Pakistani-American Doctors Shine at APPNA Spring Meeting 2025 in Oklahoma City

Pakistani-Americans have made a lasting impact on American society over the past several decades. Among them, thousands of doctors who graduated from Pakistan’s top medical colleges and migrated to the U.S. for advanced education and research stand out. While some returned to Pakistan, many established distinguished medical careers in America. Today, Pakistani-American doctors form the second-largest group of foreign-trained physicians in the U.S.

This proud community is represented by the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), which, for nearly 50 years, has safeguarded the professional interests of Pakistani-American doctors while spearheading medical and humanitarian initiatives in both the U.S. and Pakistan.

The APPNA Spring Meeting 2025, held in Oklahoma City, was a landmark event hosted by Dr. Fazal Akbar Ali, with Dr. Syed Iftikhar Rizvi, Dr. Muhammad Sanaullah, and Dr. Saqib Sheikh as co-chairs. A dedicated team of volunteers ensured the four-day gathering was a resounding success. The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthems of the United States, Canada, and Pakistan.

Highlights of the APPNA Spring Meeting 2025

1. Oklahoma Senate Honors APPNA’s Contributions
The Oklahoma State Senate passed a resolution recognizing APPNA’s contributions to medicine, public health, and humanitarian efforts. The resolution was presented to APPNA President Dr. Humaira Ahmed Qamar, with Dr. Hassan Kaleem, Dr. Muhammad Sanaullah, Dr. Haroon Durrani, and Dr. Fazal Akbar Ali in attendance.

2. Historic Agreement: APPNA, Islamic Relief, and UNHCR Join Forces
A groundbreaking partnership was signed between APPNA, Islamic Relief USA, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This initiative will provide free medical care to underserved communities in Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Jordan, with APPNA’s Medical Corporation Mission Committee overseeing volunteer medical teams.

3. Oklahoma Governor’s Recognition
APPNA representatives met with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and the Pakistani Ambassador to the U.S. Governor Stitt commended APPNA’s work and honored Dr. Naeem Tahirkheli for his contributions to the state’s healthcare system. In a symbolic gesture, the Governor wore APPNA’s white coat to show solidarity with Pakistani-American doctors.

4. Business and Investment Seminar
A dynamic session led by Dr. Danish Bhatti, Dr. Shahid Rafique, and Dr. Pashman Lakhani provided valuable insights into business opportunities, investments, and entrepreneurship for physicians, earning high praise from attendees.

5. Doctors’ Role in Social and Civil Society
A panel discussion featuring Dr. Bushra Akram, Sameed Farooqui, Dr. Arim Yasin, Dr. Muhammad Sanaullah, and Dr. Khairuddin Memon highlighted the impact of Pakistani-American doctors in public policy, media, and social services.

6. Young Physicians Committee (YPC) Sessions
Mentorship sessions for recent medical graduates were conducted by Dr. Siddique Khurram, Dr. Adnan Altaf, Dr. Zain Asad Siddiqui, and Dr. Fahad Sultan, with expert guidance from University of Oklahoma program directors on residency applications, personal statements, and clinical observerships.

7. Mentorship for Medical Students
Under the leadership of Dr. Mujtaba Qazi, early-career medical students received career guidance in a seminar hosted by Mehak Ali, Hoodia Jamshed, and Aman Qazi, focusing on success strategies in medical school.

8. Organ Donation Awareness Walk
Dr. Usman Bhutta and his team organized a well-attended Organ Donation Awareness Walk, bringing together patients, doctors, and families to promote life-saving donations.

9. Cultural Extravaganza – Fashion Show
A dazzling fashion show curated by Dr. Ayesha Sattar, Dr. Sumbal Nabi, and Huriya Salman showcased the vibrant colors of Pakistani culture, drawing hundreds of attendees.

10. Food Street and Vendor Market
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt inaugurated the Food Street, featuring Pakistani cuisine, handicrafts, jewelry, and medical products. The lively atmosphere was complemented by Humaira Channa’s musical performance.

11. Medical Education & Networking
Specialized sessions on Oncology and Cardiology, led by Dr. Hassan Kaleem, Dr. Naeem Tahirkheli, Dr. Armaan Raza, and other experts, offered CME-accredited discussions and research-based insights. The efforts of Dr. Fatima and Dr. Talal were particularly commendable.

12. Grand Banquet & Awards Night
Despite the cancellation of the Basant Festival due to bad weather, the Grand Banquet was a spectacular finale, with over 800 guests in attendance. Awards were presented to physicians in recognition of their outstanding services.

Academic & Research Achievements
The APPNA Publication Committee, led by Dr. Tauqeer Ali, unveiled three major initiatives:

1. 96-Page Bilingual Journal – Featuring academic and cultural articles in English and Urdu, with a captivating cover artwork by Uzma Saleem.
2. Poster Presentation Competition – A first-of-its-kind event where 63 young researchers participated, with the top three posters honored by the Oklahoma Governor.
3. Pakistan Heart Journal Supplement – A special cardiovascular research publication elevating APPNA’s academic standing.

The APPNA Spring Meeting 2025 was more than a conference—it was a celebration of Pakistani-American doctors’ excellence, patriotism, and dedication to humanity. This event has set a new benchmark for future generations to follow.