Dr. Meher Medavaram Assumes Office as AAPI President, Outlines Agenda Focused on Unity, Mentorship, and Advocacy

Oak Brook, Ill. — Dr. Meher Medavaram officially assumed office as President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) on July 1 during a ceremony at the organization’s headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Joining the new leadership team are Dr. Vijay Maurya as Chair of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Krishan Kumar as President-Elect, Dr. Sreeni Gangasani as Vice Chair, Dr. Soumya Neravatla as Secretary, and Dr. Raghu Lolabhattu as Treasurer for the 2026–2027 term.

Dr. Medavaram, who has more than 35 years of clinical experience and nearly four decades of involvement with AAPI, said her presidency will focus on strengthening the organization’s unity, governance, and engagement with members.

“My vision is to lead with unity, integrity, inclusion, and purpose,” she said.

A graduate of Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad, Dr. Medavaram completed her residency at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Chicago, where she later served as faculty and Assistant Director of the Family Medicine Residency Program.

“Teaching and mentoring are not separate from patient care. They are extensions of our responsibility to build a stronger and more compassionate healthcare system,” she said.

Dr. Medavaram currently serves as President of Naperbrook Medical Center, is the former Medical Director of the Mount Sinai Hospital FAQH Center, and practices in the Department of Family Medicine at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, Edward Endeavor Hospital, and the University of Chicago Bolingbrook Hospital. She also serves as a Clinical Preceptor at the University of Illinois Chicago.

A patron member of AAPI since the 1980s, Dr. Medavaram has served in numerous leadership roles, including Regional Director, Secretary, Vice President, President-Elect, and Convention Chair, becoming the only woman to chair an AAPI convention.

“Leadership is not about titles—it is about responsibility, accountability, and the willingness to work together for the greater good,” she said.

AAPI represents more than 120,000 physicians, residents, fellows, and medical students of Indian origin across the United States. Dr. Medavaram acknowledged the organization’s challenges, including generational differences and governance issues, while emphasizing the importance of collaboration.

“Our diversity is not a weakness—it is our greatest strength. We are united by a shared commitment to medicine and service,” she said.

Among her priorities is strengthening collaboration among AAPI’s chapters, alumni associations, specialty societies, and international partners.

“AAPI’s strength lies in its collective voice. We must work together—respectfully, constructively, and with a shared purpose,” she said.

Dr. Medavaram also said expanding mentorship and leadership opportunities for younger members will be central to her administration.

“We must empower young physicians, residents, fellows, women leaders, and medical students through mentorship and leadership opportunities,” she said.

She said AAPI will continue advocating on healthcare issues affecting physicians and patients, including physician wellness, immigration policies affecting international medical graduates, healthcare access, and support for underserved communities.

“AAPI will continue to advocate strongly for physicians and patients on important healthcare issues affecting our profession and communities,” she said.

Community outreach will remain a major focus during her tenure through preventive health initiatives, health fairs, public education, and global health collaborations.

“We will continue to expand community outreach programs including preventive health initiatives, health fairs, public education, and global health partnerships,” she said.

Dr. Medavaram also pledged to emphasize transparency and professionalism in AAPI’s governance.

“I hope to bring a leadership style that is transparent, accessible, respectful, and action-oriented,” she said.

“From our leaders, I expect collaboration rather than division, constructive dialogue rather than personal differences, and professionalism in both conduct and communication.”

Addressing AAPI members, Dr. Medavaram called for a shared commitment to the organization’s mission.

“If we stay focused on our shared mission—to serve physicians, support our communities, and promote excellence in healthcare—there is nothing we cannot achieve together,” she said.

She concluded by emphasizing the organization’s potential to expand its impact.

“Together we have the ability to make a lasting impact in medicine, education, advocacy, and humanitarian service,” she said.