The AAPI-QLI chapter, representing Queens and Long Island, organized a celebratory event at Pearl Restaurant in New York City to recognize Dr. Krishan Kumar’s election as the national AAPI Vice President. His win is notable, being the first from AAPI-QLI to achieve this national position in nearly three decades.
During his speech, Dr. Kumar reflected on the significance of the moment. He highlighted that AAPI comprises more than 100,000 physicians and 25,000 medical students of Indian origin. “Every sixth patient in the US is treated by an Indian-origin doctor,” he noted with pride. Dr. Kumar credited his medical education in India for shaping his principles and praised the high regard Indian-trained doctors receive—even among US senators. He also briefly addressed a recent terror incident in Kashmir, stating it was aimed at unsettling the Modi administration, and reaffirmed a desire for peace.
The event saw an outpouring of support from several prominent physicians. Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Padma Shri awardee and Chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media, applauded Dr. Kumar’s achievement and mentioned his own upcoming presidency at GAPIO, a body representing 1.4 million Indian-origin doctors globally. Dr. Kumar acknowledged Dr. Parikh’s leadership, calling him a pillar of the community.
Numerous physicians such as Dr. Abhay Malhotra, Dr. Devendra Shrivastava, Dr. Jagdish Gupta, and Dr. Avinash Gupta praised Dr. Kumar’s long-standing dedication to AAPI-QLI. With over 1,000 members, the chapter sees this victory as a shared achievement. Women physicians also joined the celebration, marking the occasion as a community triumph.
Dr. Kumar serves as Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine at New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. His career includes leading three departments and contributing extensively to medical education and disaster response programs. A long-time patron of national AAPI, he’s served in various leadership roles and continues to push for initiatives like expanded residency slots, legal aid for members, and stronger ties with global medical associations. His legacy is rooted in action, vision, and service.
