Foreign-trained doctors, particularly those from India, play a crucial role in the American healthcare system, contributing significantly to patient care and medical leadership across the country.
Recent reports from esteemed publications such as the Harvard Gazette and The Washington Post have highlighted the vital contributions of foreign-trained doctors to the American healthcare system. As a foreign-trained physician from India, I take pride in being part of this community that has become integral to healthcare in the United States.
Upon arriving in the U.S., many of us aspired to establish ourselves as exemplary medical professionals, spanning various specialties from family medicine to advanced surgical fields. It is not uncommon for Americans to recount experiences of being treated by Indian doctors, even in the most rural areas of the country.
Indian doctors have consistently stepped up to serve in some of the most challenging and underserved regions across the U.S. Notable figures such as Bobby Mukkamala, the current President of the American Medical Association, and Dr. Vivek Murthy, who served as Surgeon General, exemplify the leadership roles that Indian American physicians hold. Additionally, Dr. Ashish Jha, known for his role as the COVID-19 response coordinator, is another testament to the impact of Indian American doctors in both public health and policy.
The emergence of this strong cohort of Indian medical professionals can be traced back to the establishment of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) in 1982. This organization was founded to empower foreign medical graduates (FMGs) and ensure their successful integration into the American healthcare landscape. Today, Indian-origin physicians are responsible for treating one in seven patients in the United States.
AAPI was created to address the unique challenges faced by Indian-origin physicians, many of whom migrated to the U.S. during the 1960s and 1970s. These professionals often encountered obstacles related to credential recognition, professional integration, and adapting to the American healthcare system. According to the AAPI website, the organization aims to unify Indian-American physicians, advocate for their rights, and support their professional and educational needs.
Over the years, AAPI has expanded its mission to encompass a broader range of initiatives, including advocacy, professional development, philanthropy, and fostering relationships between the U.S. and India. The organization advocates not only for the specific interests of Indian American physicians but also addresses wider community health issues. This includes engaging in discussions on healthcare reform, immigration policies, Medicare and Medicaid, and combating discrimination.
Efforts to recognize foreign medical credentials and increase residency opportunities for FMGs remain high on AAPI’s agenda. The organization actively promotes public health initiatives and preventive care, collaborating with various medical and advocacy groups to enhance healthcare delivery.
Each year, AAPI organizes a “Legislative Day” on Capitol Hill, where members engage lawmakers to discuss the challenges faced by Indian American physicians and the healthcare system as a whole. This advocacy extends beyond U.S. borders, as AAPI also hosts the Global Health Summit in India, bringing together U.S. and Indian healthcare professionals to share best practices and discuss global health improvements.
The impact of AAPI’s advocacy is profound, influencing not only the care patients receive in America but also contributing to healthcare advancements in India and beyond. As I prepare to assume the presidency of the Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO) in February 2026, I am excited about the organization’s vision to build a global network of 1.4 million Indian-origin physicians. This network aims to support countries, including India, in developing healthcare systems tailored to their populations’ needs.
GAPIO seeks to enhance communication among physicians worldwide, regardless of their country of origin, creating a reservoir of knowledge and skills that can benefit healthcare delivery from grassroots to high-level administration.
The 16th Annual GAPIO Conference is scheduled for February 14-15, 2026, in Indore, India, and we encourage participation from medical professionals of all backgrounds to join in this important dialogue.
As a recipient of India’s Padma Shri award and the U.S. Ellis Island Award, I have dedicated my career to improving healthcare access and quality. With 27 clinics in the tri-state area, I also serve as Chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media, which publishes several weekly publications and operates ITV Gold, a 24/7 television channel.
Foreign-trained doctors, particularly those from India, are indeed the backbone of the American healthcare system, and their contributions continue to shape the future of healthcare in the United States.
According to Global Net News.