AAPI Launches National Drive to Boost Indian Bone Marrow Donor Pool

The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), a non-profit representing over 35,000 Indian American doctors, has initiated a campaign to register bone marrow and stem cell donors across the United States. The initiative is in collaboration with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) to expand the pool of Indian donors, aiming to address the dire need for matches among patients of Indian and South Asian descent.

“Patients with leukemia and lymphoma rely on bone marrow or blood stem cell transplants for survival,” said Dr. Satheesh Kathula, AAPI president for the 2024–2025 term and an oncologist based in Dayton, Ohio. “Finding suitable donors is especially challenging for those of Indian or South Asian ethnicity. This campaign, which has seen participation from dozens of local AAPI chapters, members, and volunteers nationwide, seeks to increase the limited donor pool and raise awareness, particularly among younger individuals and adults,” he told The Times of India.

Dr. Kathula, who was recently honored with the US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023–2024, emphasized the critical role Indian American physicians play in the healthcare landscape. “In the US, approximately 25% of doctors are immigrants, and the majority of them are Indian Americans. These physicians occupy vital roles not only in healthcare but also in research, academia, and administration, often serving underserved communities,” he noted.

AAPI’s Legacy and Mission

Founded over 40 years ago, AAPI was established to combat the discrimination foreign-trained doctors faced in obtaining medical licenses in certain US states. Since its inception, it has evolved into a significant professional organization, providing a platform for social, educational, political, and advocacy activities for Indian American physicians.

AAPI’s efforts include supporting younger generations of Indian American doctors through its Young Physicians Section and its Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows Section. These groups focus on Indian American medical and dental students, residents, and physicians-in-training.

“We actively encourage the younger generation through initiatives that foster communication, collaboration, education, and legislative advocacy,” Dr. Kathula said. “To address the growing shortage of physicians, we are working to boost recruitment and inspire more young professionals to join our organization. Additionally, we provide opportunities for students, including those from India, to present research papers and have been advocating for reforms to streamline the residency pathway for international medical graduates,” he explained.

Advancing Education and Advocacy

Beyond its focus on fostering the careers of young physicians, AAPI is committed to advancing medical education and supporting ongoing learning through continuing medical education programs. The organization also plays a significant role in healthcare advocacy and community service.

“AAPI is a critical link between US lawmakers and our members. We advocate for policies that simplify green card processes for doctors on H1 visas,” Dr. Kathula highlighted. The organization’s efforts aim to empower Indian American physicians to influence healthcare policy and play a key role in advocacy.

Contributions to Global Health

Dr. Kathula has been instrumental in several AAPI initiatives, including conceptualizing and organizing the AAPI Global Healthcare Summit held in New Delhi last October. The summit addressed topics such as cancer and heart attack prevention strategies, the impact of lifestyle changes, and the integration of technology into healthcare. “These issues are of urgent importance in India,” Dr. Kathula said. He also emphasized AAPI’s broader mission: “AAPI harnesses the power of the Indian diaspora to bring innovative, efficient, and cost-effective healthcare solutions to India.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, AAPI, under Dr. Kathula’s leadership, raised $5.2 million to support healthcare services in India. This significant contribution underscores the organization’s commitment to leveraging its resources and expertise to benefit communities both in the US and abroad.

AAPI’s Influence and Achievements

As the largest ethnic group of doctors in the US, AAPI’s impact extends far beyond medicine. “Indian American physicians contribute significantly to various fields, including politics and influential roles on state medical boards and in policymaking,” Dr. Kathula said.

With its wide-ranging initiatives, from expanding donor registries to addressing global health challenges, AAPI continues to uphold its mission of advocacy, education, and service. Through its work, the organization exemplifies the vital role of Indian American doctors in improving healthcare outcomes and fostering connections between the US and India.