The Indo-American Press Club (IAPC) — the largest and most influential association representing journalists and media professionals of Indian origin across the United States and Canada — has announced the appointment of Dr. Satheesh Kathula as Chair of its Board of Directors for 2026. A renowned oncologist, community leader, author, and Immediate Past President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), Dr. Kathula brings decades of leadership, service, and advocacy to the role.
Widely respected for his contributions to medicine, public health, philanthropy, and immigrant empowerment, Dr. Kathula’s appointment marks a strategic step forward for IAPC as it strengthens its mission of promoting ethical journalism, free expression, and impactful storytelling within the Indo-American media ecosystem.
A Vision for Ethical Journalism and Digital Expansion
Accepting the appointment, Dr. Kathula outlined a forward-looking vision focused on media integrity, modernization, and cross-cultural engagement.
“As the Chair of the Indo-American Press Club, I will champion ethical, evidence-based journalism, strengthen Indo–U.S. narratives, and elevate health and science reporting,” Dr. Kathula said.
He emphasized the need to modernize IAPC’s outreach and influence in an era of rapidly evolving digital media.
“My focus is on building bridges across cultures, modernizing our digital presence, and expanding our influence beyond ethnic media. With unity, integrity, and responsible innovation at the core, I aim to create a lasting legacy that empowers journalists, informs communities, and positions the Club as a trusted voice of impact,” he added.
Dr. Kathula also acknowledged the challenges facing the media industry, including threats to press freedom and misinformation.
“These are unprecedented times, especially for journalists and the media, when the very freedom of expression is at risk. Through our nearly one thousand members across the U.S. and Canada, IAPC will continue to serve as a strong bridge between the media fraternity and the world at large,” he noted.
Longstanding Association with IAPC
Dr. Kathula has maintained a strong and enduring relationship with the Indo-American Press Club. In 2005, he received the IAPC Leadership Award, recognizing his contributions to public advocacy, healthcare awareness, and community development.
His leadership at IAPC builds upon a proven track record of service across medicine, journalism engagement, immigrant advocacy, and nonprofit governance.
Leadership Reflections from IAPC Founders
Ginsmon Zachariah, Founding Chair of the IAPC Board of Directors, highlighted the organization’s responsibility in shaping public discourse.
“India is known for its vibrant and free media, which plays a vital role in sustaining the world’s largest democracy,” Zachariah said.
“As media professionals in our adopted land, we recognize our duty to foster truthful communication and contribute to a more just and equitable world where freedom and liberty thrive.”
Ajay Ghosh, Founding President of IAPC, reflected on the Club’s origins and its mission to unify Indian-origin media voices.
“Many of us once stood alone in a vast media landscape, our voices often drowned out. IAPC was created to fill that vacuum — a common platform to pool our talents, raise our collective voice, and respond cohesively to the challenges of a changing world,” he said.
Distinguished Medical and Academic Career
Dr. Kathula is a graduate of Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, and has built a 25-year career as a practicing oncologist, earning recognition for his compassionate patient care and advancements in cancer treatment.
He currently serves as a Clinical Professor of Medicine at Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio.
His academic and professional credentials include:
- Completion of the Global Healthcare Leaders Program at Harvard University
- A Certificate in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare from Stanford University
- Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine
He has authored numerous medical research papers and published the Amazon best-selling book “Immigrant Doctors: Chasing the Big American Dream,” which documents the struggles, resilience, and achievements of immigrant physicians in the United States. He is currently working on his second book focused on cancer awareness for the general public.
Championing Stem Cell Donation and Cancer Awareness
Beyond clinical excellence, Dr. Kathula has played a transformative role in public health advocacy, particularly in expanding bone marrow and stem cell donor registries to address the critical shortage of South Asian donors.
For his efforts, he was named “Man of the Year – 2018” by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, in recognition of his fundraising initiatives that support research for blood cancer treatments and cures.
Philanthropy and Community Development in India
Dr. Kathula’s philanthropic footprint extends across India and the United States. In Warangal, Telangana, he established the Pathfinder Institute of Pharmacy and Educational Research (PIPER), which has already educated and graduated more than 1,000 students.
His charitable contributions include:
- Supporting medical camps in underserved communities
- Donating defibrillators, CPR training centers, water purification systems, and libraries
- Investing in healthcare and educational infrastructure in his native region
These initiatives reflect his belief that community service and social responsibility must accompany professional success.
Leadership Legacy at AAPI
Dr. Kathula has served the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) in multiple senior leadership roles, including:
- Regional Director
- Trustee
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- Vice President
- President-Elect
- President (July 2024)
His tenure at AAPI focused on physician advocacy, healthcare access, immigrant empowerment, and global medical collaboration.
Awards and Global Recognition
Dr. Kathula has received numerous national and international honors, including:
- The U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
- The Inspirational Award (2024) from the Raising Awareness of Youth with Autism (RAYWA) Foundation, presented at a gala at New York’s Pierre Hotel
- The IAPC Lifetime Achievement Award (May 2025)
These accolades recognize his impact across medicine, philanthropy, leadership, and public service.
Strengthening IAPC’s Role in a Changing Media Landscape
Founded in 2013, the Indo-American Press Club serves as a unifying platform for journalists, editors, broadcasters, and digital media professionals of Indian origin. The organization is committed to:
- Promoting journalistic ethics and professionalism
- Encouraging collaboration and mentorship
- Supporting press freedom and responsible reporting
- Amplifying voices that inform and empower communities
With Dr. Kathula at the helm of the Board of Directors, IAPC leaders believe the organization will expand its influence in health journalism, science communication, policy reporting, and cross-cultural storytelling.
“Dr. Kathula’s leadership represents a powerful convergence of medical expertise, ethical commitment, and community vision — positioning IAPC for a stronger, more impactful future,” an IAPC official noted.
Conclusion
Dr. Satheesh Kathula’s appointment as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Indo-American Press Club marks a pivotal moment for the organization. His blend of medical excellence, community service, immigrant advocacy, and leadership brings renewed energy to IAPC’s mission of strengthening truthful journalism and global Indian media representation.
As IAPC enters a new phase of growth, Dr. Kathula’s leadership is expected to elevate the Club’s credibility, broaden its reach, and empower the next generation of journalists across North America and beyond.
