The Indo-American Press Club (IAPC), the largest and most influential organization representing journalists and media professionals of Indian origin across North America, has announced the appointment of Dr. Satheesh Kathula as Chair of its Board of Directors for 2026. A distinguished oncologist, community leader, and immediate past president of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), Dr. Kathula brings more than two decades of leadership and public service to this prominent role.
Dr. Kathula has served as a practicing oncologist for nearly 25 years, earning widespread respect for his compassionate care and contributions to the advancement of cancer treatment.
His association with IAPC spans many years. In 2005, he received the organization’s prestigious Leadership Award in recognition of his service and advocacy.
Accepting the new role, Dr. Kathula outlined a bold and forward-looking vision for the organization. “As the Chair of the Indo-American Press Club, I will champion ethical, evidence-based journalism, strengthen Indo–U.S. narratives, and elevate health and science reporting,” he said. Emphasizing modernization and broader engagement, he added, “My focus is on building bridges across cultures, modernizing our digital presence, and expanding our influence beyond ethnic media. With unity, integrity, and responsible innovation at the core, I aim to create a lasting legacy that empowers journalists, informs communities, and positions the Club as a trusted voice of impact.”
Reflecting on the challenges facing media professionals today, Dr. Kathula noted, “These are unprecedented times, especially for journalists and the media, when the very freedom of expression is at risk. At IAPC, we envisage our vision through collective efforts and advocacy activities through our nearly one thousand members across the U.S. and Canada, by being a link between the media fraternity and the world at large.”
Ginsmon Zachariah, Founding Chair of the IAPC Board of Directors, highlighted the broader mission of the organization. “Our homeland India is known to have a vibrant, active, and free media, which plays a vital role in the functioning of the world’s largest democracy,” he said. “As members of the media in our adopted land, we recognize our responsibility to be a source of effective communication. We have a role to play in shaping a just and equitable world where everyone enjoys freedom and liberty.”
Providing historical context, Ajay Ghosh, Founding President of IAPC, reflected on the organization’s origins. “We as individuals and corporations representing print, visual, electronic, and online media realized that we had a greater role to play,” he said. “For decades, many of us stood alone in a vast media landscape, our voices often drowned out. IAPC was formed to fill this vacuum—a common platform to raise our collective voice, pool our talents, and respond cohesively to the challenges of the modern world.”
A graduate of Siddhartha Medical College in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Kathula currently serves as a clinical professor of medicine at Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Kathula completed a Global Healthcare Leaders Program at Harvard University.He also holds a certificate in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare from Stanford University and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine.
He has authored several medical papers and published a book “Immigrant Doctors: Chasing the Big American Dream” highlighting the contribution of immigrant doctors, their struggles and triumphs. It is Amazon’s best selling. He embarked on his second book on cancer awareness for general public.
Dr. Kathula’s professional achievements extend far beyond medicine. Dr. Kathula’s commitment to community service is equally noteworthy. He has led bone marrow donor drives to address the severe shortage of South Asian donors and was named “Man of the Year – 2018” by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for raising funds to help fund the research to find newer treatments and cures for blood cancers.
His commitment to community service is equally noteworthy. His philanthropic work in India includes establishing the Pathfinder Institute of Pharmacy and Educational Research (PIPER) in Warangal, Telangana, which has already graduated more than 1,000 students. He has also supported medical camps and donated essential infrastructure—including a defibrillator, water purification system, CPR center and library—to his native community.He has also supported medical camps and donated essential infrastructure—including a defibrillator, water purification system, and library—to his native community.
Dr. Kathula has served AAPI in numerous leadership roles, including Regional Director, Trustee, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, and President-Elect before assuming the presidency in July 2024.
Dr. Kathula has received numerous honors, including the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. In December 2024, he was honored with the Inspirational Award by the Raising Awareness of Youth with Autism (RAYWA) Foundation at a gala held at New York’s iconic Pierre Hotel. In May 2025, IAPC itself bestowed upon him its Lifetime Achievement Award.
Founded in 2013, the Indo-American Press Club continues to serve as a unifying platform for journalists of Indian origin, fostering collaboration, professionalism, and a commitment to the public good. More information is available at www.indoamericanpressclub.com..