Highlights from the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin Delegation’s Visit to Bhubaneswar
The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) organized its 19th annual Global Health Summit (GHS) from January 9–11, 2026, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, which was attended by over 100 Physician leaders from the United States, along with nearly 500 participants from India.
Organized for the first time in the state of Odisha under the leadership of AAPI President Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, the Summit brought together leading physicians, researchers, educators, and public health experts from India and the United States, united in their mission to advance medical innovation, global partnerships, and community impact. Held across the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Mayfair Lagoon, and Swosti Premium, the summit showcased groundbreaking medical developments and collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in India.
Setting the Stage for Global Collaboration
Dr. Amit Chakrabarty opened the summit by highlighting its transformative potential of the Summit: “Global Healthcare Summit 2026 reflects AAPI’s unwavering commitment to elevating global health standards. When experts from two of the world’s most dynamic healthcare systems come together, the impact extends far beyond conference halls—it reaches communities, hospitals, and future generations.”
India’s Minister for Health, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, in a video message at GHS, commended AAPI’s role as a bridge between India and the United States: “AAPI stands as a powerful symbol of professional excellence, global leadership and dedicated service to humanity, representing over 100,000 Physicians of Indian origin practicing in the United States. Through sustained academic collaboration, knowledge exchange and capacity building, AAPI has significantly strengthened healthcare systems in both nations. Service beyond borders is the highest form of leadership.”
Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT, emphasized the university’s partnership with AAPI: “KIIT is one of India’s leading private universities, known for its academic excellence, world-class infrastructure, and impressive placement records.” He lauded AAPI, which represents over 100.000 Indian American physicians, playing a vital role as a bridge between India and the US through academic collaboration, research, knowledge sharing, and capacity building.
Welcoming AAPI delegates, Prof. R C Das, Dean and Principal of KIMS, said, “A hearty welcome to AAPI delegates to the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, which has redefined healthcare services in Odisha and neighboring states, anchored on a genuine desire to promote a healthy society and provide advanced medical care.”
Others who addressed the audience during the inaugural ceremony were Prof. CBK Mohanty, Pro Vice Chancelor of KIMS; Dr. Atashu Nayak, President, Odisha Physicians of America; Dr. Ajit K Mohanty, Chair of GHS Host Committee.
Rabi N. Samanta, Director of the GHS Host Committee, stated, “We are extremely happy to have the esteemed delegates of AAPI from the United States, join us here in Odisha with the objective of enhancing healthcare delivery in India.”
During the gala on the first day of the GHS, AAPI recognized and honored Dr. Sita Kanta Dash for his contributions to society both in the USA and Odisha. Dr. Dash is the Chairman of Kalinga Hospital, a part-sponsor of this year’s GHS. Dr. Dosh rose from rural Odisha to global acclaim through education and innovation in the field of Probiotics.
Dr. Santosh Dora, CEO of Kalinga Hospital, was also honored during the gala for his support in organizing the GHS.
“Our community programs reflect AAPI’s heart. Beyond CMEs and conferences, we are committed to protecting and empowering the next generation,” emphasized Dr. Meher Medavaram, President-Elect of AAPI. “Our workshops and community collaboration are designed to strengthen frontline decision-making. These are the skills that save lives in the golden hour,”
Clinical Excellence and Youth Empowerment
Under the leadership of Dr. Chakrabarty, GHS prioritized youth engagement and medical education, drawing participants from both India and the United States. A diverse lineup of activities for medical students, residents, and early-career clinicians included poster presentations and hands-on skills workshops.
Among the summit’s highlights, the AAPI-IMG Section Update provided a vital lifeline for international medical graduates. “We want to demystify the process for those seeking U.S. residencies—guidance on applications, interview strategies, and what to expect in a new healthcare system,” said Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, President of AAPI.
“We aimed to create an inclusive and interactive learning environment, including the much sought after AAPI’s Poster Contest, where over 150 students could showcase their research, practice clinical skills, and network with global experts,” shared Dr. Priyanka Kolli, President of AAPI’s Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows section.
“These workshops and mentoring sessions are investments in our collective future,” explained Dr. Abhishek Kashyap, co-coordinator of the student activities.
