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www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know Physicians Kick Off AAPICON 2027 With Chicago Launch T he American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) officially launched preparations for AAPICON 2027, its National Convention, during a kick-off event held in Oak Brook, Illinois. Mayor Larry Herman of Oak Brook, IL thanked physicians for their contributions to medicine, educa- tion 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. PHOTOS: Asian Media USA The gathering brought together hundreds of physi- cians, healthcare leaders, elected officials, community representatives, dignitaries, and families to mark the be- ginning of what the organization says is one of the most significant conventions in AAPI’s history, a press release from Asian Media USA said. Dr. Utpal Parikh, Convention Co-Chair welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of unity, collaboration, and shared purpose in making AAPICON 2027 an extraordinary success. The current President of AAPI is Dr. Meher Medavaram, the 42nd leader since the organization was formed. Dr. Radhika Chimata sang both the American and In- dian National Anthems, symbolizing the dual heritage of Indian-American physicians. Among the distinguished leaders recognized during the evening was Dr. Suresh Reddy, Past President of both AAPI and the Indian Medical Association (IMA), an Interventional Radiologist and Oak Brook Village Trustee. Reflecting on AAPI’s rich legacy, Dr. Reddy highlighted Oak Brook’s unique distinction as the only community 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 in recognizing the community’s longstanding partner- ship with AAPI. Mayor Herman praised Indian-American physicians for their extraordinary contributions to medicine, educa- tion, research, and humanitarian service throughout the United States and across the world. He presented an official 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 celebrated Oak Brook as the home of AAPI’s international headquarters for more than three decades while honoring the three national AAPI Presidents who have hailed from the vil- lage—Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, the organiza- tion’s 11th President; Dr. Suresh Reddy, the 36th President; and Dr. Medavaram. AAPI honored the Mayor with its Distin- guished Leadership Award for his steadfast support of the medical community. Dr. Medavaram, the only physician to have simultaneously served as President of both AAPI and the Indian Medical Associa- tion, outlined her vision for AAPICON 2027, describing the convention as far more than an annual gathering. “AAPICON 2027 will be a collaboration of excellence, a platform for scientific innova- tion, a commitment to physician wellness, a center for mentoring the next genera- tion of physicians, an expansion of global health initiatives, and a renewed dedica- tion to serving humanity,” she declared. She encouraged every physician to become an ambassador, innovator, mentor, and team builder, recalling how previous Chicago conventions inspired many young physicians who later rose to national leadership within AAPI. Supporting that vision, Dr. Umang Patel, Convention Chair, pledged to deliver one of the finest conventions in AAPI’s history. AAPI Treasurer Dr. Sujeeth Punnam, an interventional cardiologist from Stockton, California, presented the goals for fundraising, participation, and national engage- ment on the road to the Convention. Providing strategic guidance was Senior Advisor Dr. Bharat Barai. Dr. Dwarakanatha Reddy, President of IMA Telangana State and Overseas Coordinator for the Global Health Summit 2027 in Hyderabad, India, extended a formal invitation to physicians worldwide to participate in the upcoming summit. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening collaboration between Indian and Ameri- can medical professionals. Dr. Lalmalani, former Oak Brook Mayor and AAPI’s 11th National President, reflected on the organization’s evolution, recalling major milestones, including renam- ing the organization to the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin to better reflect its inclusive mission, relocating AAPI’s headquarters to Oak Brook, and achieving the historic accomplishment of bringing a sitting U.S. President to an AAPI national convention. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, D- Ill. applauded Indian Americans as one of the nation’s fastest-growing, best-educated, and most successful communities. While celebrating their professional achieve- ments, he urged physicians to increase their participation in civic life through voting, public service, advocacy, and leadership. Past AAPI President Dr. Ranga Reddy of Springfield, Illinois, who has meticulously documented the organization’s history and helped organize previous Chicago conven- tions, shared valuable insights from earlier conventions and pledged his full support to the organizing committee. As the evening concluded, past presi- dents of AAPI and IMA, officers of the IMA Charitable Foundation, and leaders repre- senting numerous community organiza- tions—including the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) and the American Telugu Association (ATA)—joined together for commemorative photographs celebrating the launch of AAPICON 2027. By Bhailal M. Patel Mayor Larry Herman of Oak Brook, IL 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. PHOTOS:ASIAN MEDIA USA President of AAPI Dr. Meher Medavaram, 2nd from left, and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, 2nd from right, at the AAPICON 2027 kick-off. 8 CITY VIEWS August 7, 2026