American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin

Arkansas Chapter

Arkansas Chapter

Founded 2008
Have grown from about 25 Members in the beginning years to about 350 members in 2024.

President’s Message

Dear AAPI Arkansas Community,

It is an honor and a profound privilege to address you all as the first elected President of our organization. As I step into this role, I do so with deep gratitude and an immense sense of pride in what AAPI Arkansas has become since its inception in 2008. Over the last couple of years, I have had an opportunity to meet many of you up close during our Dil Ki Baatein events, which reinforced my commitment to serve our organization.

In the last seventeen years, our association has grown into a lively, supportive and diverse family of more than 450 physicians, representing a wide range of specialties and regions across India. I’ve been fortunate to be part of this community for the past fourteen years, and in that time, I’ve seen up close the dedication, unity, and generosity that make our membership so special. Our journey together has been incredible, rooted in our shared commitment to medical excellence, service to our local communities, and a genuine desire to help one another grow professionally.

AAPI Arkansas continues to stand as a model of what a strong professional community can achieve. Through our educational programs, we provide opportunities for lifelong learning and advancement. Through collaboration and mentorship, we foster an environment where physicians can grow, thrive, and lead. And through our charitable efforts, supporting scholarships, partnering with community organizations, and contributing to causes across the state, we extend our impact far beyond the clinical setting.

Vision for 2026: Turning Successful Initiatives into Lasting Legacies

With the momentum built over the years, our focus for the year ahead is to implement new initiatives, to take what works and make it permanent, strengthening our professional presence, educational outreach, and statewide network.

Professional Integration & Membership

• Strengthen Partnerships: We aim to turn our existing partnerships with hospitals across Arkansas and the Arkansas Medical Society into long-term, collaborative programs.
• Support Medical Students: Every medical school in Arkansas should have a strong, active chapter that nurtures future leaders.
• EB1 Support, Made Permanent: We will transform the EB1 support group into a standing resource center offering ongoing mentorship, resume workshops, and reliable networking for residents and fellows.

Education & Scholarly Advancement

• Consistent Learning Opportunities: Our monthly educational talks—from Heart Health to Mental and General Health—will be formalized into a dependable professional development series.
• Expanded Scholarships: We look forward to launching new scholarships in partnership with various educational institutes, while growing the number of awards for medical students across Arkansas.
• Meaningful CME & Research: We will continue offering essential CME sessions (including licensure requirements like DEA updates) and promote research through poster presentations and case discussions.

Community & Regional Impact

• Empowered Regional Chapters: Our Hot Springs, Batesville, Northwest, and Northeast Arkansas chapters will be supported and encouraged to deepen their local engagement—such as developing school-based scholarship initiatives and building meaningful relationships with EMS services.
• Wellness & Community Engagement: We will keep expanding our popular wellness events such as Yoga sessions and “Bhag Desi Bhag,” along with tournaments and other community gatherings. Professional resources like financial planning workshops will continue to support our members.

As we look toward the future, I am excited to build on this strong foundation. Together, we will continue to elevate our organization, strengthen our connections, and expand the positive influence we bring to the state of Arkansas.

Thank you for your trust, your support, and your unwavering commitment to the mission of AAPI Arkansas. I am proud to serve you, and I look forward to the journey ahead.

Warm regards,
Srinivas Vengala, MD, FACC
Interventional Cardiologist
President, AAPI Arkansas