The American Association of Physicians of Indian origin, AAPI, held its 2026 Convention in Tampa, FL., over five days around the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States, as new officeholders took over on July 4th. Held at the JW Marriott and Tampa Marriott Water Street July 2-5, the Convention was a mix of medicine, culture, spirituality, philanthropy, leadership, and calls for more US-India cooperation.
New initiatives were announced and achievers recognized, along with entertaining evenings and outings.
The highlight was the honoring of philanthropist and entrepreneur Nita Ambani of the Reliance Foundation was who received AAPI’s Humanitarian Award. She praised Indian American physicians for their achievements and commitment, and urged more US-India cooperation in the field of healthcare.
Ambani said, “The relationship between India and the United States has always been strengthened by people — by professionals, innovators, physicians like those in AAPI.” A seminal partnership was announced between her Reliance Foundation and AAPI with the goal of improving rural healthcare with an emphasis on preventive medicine, women’s health, child-health, and areas of cooperation such as telemedicine, disaster response and medical outreach. The Mayor of Tampa also presented a key to the city to Ambani.
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“Attendees felt it from the moment they arrived: this was not just another convention. It was a milestone,” AAPI said in a press release July 5, 2026.
Outgoing AAPI President Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, in his address, said, “This is the convention — the one and only official AAPI Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly, recognized, sanctioned, and powered by the full strength of our national organization. Accept no imitations, no look‑alikes, and no unofficial events.”
Dr. Meher Medavaram, who assumed charge as the President of AAPI on July 4th, assured AAPI delegates: “My vision is to lead AAPI with unity, integrity, inclusion, and purpose,” she said—an articulation that captures both her personal ethos and her strategic priorities for AAPI. “Tampa 2026 is the real stage, the real celebration. Our community deserves the best, and this year we are delivering a convention that sets a new benchmark for excellence, unity, and celebration,” she added.
Dr. Vijay Maurya assumed charge as the new Chairman of the AAPI Board of Trustees, along with new members elected to the Board. “As BOT, our duty is to manage funds conservatively,” he said, underscoring principles of transparency, accountability, and long‑term sustainability.
The outgoing BOT Chair, Dr. Hetal Gor enumerated the many accomplishments of AAPI BOT under her leadership, especially focusing on the financial stability her team was able to bring. During a special reception, AAPI leaders lauded her achievements and for expressing her convictions without fear or favor, qualities they said, that embody the very spirit of leadership AAPI strives to celebrate.
Organizers considered the Continuing Medical Education, CME, sessions as the academic backbone of the convention, as they covered a wide swathe of healthcare – Lifestyle Medicine, Primary Care, Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Cardiology Updates, Substance Abuse, and the Human Microbiome.
Young physicians led interesting sessions. The scholars from the Medical Students and Research Fellows, MSRF, wing of AAPI, presented research that reflected the next generation’s promise.
The Convention also featured exhibits and product theaters that showcased innovation from leading healthcare partners.
AAPICON 2026 was not defined by science alone, organizers noted. Attendees got the opportunity to spend time in reflection and spirituality sessions. Daily Heartfulness meditation sessions added quiet spaces for introspection amid the excitement of a full schedule of events.
The convention opened with an invocation and bhajans by Dr. Aarti Pandya. A moving keynote address on the healing power of compassion and service, was delivered by Didi Krishna of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission. Later, a discourse by Siddhguru Sri Sidheshwar Brahmrishi Guruvar blended philosophy, wellness, and mindful living.
Jane Castor, Mayor of the City of Tampa, presented keys to the City of Tampa to Ambani and to Dr. Chakrabarty, on behalf of AAPI. She declared July 2nd and every day of July 4th weekend AAPI Day for the city of Tampa. “It was an honor for me and for our city to have Ms. Ambani in our community. Her speech, her words were so inspiring, and I think everyone that was there walked away with a new level of inspiration,” she said.
Convention Chair Dr. Sagar Galwankar summed it up: “AAPI conventions have always been a celebration of our heritage and our achievements. But this year, we are raising the bar.” He expressed his gratitude to all the volunteers and AAPI Family members who worked hard for several months to plan and organize the event.
