Chicago, Illinois, USA: The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) officially launched AAPICON 2027 during a kickoff event in Oak Brook, Illinois, bringing together physicians, community leaders, elected representatives and distinguished guests ahead of the national convention scheduled for June 2027 in Chicago.
Convention Co-Chair Dr. Utpal Parikh welcomed attendees and inaugurated the event. Dr. Radhika Chimata performed the United States national anthem, followed by the Indian national anthem.
Among the dignitaries present was former AAPI President Dr. Suresh Reddy, an interventional radiologist and Oak Brook Village Trustee. He noted that Oak Brook is the only town in the United States to have produced three national AAPI presidents and invited Oak Brook Mayor Larry Herman and Village Manager and CEO Greg Summers to participate in the ceremony.
Mayor Herman praised physicians for their outstanding contributions to healthcare, education and humanitarian service. He also presented an official proclamation recognizing AAPI as the largest ethnic medical organization in the United States, representing more than 100,000 physicians, residents, fellows and medical students.
The proclamation further acknowledged Oak Brook as the home of AAPI's world headquarters for more than three decades and honored former presidents Dr. Gopal Lalmalani and Dr. Suresh Reddy, along with current President Dr. Meher Medavaram. Village medallions were presented to the three leaders, while AAPI honored Mayor Herman with its Distinguished Leadership Award.
Addressing the gathering, AAPI President Dr. Meher Medavaram said that AAPICON 2027 will focus on scientific innovation, physician wellness, mentoring future healthcare professionals, global health initiatives and community service. She encouraged members to serve as ambassadors, mentors and team builders, recalling how previous AAPI conventions in Chicago inspired many physicians to take on national leadership roles.
Convention Chair Dr. Umang Patel reaffirmed the organizing committee's commitment to delivering a successful national convention, while AAPI Treasurer Dr. Sujeeth Punnam outlined fundraising and participation goals. Senior Advisor Dr. Bharat Barai also joined the leadership team overseeing preparations.
Special guest Dr. Dwarakanatha Reddy, President of IMA Telangana State and Overseas Coordinator for the Global Health Summit 2027 in Hyderabad, invited participants to the upcoming summit and extended support for AAPICON 2027.
Former AAPI President Dr. Gopal Lalmalani reflected on the organization's major milestones, including its renaming to the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, relocating its headquarters to Oak Brook and hosting a sitting U.S. president at an AAPI convention. He encouraged organizers to pursue similarly ambitious goals for the 2027 convention.
U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi urged Indian Americans to strengthen civic engagement by voting, advocating for their communities and seeking public office.
Former AAPI President Dr. Ranga Reddy also addressed the gathering, sharing insights from previous Chicago conventions and expressing confidence in the organizing committee.
The event concluded with group photographs featuring former IMA presidents, officials of the IMA Charitable Foundation and representatives from organizations including the Federation of Indian Associations and the American Telugu Association. Asian Media USA Chairman and Founder Suresh Bodiwala said the organization looks forward to documenting AAPICON 2027 and celebrating its expected success in Chicago.
