Chicago, Feb 20 (IANS): Over 3,000 doctors are expected to attend the annual convention of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), the largest ethnic medical organization in the US, in Chicago May 23-27.

Organized by AAPI's largest and most active chapter, the Indian American Medical Association of Illinois, this year's convention would deliberate on ways to enhance their professional growth as well as explore possibilities to give back to the society.

"The convention will give us the chance to meet old friends, make new friends, and provide a great opportunity for professional networking," said AAPI President Dr. Narendra Kumar.

"The major attractions include cutting-edge continuing medical education (CME) with renowned speakers, women's forum, alumni meetings, delicious ethnic cuisine, fashion shows, and Bollywood entertainment with outstanding artists," he said.

"AAPI was formed in the midst of challenges that physicians of Indian origin have faced due to cultural barriers and bias against international medical graduates," said Dr. Jayesh Shah, president-elect of AAPI.

"Those barriers created obstacles to immigration and licensing opportunities," he said. "Today, the organization is a dynamic body, spearheading legislative agendas on health care and influencing the advancement of ethnic medical organizations."