Dr. Satheesh Kathula has been appointed Chair of the Board of Directors for the Indo-American Press Club, marking a significant step in promoting ethical journalism and community engagement for 2026.
The Indo-American Press Club (IAPC), the largest association representing journalists and media professionals of Indian origin in the United States and Canada, has announced the appointment of Dr. Satheesh Kathula as Chair of its Board of Directors for 2026. Dr. Kathula, a distinguished oncologist, community leader, and author, previously served as the Immediate Past President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI). His extensive experience in leadership, advocacy, and service positions him well for this role.
Dr. Kathula is widely respected for his contributions to medicine, public health, philanthropy, and immigrant empowerment. His appointment is seen as a strategic move for IAPC, enhancing its mission to promote ethical journalism, free expression, and impactful storytelling within the Indo-American media landscape.
Upon accepting the position, Dr. Kathula articulated a vision centered on media integrity, modernization, and cross-cultural engagement. “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 stated. He underscored the importance of modernizing IAPC’s outreach in an era dominated by rapidly evolving digital media.
“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,” he added.
Dr. Kathula also acknowledged the significant challenges facing the media industry today, including threats to press freedom and the spread of misinformation. “These are unprecedented times, especially for journalists and the media, when the very freedom of expression is at risk. Through our nearly one thousand members across the U.S. and Canada, IAPC will continue to serve as a strong bridge between the media fraternity and the world at large,” he noted.
Dr. Kathula has a longstanding relationship with the IAPC, having received the IAPC Leadership Award in 2005 for his contributions to public advocacy, healthcare awareness, and community development. His leadership at IAPC builds on a proven track record of service in medicine, journalism engagement, immigrant advocacy, and nonprofit governance.
Ginsmon Zachariah, Founding Chair of the IAPC Board of Directors, emphasized the organization’s role in shaping public discourse. “India is known for its vibrant and free media, which plays a vital role in sustaining the world’s largest democracy,” Zachariah remarked. “As media professionals in our adopted land, we recognize our duty to foster truthful communication and contribute to a more just and equitable world where freedom and liberty thrive.”
Ajay Ghosh, Founding President of IAPC, reflected on the Club’s origins and its mission to unify Indian-origin media voices. “Many of us once stood alone in a vast media landscape, our voices often drowned out. IAPC was created to fill that vacuum — a common platform to pool our talents, raise our collective voice, and respond cohesively to the challenges of a changing world,” he stated.
Dr. Kathula is a graduate of Siddhartha Medical College in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, and has built a 25-year career as a practicing oncologist, recognized for his compassionate patient care and advancements in cancer treatment. He currently serves as a Clinical Professor of Medicine at Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio.
His academic credentials include completion of the Global Healthcare Leaders Program at Harvard University and a Certificate in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare from Stanford University. He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Kathula has authored numerous medical research papers and published the Amazon best-selling book “Immigrant Doctors: Chasing the Big American Dream,” which chronicles the struggles and achievements of immigrant physicians in the United States. He is currently working on a second book focused on cancer awareness for the general public.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Kathula has been a transformative figure in public health advocacy, particularly in expanding bone marrow and stem cell donor registries to address the critical shortage of South Asian donors. His efforts earned him the title of “Man of the Year – 2018” from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, recognizing his fundraising initiatives that support research for blood cancer treatments and cures.
Dr. Kathula’s philanthropic efforts extend across both India and the United States. In Warangal, Telangana, he founded the Pathfinder Institute of Pharmacy and Educational Research (PIPER), which has educated and graduated over 1,000 students. His charitable contributions include supporting medical camps in underserved communities, donating defibrillators, establishing CPR training centers, providing water purification systems, and funding libraries. These initiatives reflect his belief that community service and social responsibility must accompany professional success.
Throughout his career, Dr. Kathula has held multiple senior leadership roles within the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), including Regional Director, Trustee, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, and President-Elect, with his presidency set to begin in July 2024. His tenure has focused on physician advocacy, healthcare access, immigrant empowerment, and global medical collaboration.
Dr. Kathula has received numerous national and international honors, including the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and the Inspirational Award (2024) from the Raising Awareness of Youth with Autism (RAYWA) Foundation. He was also honored with the IAPC Lifetime Achievement Award in May 2025, recognizing his impact across medicine, philanthropy, leadership, and public service.
Founded in 2013, the Indo-American Press Club serves as a unifying platform for journalists, editors, broadcasters, and digital media professionals of Indian origin. The organization is committed to promoting journalistic ethics and professionalism, encouraging collaboration and mentorship, supporting press freedom and responsible reporting, and amplifying voices that inform and empower communities.
With Dr. Kathula at the helm of the Board of Directors, IAPC leaders believe the organization will expand its influence in health journalism, science communication, policy reporting, and cross-cultural storytelling. “Dr. Kathula’s leadership represents a powerful convergence of medical expertise, ethical commitment, and community vision — positioning IAPC for a stronger, more impactful future,” an IAPC official remarked.
Dr. Satheesh Kathula’s appointment as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Indo-American Press Club signifies a pivotal moment for the organization. His blend of medical excellence, community service, immigrant advocacy, and leadership is expected to invigorate IAPC’s mission of strengthening truthful journalism and enhancing global Indian media representation.
As IAPC embarks on a new phase of growth, Dr. Kathula’s leadership is anticipated to elevate the Club’s credibility, broaden its reach, and empower the next generation of journalists across North America and beyond, according to GlobalNetNews.