October 2025

Dear IAPA Members, Colleagues and Friends,

It is my honor to serve as your President for the term 2025-2027.

My journey in the Indo-American Psychiatric Association started in

Philadelphia when I was a resident. Over the years, I became involved locally, then nationally and soon, the IAPA became a place where I have found mentors, colleagues and friends for life. It is my privilege to be a part of this organization that started as an initiative by six psychiatrists of Indian origin and is now a nationally recognized organization representing Psychiatrists of Indian origin.

I believe that as an organization, we are at the precipice of change. We have a growing younger membership, a leadership team with younger leaders, a strong national presence and an opportunity to embrace a vision that supports the professional and personal growth of our membership.

The challenge ahead of us is: To Evolve.

… and we can do this together by being proactive in our engagement, welcoming new members, using creative ideas to enhance our work, strengthening our partnerships and continuing to solidify our presence both locally and nationally. As a membership-based organization, it is essential to support and expand our membership. Since the pandemic, many of our chapters have become dormant. And while our membership is growing, newer and younger members are dealing with unique challenges in a rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare. Thus, in the coming

year, my goal is to understand the needs and interests of our members towards creating strategies that provide support and increase engagement and participation in the organization. Towards achieving this goal, with the support of a strong leadership team, we are working on creating a steady program of virtual learning and engagement for the year in additional to the fall and annual meetings thus creating a space for professional

growth, collaboration, networking and social connection for our members. We are also working on strengthening our mentorship program, an opportunity for professional guidance and support for students and members at different stages of their career.

Over the years, the IAPA has gained national recognition owing to the strength of our membership and the work of our leadership. As one of the largest allied organizations, our goal is to continue strengthening our professional presence and partnerships. In working towards this goal, we remain committed to maintaining and strengthening our alliance with the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS), and other professional organizations.

Further, I am excited to share that this year, we will have the first ever IAPA reception at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) in Chicago, an initiative that recognizes member requests, interests, and strengthens our professional presence. This will be held in conjunction with our Fall meeting in Chicago.

Personally, I am honored to be a part of an exciting time for our organization where our leadership team has experienced and younger leaders from different personal and professional backgrounds. With the support of this team of highly motivated, talented and accomplished leaders and the guidance of our respected Board of Trustees, my dream is for us to challenge ourselves, be creative and charter a course that strengthens the future of our organization.

I am confident that this is possible but not without your support. As your President, I am asking that you become actively involved in the organization be it by participating in your local chapter, attending educational or social events, or volunteering in the work of the national organization.

If you have ideas or suggestions on how we could do better, please reach out to us.

Sincerely,

Tanuja Gandhi, MD, FAPA

General, Child & Adolescent and Forensic Psychiatrist

President, IAPA (2025-2027)