitting Chicago’s stature. Senior Advisor Dr. Bharat Barai completed the core circle of guidance and experience.

Special guest Dr. Dwarakanatha Reddy, President of IMA Telangana State and Overseas Coordinator for the Global Health Summit 2027 in Hyderabad, brought warm greetings and firm support from India. He invited the community to the upcoming Global Health Summit and reaffirmed his readiness to assist in any capacity.

Institutional memory enriched the proceedings. Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, former Mayor of Oak Brook and 11th AAPI President, recounted the pivotal decisions of earlier years: renaming the organization to American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin for greater inclusivity, relocating the headquarters from Michigan to Oak Brook, and achieving the historic milestone of bringing a sitting U.S. President to an AAPI convention. He challenged the 2027 team to aim equally high.

US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi delivered a rousing message describing Indian Americans as the fastest-growing, best-educated, and most prosperous ethnic minority in the country, he called upon the community to translate professional excellence into fuller civic engagement voting, advocating, and running for public office at every level.

Past President Dr. Ranga Reddy of Springfield, Illinois, who has documented AAPI history and helped organize previous Chicago conventions, offered practical wisdom and unwavering support, assuring the team that lessons from the past would help make AAPICON 2027 the finest yet.

As the formal program concluded, group photographs captured past presidents of IMA, officers of the IMA Charitable Foundation, and leaders from sister organizations including the Federation of Indian Associations and the American Telugu Association. Media partners documented every moment, ensuring the energy of the evening would travel far beyond Oak Brook.

By the close of the night, one truth stood clear. Under the leadership of Dr. Meher Medavaram and her dedicated team—Dr. Umang Patel, Dr. Utpal Parikh, Dr. Sujeeth Punnam, Dr. Bharat Barai, and the wider network of past presidents and volunteers—AAPICON 2027 is poised to become a defining chapter in AAPI’s story. It will inspire a new generation of physician leaders and reaffirm the enduring power of unity, service, and shared purpose.

From Dr. Utpal Parikh’s gracious welcome to the vision outlined by Dr. Meher Medavaram, the evening reflected the very best of the physician community.

Asian Media USA is honored to chronicle this journey and looks forward to the excellence that Chicago will deliver in 2027” said Mr. Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman and Founder of Asian Media USA.