The Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) is one of the largest and most influential networks of expatriate Pakistani physicians in the world. Established in 1977 and headquartered in Illinois, APPNA represents thousands of physicians of Pakistani origin, many of whom are proud graduates of Dow Medical College and Dow University of Health Sciences.
APPNA serves as a dynamic platform that unites its members across the United States and Canada, fostering professional development, academic collaboration, community service, and humanitarian outreach. Its mission is deeply rooted in advancing medical knowledge, promoting excellence in healthcare, and giving back to both North America and Pakistan.
APPNA's bond with DUHS is particularly significant. A shining example of this partnership is the establishment of the Dow–APPNA Center for Emerging Technologies (DACET) at DUHS—Pakistan's first center of its kind within a public medical university. Funded by APPNA, DACET is set to transform medical education through artificial intelligence, innovation, and advanced technologies.
Beyond institutional collaborations, APPNA members actively support DUHS students and young graduates through mentorship programs, elective opportunities, scholarships, and training initiatives. This enduring support reflects APPNA's commitment to strengthening DUHS's academic and healthcare ecosystem.
I am thankful to and humbled by APPNA members for trusting me to be the president for 2026. I am a graduate of Rawalpindi Medical College and a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist. I serve as a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and as an Associate Clinical Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College. I am also the Founder and Medical Director of Rao Dermatology, which operates multiple practices across New York, New Jersey, and California.
My goal is to strengthen APPNA through impact, purposeful outreach, and strategic expansion. I am committed to shaping APPNA into a connected, transparent, and forward-thinking organization—one that not only serves its members but also uplifts the community we represent. We will achieve this by creating functional work groups, enhancing communication, revitalizing our media presence, and fostering active engagement through open town halls and dynamic social platforms.
My focus is on achieving tangible impact by reorganizing and expanding APPNA's charitable, educational and advocacy initiatives.
I will continue to advance education—tailoring our efforts to meet the unique needs of early-career physicians, IMGs, and North American graduates by providing mentorship, resources, improved YPC operations, and ADHOC programs focusing on loans, and career counseling.
I envision thoughtful expansion that builds sustainable growth: new offices, clinics, rentals, and student rotation opportunities, as well as an APPNA Pakistan Office to bridge our global mission with local impact. With each step forward, I aim to strengthen our foundation, broaden our outreach, and stay true to our shared purpose.
I am dedicated to transforming our meetings into spaces of innovation, recognition, and unity. Through initiatives like APPNA Idol, APPNA Scholar, and APPNA Hero, we will celebrate excellence within our community. I will modernize registration and ticketing systems and ensure that our meetings focus solely on advancing APPNA's projects—eliminating redundant traditions and maximizing value for our members.
Together, I believe we can build a stronger, smarter, and more connected APPNA—one that impacts through outreach, empowers through education, and expands with purpose.
With heartfelt gratitude,Alumni, Marketing and Communications,
1st Floor old IBBPS Building, Ojha Campus,
Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
021-387711111 Ext 3478