History of IAPA
Updated: January 2015
In the fall of 1979, six psychiatrists of Indian origin from the metropolitan area of New York City met to discuss the need of an organization that would address the professional needs and interests of psychiatrists from India.
It was estimated at that time that there were approximately 1000‐1200 psychiatrists of Indian origin practicing or in training in the US.
The group also agreed that the organization should include all mental health professionals interested in the vision and mission of this organization.
This group started out as a professional, educational and social group.
The organization was named as the American Association of Psychiatrists from India (AAPI). It developed
1. Mission, Vision and Goals,
2. Constitution and By‐Laws,
3. Membership categories
4. Quarterly newsletter
5. Membership directory
6. Local chapters in North America.
7. Reciprocal relationship with Indian Psychiatric society (IPS) and British Indian Psychiatric Society (BIPA).
The name AAPI was later changed to Indo American Psychiatric Association (IAPA) to avoid conflicts and confusion with another Indian organization, American Association of Physicians of Indian origin (AAPI) The informal Executive Committee served from 1980‐1986. The first election, annual meetings and chapters were developed after that.
Connecticut chapter was the first chapter of IAPA.
Liaison with APA was established and strengthened.
APA recognized IAPA’s talent in leading an allied psychiatric organization. Several of our members were nominated for leadership positions within APA.
Success of winning a position within the APA Board of Trustees and the APA assembly as well as the area representatives were because several IAPA members took courage to run for such positions.
IAPA had its first member, Dr. Dilip Jeste become APA president in 2013.
The IAPA started with life membership dues of $ 100 and gradually increased to its current fee of $350.00
IAPA activities were made possible by generous support from Pharmaceutical companies.
IAPA established elections guidelines in 1985 and elected officially a president, president‐elect,Secretary and Treasurer. At present IAPA has chapters in various parts of the country. IAPA currently has 1000 members and it represents over 7000 psychiatrists of Indian origin including those who are born, raised and trained in the USA. IAPA’s annual meeting is held in conjunction with annual meeting of APA and it is attended by over 100 members and guests each year.
IAPA is the largest Indian Psychiatric organization in the world and the largest minority organization of APA..
The past presidents with their executive committee members shaped IAPA. In 2000, a Board of Trustees (BOT) was established to provide fiduciary oversight to IAPA. Currently there are seven past presidents who serve on the BOT and they elect their chairman every two years The ByLaws were updated in 2007 and again in 2015 it will be electronically voted by the general membership.
IAPA has a rich website. Its address is myiapa.org
IAPA currently has awards in the following categories:
1. Outstanding Academician
2. Outstanding Service to the IAPA
3. Outstanding Public Sector
4. Outstanding Resident
5. Outstanding Chapter
IAPA Presidents from 1985-2021
Dr. Yoosuf Haveliwala ……………………………………. 1979-1986
Dr. Girish Shah………………………………………………. 1986-1988
Dr. Jambur Ananth…………………………………………. 1988-1990
Dr. Velandy Manohar……………………………………… 1990-1992
Dr. Ashwin Pandya…………………………………………. 1992-1994
Dr. Manoj Shah………………………………………………. 1994-1996
Dr. Ramaswamy Viswanathan (Dr. Vis) …………. 1996-1998
Dr. Nalini Juthani…………………………………………… 1998-2000
Dr. Jagannathan Srinivasaraghavan (Dr. Van)… 2000-2003
Dr. Sanjay Dube……………………………………………… 2003-2005
Dr. Asha Mishra……………………………………………… 2005-2007
Dr. Surinder Nand………………………………………….. 2007-2009
Dr. Shivkumar Hatti……………………………………….. 2009-2011
Dr. Rudra Prakash………………………………………….. 2011-2013
Dr. Vani Rao………………………………………………….. 2013-2015
Dr. Ashwin Patkar……………………………….………… 2015-2017
Dr. Dilip Patel…………………………………….………… 2017-2019
Dr. Meena Ramani………………………………………… 2019-2021