After nearly two years of isolation, virtual meetings, covid fears, the 39th annual Convention by American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) - the largest professional ethnic organization in the US, was held over the weekend at the world famous CNN Center and Georgia World Congress Center at Omni Atlanta.

Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, outgoing president of AAPI, said. “This convention is a tribute to those who have lost their lives and to the frontline medical professionals who are at the forefront, combating the pandemic around the globe.” 

After inaugurating the convention with traditional prayers and blessings by Hindu priests, Georgia Congressman Buddy Carter, the only pharmacist in the US Congress, said, “If there is anything that the COVID-19 pandemic laid bare it is that our country is too dependent on foreign sources of critical pharmaceutical and medical supplies.  I reintroduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to retake control of America’s healthcare supply chain. For America's national security, the legislation incentivizes the domestic manufacturing of drugs and other medical supplies to make the U.S. supply chain less dependent on foreign countries like China.” 

Indian Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu  called Indian American physicians "the real heroes who have risked your lives and have been out to assist others," and added: “What is unique about AAPI is that you bring a global perspective to defeat the virus and serve the people. We are proud of the achievements of the 4 million Indians in the United States.”

In her inaugural address, Dr. Swati Vijay Kulkarni, Consul General of India in Atlanta, who is also a physician by training, described the Indian American physician community as a “testament to the greatest growth story” of Indian Americans. 
Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux recalled her own close association with the South Asian community and said. “I have been in Washington for about 6 months and I have worked very hard to advocate on behalf of the South Asian Community.”
Describing herself as a friend of India and Indian Americans, the Congresswoman, an active member of the India Caucus in the House, said, “India is a very very important strategic partner to the United States,” and promised to work with the federal government in helping India, especially during the pandemic.

Represents nearly 100,000 physicians and fellows of Indian origin in the US, AAPI  members are leading health care providers, holding crucial positions in various hospitals and health care facilities around the nation and the world. 

For more details, please visit:  www.aapiconvention.org/ www.aapiusa.org