Page 30 - The Indian EYE 051526

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 15, 2026 | The Indian Eye 30

Drs. Kathula, Patel, and Sudhakaran Elected to

AMA International Medical Graduates Section

Dr. Satheesh Kathula Dr. Deepu Sudhakaran Dr. Vikram Patel

OUR BUREAU tha Medical College in Vijayawada, he has served as Regional Director, ASIPP, ABIPP, and the Midwest Pain
Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Kathula cur- governing body member, and Presi- Society. His career reflects a strong
New York, NY
rently serves as a clinical professor of dent of the AAPI St. Louis Chapter/ commitment to advancing medical
r. Satheesh Kathula, Dr. medicine at Wright State Universi- Indian Medical Council of Greater education, supporting IMGs, and
Deepu Sudhakaran, and ty’s Boonshoft School of Medicine in St. Louis. improving patient care in pain man-
DVikram B. Patel have been Dayton, Ohio. In June 2026, he will assume agement and healthcare systems.
elected to the American Medical He has authored several medical the role of Chair of the AMA IMG Dr. Patel said, “My hope for
Association (AMA) International papers and published a book “Im- Section, guiding national strategy, serving the IMG section at AMA
Medical Graduates Section (IMGS). migrant Doctors: Chasing the Big shaping policy, and representing was always a dream for me. I have
AMA is the largest and only national American Dream” highlighting the IMG interests within the AMA. His served as a teller at the AMA meet-
association that convenes more than contribution of immigrant doctors, election reflects a commitment to ings many times and am familiar with
200 state and specialty medical soci- their struggles and triumphs. It is responsible leadership, continuity of the house proceedings, especially
eties and other critical stakeholders. Amazon’s best selling. He embarked progress, and deep gratitude for the during the official house business
Throughout history, the AMA has al- on his second book on cancer aware- trust placed in him. as well as elections. More recently, I
ways followed its mission: to promote ness for general public. Dr. Sudhakaran said, “The have also served on the AMA Elec-
the art and science of medicine and “It is an honor to be elected to AMA IMG Section is essential in tion Task Force 2.
the betterment of public health. the AMA International Medical ensuring that International Medical The International Medical Grad-
The three distinguished Indian Graduates Section,” said Dr. Kathu- Graduates—who make up over 30% uates Section works to advocate for
American physicians will assume of- la. “IMGs are the backbone of the of the U.S. physician workforce— issues that impact international med-
fice at the 2026 Annual IMGS Meet- American healthcare system, and have a voice in shaping policies that ical graduates (IMGs), who make up
ing on June 5, 2026. I am committed to strengthening directly impact patient care, access, more than 25% of all physicians in
Dr. Kathula is a distinguished pathways that allow them to thrive, and workforce stability.” the United States.
oncologist, community leader, and lead, and serve with excellence. This Dr. Vikram B. Patel is a distin- All AMA members who are in-
immediate past president of the role is an opportunity to elevate our guished physician and leader with ex- ternational medical graduates are
American Association of Physicians collective voice and advance policies tensive experience in medical organi- automatically members of the Inter-
of Indian Origin (AAPI) with more that ensure fairness, opportunity, zations, including the AMA, Illinois national Medical Graduates Section.
than two decades of leadership and and dignity for every physician who State Medical Society, and McHenry The International Medical Gradu-
public service. chooses to care for America.” County Medical Society. He current- ates Section provides resources to
Dr. Kathula has served as a prac- Dr. Deepu Sudhakaran, MD, ly chairs the IMG Section of ISMS potential residents who are going
ticing oncologist for nearly 25 years, MBA, FACS, is a dedicated advocate and serves on multiple committees through the residency interview pro-
earning widespread respect for his for International Medical Graduates, related to CME and pain medicine. cess, and monitors and assists in is-
compassionate care and contribu- advancing equity through mentor- Dr. Patel has held board and sues that impact the professional ac-
tions to the advancement of cancer ship, policy engagement, and leader- leadership roles in organizations tivities of the international medical
treatment. A graduate of Siddhar- ship. A longstanding AAPI member, such as the World Institute of Pain, graduates community.

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