The Association of Physicians of Pakistani-descent of North America (APPNA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering scientific development and education in medicine and delivering better health care, irrespective of race, color, creed, or gender. APPNA saves lives and relieves suffering through its participation in medical relief and other charitable activities at home and abroad. Established in 1976, APPNA is one of North America’s largest ethnic medical societies, representing more than 12,000 physicians and healthcare professionals of Pakistani descent serving across the United States and Canada.

The APPNA Arizona Chapter was founded in 2002 and has been active in local and international charitable efforts since its inception. After the devastating earthquake in Kashmir in 2005, this Chapter collected over $140,000 through fundraising efforts. The proceeds were donated towards funding a school in the village of Kathai in Kashmir. Locally the Chapter has committed its support to APPNA’s National Healthcare drive. Physician members volunteer their time to two Free Clinics under the Chapter. These free clinics in Phoenix and Tuscan areas provide care to indigent and uninsured patients in the local communities. We hold regular chapter meetings with CME activities for physicians and invited speakers at each event. In the past, we have had speakers from the Arizona Medical Association (ArMA), Mutual Insurance Company of Arizona (MICA), Institute of Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), and Arizona State University (ASU)

As a part of the constitution, we are committed to supporting medical education and research. To form a peer group for support and career development of physicians of Pakistani origin in Arizona. To facilitate better understanding and relations between Pakistani physicians and the people of Arizona. To institute mechanisms for cooperation with other medical organizations in Arizona. To help in the orientation and adjustment of medical students and medical school graduates from Pakistan entering the US medical system in Arizona in a variety of manners, including developing a mentoring program. To cooperate with medical schools and hospitals in Pakistan in continuing medical education by arranging lecture tours, conferences, and workshops and to participate in medical relief and other charitable activities in Pakistan and North America.