Convention Convener Dr. Raghu Juvvadi had promised before the Convention began, to deliver “the experience of a lifetime,” saying, “Let us pamper you with mouthwatering, exotic cuisine and unforgettable experiences,” describing the event as “a celebration of our identity, our achievements, and our unity.”
At the Women’s Forum, haired by Dr. Kavita Jyotula, leading women physicians discussed issues of leadership, equity, and empowerment. Tennis star Sania Mirza gave an inspiring speech. “We as women have enough people telling us what we can’t do — we should be the people telling ourselves that we can.” Bollywood star, Vivek Oberoi was another speaker, who shared his personal experiences working in rural India, empowering women.
The CEO Forum brought together healthcare executives and thought leaders for conversations about innovation, policy, and the future of healthcare delivery.
The ceremonial Presidential Gavel Exchange took place July 4th to symbolize the strength and continuity of the decades-old organization.
AAPI’s national leadership spoke with one voice about the significance of Tampa 2026, the press release said. Leadership and governance were the focus of officeholders. Meetings of the Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, and Governing Body addressed AAPI’s organizational strengths and articulated its strategic direction, as well as the needs of the future.
The new President-Elect, Dr. Krishan Kumar described the event as “the complete experience — premium access, signature events, cultural showcases, scientific sessions, and entertainment that defines the AAPI legacy.”
Dr. Sreeni R. Gangasani, President -Elect of AAPI observed: “We have delivered every single time, beyond expectations — and the truth is simple: Dr. Chakrabarty has delivered beyond expectations.”
Dr. Soumya Neravetla, the first ever 2nd generation physician of Indian origin to reach the position of Secretary, praised the youth wing. “The YPS/MSRF community infused the convention with youthful energy through mixers, talent showcases, and a signature cruise night that blended networking with celebration.”
Dr. Raghu Lolabhat, the new Treasurer reflected on the deeper meaning of the gathering, saying, “AAPI conventions are not just events — they are expressions of who we are as a community. AAPICON 2026 showcased our unity, our heritage, and our collective strength.”
Every evening of AAPICON 2026, had attendees enjoying cultural events and entertainment. A nostalgic concert by Kumar Sanu transported attendees back to the golden era of Bollywood; a blockbuster performance by Vishal–Shekhar brought people to the floor in the Tampa Ballroom. The waterfront came alive with bhajans by Dr. Aarti Pandya, a Cruise Night on Tampa Bay with DJ Yatin, soulful ghazals by AM, and a mesmerizing musical performance by 11‑year‑old prodigy Pranysqa Mishra, were also highlights at the Convention.
Stand‑up comedian Nimesh Patel added sharp wit and laughter to the Convention. Bollywood glamour arrived with Vivek Oberoi, and midnight mehfils stretched joyfully into the early hours.
Fashion shows, Bollywood Zumba, and AAPI’s Got Talent competitions further enriched the celebration, making the healthcare convention into a joyful, community spirited event.
One of the most anticipated moments was the presentation of the AAPI Humanitarian Award to Nita Ambani, honoring her global philanthropic leadership in healthcare, education, and community upliftment. The ceremony drew a packed audience.
Keynote Speaker, Dr. Achyuta Samanta praised the organization’s global impact, stating, “AAPI stands as a powerful symbol of professional excellence, global leadership and dedicated service to humanity.” He added, “AAPI is a vital bridge between India and the United States… guided by the Indian philosophy of ‘vasudhaiva kutumbakam’ — the world is one family.”
“AAPICON 2026 was a tapestry woven from science, culture, spirituality, leadership, and community — a reflection of AAPI’s identity and its enduring mission,” the press release said. In the words of Dr. Chakrabarty, “This convention is truly your convention. Its success depends entirely on your presence, your energy, and your participation.”
In his closing remarks, Dr. Chakrabarti paid tribute to the physicians, families, sponsors, and volunteers, who helped put together a great convention: “Behind every physician, there is always a support system that sacrifices time, provides encouragement, and shares in both the challenges and successes of our profession. Leading this organization has been more than a role; it has been a calling… This farewell is tender, but powerful, because it comes from a place of having given everything.”