Indian American physicians hold first Indo-US Scientific Convention in Hyderabad

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The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin or AAPI, (aapiusa.org), held its first-ever Indo-US Scientific Convention on January 18, 2025, at the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) in Hyderabad, Telangana. The event focused on issues like sudden cardiac death, advancements in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the growing Indo-US collaboration in CPR techniques.

Attended by nearly 350 physician delegates from the United States and India, who were leading medical professionals, thought leaders, heads of several health industry sectors, and policy-makers.

According to AAPI President Dr. Satheesh Kathula, heart disease is the number one global public health problem, and. South Asians are at a four-times greater risk of heart disease than their Western counterparts and have a greater chance of having a heart attack before 50 years of age.

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“Heart attacks strike South Asian men and women at younger ages, and as a result, both morbidity and mortality are higher among them compared to any other ethnic group. They tend to develop heart disease ten years earlier than other groups,” Dr. Kathula noted.

Almost one in three in this group may die from heart disease before 65 years of age, Dr. Kathula said, adding that in India, heart disease remains the number one cause of death. Common risk factors are smoking and a diet high in sugar, salt, refined grains, and fat.

In addition, a large number of South Asians appear to have “insulin resistance”, a condition in which the body does not utilize insulin efficiently, resulting in Diabetes, which leads to a significant number of heart-related problems. Lack of adequate exercise, stress, and genetic predisposition are also contributing factors.

In view of the implications of these data, AAPI has put in efforts and initiatives to educate, create awareness, and provide support on disease prevention, and is part of the Cardiovascular Awareness Program.

AAPI said it is hopeful that the scientific convention will serve as a critical means to creating awareness in the health care community.

The speakers at the convention were renowned experts, and the sessions were both highly relevant and engaging, AAPI said in a press release.

The Consul General of the U.S. in Hyderabad, Jennifer Larson, was the chief guest and spoke highly of the contributions of Indian physicians in the U.S. and their vital role in the American healthcare system. Dr. Nageshwar Reddy, chief of AIG, addressed the audience, praising AAPI’s efforts.

Collaborating partners for the event included the American Heart Association, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Indian Medical Association, and Pedi Star.

Among those who participated actively making the event successful, were, among others, Dr. Vemuri Murthy, Dr. Dwarakanatha Reddy, Dr. Ranga Reddy, Dr. Naveen Nanda, Dr. Pooja Patel, Dr. D.P. Suresh, Dr. Nageshwar Reddy, and Dr. Srinivas Ramaka.