By: Farooq Mirza
At the 48th Annual Convention of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) in Dallas, President Dr. Humera Qamar, joined by President-Elect Dr. Babar Rao, Dr. Naeem Tahirkheli, Dr. Muhammad Tariq, Dr. Sanaullah, Dr. Fazal Akbar Ali, Dr. Saqib, and Dr. Furqan, held a press briefing on the second day of the event, which runs through July 13, 2025. Dr. Qamar emphasized APPNA’s role as a premier professional organization for Pakistani physicians in the U.S. and Canada, uniting first-, second-, and third-generation Pakistani descendants who maintain strong ties to Pakistan while thriving in North America.
Dr. Qamar highlighted APPNA’s core pillars: social welfare, advocacy, and support for young physicians. The organization fosters medical education by sharing expertise with professionals in Pakistan, from students to attending physicians. It has forged partnerships with NGOs in Pakistan, with Dr. Qamar signing several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) this year to enhance collaborative efforts.
A key focus is supporting young physicians through mentorship, networking via a 16,000-member Facebook group, and providing externships, internships, and residency application guidance.
In 2025, APPNA achieved a record 1,050 residency placements for Pakistani medical graduates, making Pakistan the second-largest source of international medical graduates in the U.S. after India. Despite U.S. restrictions on J1 visas affecting rural healthcare, APPNA’s advocacy with the State Department ensured 99% of candidates secured visas and started residencies by July 1.
The convention features Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions for license maintenance, drawing both members and the public. Social welfare initiatives include ongoing projects in Mirpur and Thar, such as water filtration and cleanliness efforts in Bhirpur Village, coordinated with NGOs like Sillani. APPNA’s cornea transplantation program, providing corneas at $300 each, restores vision for 300-500 people annually in Pakistan, with a 2025 goal of 1,000 transplants while promoting donation awareness despite cultural challenges.
Dr. Qamar praised the Host Committee, chaired by Dr. Muhammad Tariq, with co-chairs Dr. Saakin and Dr. Fazal Akbar Ali, and Secretary Dr. Sanaullah, for their eight-month effort to organize the event with transparency and dedication. APPNA’s 3,700 active members across 38 U.S. regional chapters and 18 Pakistani medical college alumni chapters reflect its broad reach. The Board of Directors, led by President Dr. Amer, with Dr. Babar Rao as Secretary and Dr. Asim Mehmood as President-Elect, oversees operations, while independent host committees manage major events like the Summer Convention.
Dr. Qamar addressed rising Islamophobia, urging substantive engagement with U.S. lawmakers, who are invited to APPNA events to witness its educational and advocacy work. Beyond the convention’s cultural festivities, APPNA funds critical projects in Pakistan, including an Emergency Room construction and healthcare infrastructure improvements.
The convention recreates a “mini-Pakistan,” fostering nostalgia and cultural connection for attendees and their children, who engage with Pakistani traditions, Urdu conversations, and Islamic practices like communal Eid prayers. This space strengthens heritage ties for the diaspora while showcasing APPNA’s impactful work in North America and Pakistan.
Dr. Qamar thanked attendees and media partners for amplifying APPNA’s mission, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to transformative healthcare and community initiatives.
