CHICAGO (Diya TV) — The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has reached a major milestone by officially becoming a Partner member of the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA), significantly advancing its global engagement in medical regulation and advocacy for Indian-origin physicians.
“We are thrilled to share this important achievement,” said Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of AAPI. “This is a major step forward in our mission to elevate the role and recognition of Indian medical professionals across the globe.” The announcement confirms that IAMRA has formally accepted AAPI’s application for Partner membership, opening the door to new opportunities for global collaboration and medical regulatory influence.
Founded in 1994, IAMRA brings together 116 member organizations from 44 countries, creating a network that includes regional, national, and international medical regulatory bodies. The organization’s shared vision is clear: “Everyone around the world is treated and cared for by safe and competent doctors.”
Key members include the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), numerous U.S. state boards, and major Indian regulatory entities such as the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) and medical boards from Gujarat, Karnataka, and Delhi.
As a Partner member, AAPI now has a seat at the global table to promote best practices in medical regulation, advocate for policy harmonization, and support mutual recognition of medical qualifications. This new role aligns with IAMRA’s mission to “promote effective medical regulation worldwide by fostering best practices, encouraging innovation, enabling collaboration, and supporting knowledge-sharing to ensure public safety and enhance global healthcare quality.”
AAPI leaders highlighted the strategic importance of the membership. Dr. Lokesh Edara, past Chairman of AAPI’s Board of Trustees and a key figure in this initiative, emphasized the association’s ongoing efforts with the Government of India to improve medical education standards. “Our goal is to make every MBBS graduate from India the best in the world,” said Dr. Edara. “We look forward to working closely with IAMRA to strengthen our shared mission and ensure that the voices of Indian-origin physicians are heard and respected worldwide.”
In conjunction with the new membership, AAPI has launched the Ad Hoc Committee on Medical Regulation to address licensing and regulatory standards across the U.S. Chaired by Dr. Srini Gangasani, Chairman of the Georgia Medical Board, the committee will evaluate current regulatory frameworks and offer recommendations to improve consistency, transparency, and efficiency in the licensing process.
“This initiative reflects AAPI’s deep commitment to supporting high standards in medical practice and ensuring a fair regulatory environment for all healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Gangasani.
AAPI, founded in 1982, represents more than 125,000 physicians of Indian origin practicing across the United States. Its members serve one in every seven patients in the country, making a significant impact on healthcare delivery nationwide. In addition to clinical care, many AAPI members hold leadership roles in academic institutions, healthcare policy, and medical innovation.
With its new role in IAMRA, AAPI further solidifies its position as a global advocate for quality medical care, fair regulation, and the professional advancement of Indian-origin physicians. “This achievement reaffirms our commitment to collaboration, excellence, and advocacy on an international level,” Dr. Kathula said.
