Satheesh Kathula, a hematologist and oncologist from Dayton, Ohio, has assumed the presidency of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), the largest ethnic medical organization in the United States. His term, along with the executive committee’s, began on July 9, 2024.
In his inaugural speech, Kathula emphasized his commitment to fostering unity within AAPI, which has experienced increasing factional divisions. He stated that his goal is to promote unity within AAPI through his steadfast dedication to people, optimism, and integrity.
As the 43rd president of AAPI, Kathula outlined his broader agenda, highlighting his intention to collaborate with legislative bodies and medical associations such as the AMA, ACP, and FSMB to amplify AAPI’s impact.
“My priority is to engage second-generation physicians and foster mentorship to ensure AAPI’s continued relevance and vitality,” Kathula said. He added that his clear goals for AAPI include focusing on education, communication, and legislation while involving the younger generation. Kathula aims to increase membership, create benefits for members, and strengthen AAPI financially. He plans to work closely with the entire executive committee and board of trustees to make AAPI stronger and more viable.
Kathula has previously held various significant roles within AAPI. He was the president and a founding member of the Association of Indian Physicians from Ohio, president of the Miami Valley Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, and president of the Association of Telugu Medical Graduates in the USA. He also collaborated with the Ohio State Medical Association on numerous issues and served as a regional director and member of the Board of Trustees. Kathula has held the positions of national treasurer, secretary, vice president of AAPI, and served as president-elect during the 2023-24 term.
A graduate of Siddhartha Medical College in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India, Kathula is a clinical professor of medicine at Wright State University-Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine and has authored numerous papers and articles in medical journals. Currently, he is writing a book about his journey as an immigrant physician.
Kathula has been involved with several non-profit boards, including the Board of Trustees for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (Dayton chapter), where he helped raise more than $200,000 for different causes. The society honored him with the Man of the Year Award in 2010. He also received the Hind Rattan Award in 2010 from the NRI Welfare Society of India for his contributions.
Reflecting on his extensive leadership experience in non-profit organizations, Kathula emphasized the importance of shared goals despite the diverse backgrounds of AAPI members. “By working together, I’m confident that we can overcome any obstacle and reach our shared goals,” he concluded.
