NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Atlanta, GA, January 23, 2025: The Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage (GAPI) successfully hosted the Greater Atlanta GAPI Regional Meeting along with the GAPI MSRF-led Health Fair on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Jade Banquets, Duluth, Georgia. The event was conducted by Dr. Lalitha Medepalli, MD, FACC, Immediate Past President of GAPI (2025–26), in collaboration with the MSRF 2025–26 leadership team, and reflected GAPI’s continued commitment to community service, education, and physician engagement.
The first-ever MSRF Health Fair, held from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, served over 60 community members and was organized by MSRF executive team: Anita Medepalli, Varun Nukala, Keerti Soundappan and Dr. Avi Singh. Attendees actively participated in hands-on CPR training for bystanders, preventive health screenings, diabetes screening, lifestyle counseling, and Ayurvedic and homeopathy consultations. Preventive laboratory testing, including Lp(a) and pTau screening and other advanced lab tests, were provided free of charge through Care Access, reinforcing the importance of early detection and prevention. Over 20 volunteers contributed their time to the health fair, including resident physicians, medical students, pre-medical undergraduates, 11th and 12th grade students, and Echo School students.
Volunteers played an active role in conducting screenings, assisting participants, and supporting event operations. GAPI YPPI Scholars (2025–26), including Jaikanishka (“Jai”) Nattamai Subramanian Rajkumar (Senior Year, B.S. Neuroscience), Hannah Vijai (11th Grade, Killian Hill Christian School), Veeraj D. Sharma (11th Grade, Brookwood High School), Abhay Kumar Prashant (11th Grade, Lambert High School), and Parineetha Chowdry (First-year Neuroscience major, Georgia Tech), actively participated in the health fair. Beyond the screenings provided, the MSRF Health Fair empowered community members with knowledge, skills, and access to preventive care, reinforcing the importance of early detection and proactive health management.
A 4-minute community presentation by Jason Grady reinforced the vital role of life-saving community programs, highlighting the importance of awareness, preparedness, and immediate action in saving lives. Special appreciation is extended to Dr. Sujatha Reddy for her guidance and mentorship, and a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Indira Devu, Indira Menon, Dr. Vishal Sharma, Dr. Supriti Balyan, Dr. Syamala Erramilli, the Executive Committee (2025–26), the MSRF team, volunteers, sponsors, and the entire GAPI family for making the health fair so impactful.
The evening Greater Atlanta GAPI Regional Meeting (4:00–11:00 PM) was attended by over 150 physicians, with total attendance exceeding 180 guests. Several prominent leaders were present, including Dr. Vishal Sharma (President), Dr. Satish Cheti (President-Elect), Dr. Appavuchetty Soundappan (Vice President), Dr. Rani Reddy (Secretary), Dr. Suresh Nukala (Treasurer), and Dr. Pravinchandra Patel (BOT Chair). Past presidents and senior leaders in attendance included Dr. Santanu Das, Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, Dr. Uma Jonnalagadda, Dr. Vijay Maurya, Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, Dr. Indran Indrakrishnan, Dr. Raghu Lolabhattu, Dr. Syamala Erramilli, Dr. Chandana Prabhudev, and Dr. Raj Alappan, along with several members of the Board of Directors.
The program seamlessly blended education, networking, and celebration. The MSRF poster session was initiated and led by Keerti Soundappan, third-year medical student at the Medical College of Georgia and MSRF Secretary (2025–26), and Anita Medepalli, fourth-year medical student at Mercer School of Medicine and MSRF Chair (2025–26). Research poster presentations were delivered by Varun Nukala (Chair-Elect, GAPI MSRF 2025–26), Pragnya Tatikonda (PGY-2 Resident, Northside Hospital), Miki Patel (third-year medical student, Medical College of Georgia), and Dr. Sana Ahmed (PGY-3, North Georgia Health System), along with Amir Ahmed, showcasing a wide range of academic and clinical topics.
The main program was expertly emceed by Anita Medepalli, Keerti Soundappan, and Dr. Avi Singh. Distinguished addresses were delivered by the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Shri Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, Consul General of India. Dr. Deborah Martin, President of the Medical Association of Georgia, delivered the keynote address highlighting MAG initiatives. Representative Matt Reeves shared legislative updates relevant to healthcare. Councilman Bob (Parmesh) Erramilli emphasized the importance of collaboration between physicians and local government to improve healthcare delivery.
The cultural segment was a highlight of the evening. Dr. Chandana Prabhudev’s performance was deeply moving, and Dr. Jyothi Sharma’s soulful rendition earned her the admiration of the audience as the “Lata Mangeshkar of GAPI.” The evening concluded with excellent food, lively music, and celebration, bringing physicians and families together in true GAPI spirit.
Dr. Vishal Sharma, President of GAPI (2025–26), delivered the President’s address, recognizing the contributions of the organizing committee, MSRF team, sponsors, and volunteers. Special thanks are extended to all GAPI members who attended and supported both the MSRF Health Fair and the evening regional meeting; their presence and engagement were vital to the event’s impact. The Greater Atlanta GAPI Regional Meeting and MSRF Health Fair achieved their goals of education, community service, and fellowship, bringing the physician community together and marking the event as a grand success.
Cover photo: GAPI executive team members with Dr. Deborah Martin -MAG President 25-26.