The Scientific Forum featured high-impact CME sessions, addressing metabolic syndrome (Dr. Prasun K. Jalal), advances in hemoglobinopathy treatment (Dr. Arun Panigrahi), healthcare gaps in India (Dr. Lokesh Edara), and cervical cancer updates (Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nayak). The sessions on PSA Tightrope Balancing (Dr. Amit Chakrabarty), New Data and Techniques in Management of Carotid Stenosis (Dr. Uttam Tripati) and Navigating the Thin Red Line in The ED & ICU (Dr. Ajit Kayal).
Live robotic and minimally invasive surgical demonstrations, broadcast live from the United States by internationally renowned experts exemplified advances in surgical technology. The session on “Cutting Edge Developments in Urology” was chaired by Dr. Ashok Hemal and was Co-Chaired by Dr. Amit Chakrabarty,
A parallel breakout star studded session on Ayurveda Consortium was headed by Dr. Amit Shah and Dr. Arti Prasad, which featured luminaries, including Mr. Rajesh Kotecha (Secretary, Union Ministry, AYUSH, India) and Dr. Charles Elder, Executive Director, Maharishi International University.
The session on Physician, Heal Thyself: Mental Health, Suicide Risk, and the Implementation of Prevention Programs, presented by Dr, Tarak Vasavada highlighted the very important concerns experienced by the medical fraternity around the world.
A large-scale Mass CPR Training Event for students under the leadership of Dr. Vemury Murthy reinforced AAPI’s dedication to community empowerment.
Artificial Intelligence and Emergency Care Innovation
This Summit spotlighted Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, with a pioneering session on “AI in Global Medical Practices,” and was led by Dr. Suresh Reddy, and Dr. Inderpal Chhabra. Panelists, Kinjal Saxena (CTO, AIG), Dr. Vidhur Mahajan (CEO, CARPL.AI), Dr. Suvrankar Datta, and Dr. Priyaa Jain shared insights into the transformative role of AI.
“AI is transforming medicine at a pace we’ve never seen before. AAPI is committed to ensuring that Indian and U.S. physicians lead this transformation with responsibility and vision,” said Dr. Seema Arora, Secretary of AAPI.
The Resuscitation & Emergency Medical Care Workshop, led by Dr. Vemury Murthy and Dr. Anjali Gulati, covered the 2025 AHA Resuscitation Guidelines, sudden cardiac arrest research, and the National Emergency Life Support Program, with hands-on simulations and AI-based clinical case discussions.
Dr. Krishan Kumar, President-Elect of AAPI noted, “A major objective of the GHS has been providing education on current trends in medicine, cutting edge technologies and on relevant policies. These discussions are not just academic, they are actionable. Our goal is to bring evidence‑based solutions to the forefront of India’s healthcare landscape.”
Recognizing the dire need for an increased donor pool amongst people of Indian origin across the globe, the Stem Cell Donor Drive in the United States was launched in 2024, by Dr. Satheesh Kathula, the immediate past president of AAPI. This noble initiative achieved remarkable success under the leadership of Dr. Shahi Kuppala, Chair of the Stem Cell Drive.
With the objective of enhancing the stem donor pool, Dr Chakrabarty launched the Stem Donor Drive during the Global Healthcare Summitt in Odisha, in collaboration with the Global Association of Indian Medical Students.
“We received 238 Stem Donors who registrations at our Stem Donor Registry during the Global Healthcare Summit,” said Dr. Sashi Kuppala. “To put it in context, we would have had to do 20 drives to get those many registrations in the United States. Thanks to Dr. Amit Chakrabarthy, we successfully launched the project in India.”
Dr. Chakrabarty expressed his “deep gratitude to the many AAPI members, and the students and staff at Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, who have overwhelmingly supported and participated at AAPI’s Stem Cell Drive during the GHS in Orissa.
Prof. R C Das, Dean and Principal of KIMS stressed the importance and urged the medical students at KIM to come forward and register for Stem Donorship. The students were then led to pledge and commit to encourage Stem Donorship among the patient population they are committed to serve.
Parallel CME collaborative educational forum focused on TB elimination, led by Dr. Manoj Jain, and Dr. Smita Joshi: Diabetes and Obesity, led by Dr. Dibyajiban Mohapatra; and, Critical Care Skills, led by Dr. Kalpalatha Guntupalli and Dr Siddhatha Mishra.
“GHS 2026 was truly memorable. The hosts were exceptional, setting a gold standard for collaboration and hospitality,” said Dr. Soumya Neravetla, Treasurer, AAPI. “This summit strengthened Indo-U.S. partnerships, inspired young clinicians, and advanced community impact.”
Ajay Ghosh
