Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) was honored with the prestigious President’s Lifetime Achievement Award during a solemn ceremony at the Hart Senate Building in Washington DC on September 19, 2024. United States Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia presented the award to Dr. Kathula for his community services, contributions to the country, particularly in the field of healthcare, and his dedication to his patients and the larger society.
Senator Manchin said, “I just want to thank and congratulate Dr. Kathula for all he has done,” while commending Dr. Kathula’s contributions to the country, particularly in the field of healthcare, and his dedication to his patients and the broader community.
According to Elisha Pulivarti, President of the US-India SME Council, “Dr. Kathula has been a tremendous asset to the Indian American community, and he highly deserves this honor”
In his response upon receiving the award, Dr. Kathula said, “It’s an honor and a privilege to receive this award from Senator Joe Manchin. This award truly inspires not only me but the people, who are serving the community and their society at large.”
Dr. Kathula, a 29-year resident of Ohio, has dedicated his career to treating patients and actively supporting various nonprofit organizations including Leukemia Lymphoma Society. He was names Man of the Year of LLS in 2018. Dr. Kathula has served AAPI in various capacities. He was the Regional Director, a member of the Board of Trustees. He was elected overwhelmingly by AAPI members as the national Treasurer, Secretary, and Vice President of AAPI, and has served as the President-Elect of AAPI during the year 2023-34, prior to assuming charge as the President of AAPI in July this year.
Dr. Kathula was the President and founding member of the Association of Indian Physicians from Ohio, President of the Miami Valley Association of Physicians of Indian Origin as well as the President of the ATMGUSA (Association of Telugu Medical Graduates in USA). He has been actively involved in community service locally, nationally, and internationally for the last two decades. He was awarded ‘Man of the Year – 2018’ by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and “Hind Rattan” in 2010.
Dr. Kathula is organizing AAPI Global Health Summit in New Delhi from October 19-20, 2025 and initiated programs in AAPI such as Stem Cell/Bone Marrow Drive for Indian Americans, and Million Miles of Gratitude to honor the service and sacrifices of our veterans. Under his leadership AAPI is also embarking on Preventive Strategies for Heart Attacks for Indian Americans.
Ajay Ghosh
