Kakani Award

Recognizing Service. Inspiring Leaders.

Honoring medical students, residents and fellows who are making a difference through charitable community service and demonstrating a commitment to improving health and lives in their communities.

AAPI–Kakani Foundation Award

Through the generosity of Dr. Rajesh Kakani and the Kakani Foundation, the AAPI–Kakani Foundation Award is given each year to a member of AAPI’s medical students, residents and fellows, who has made a significant difference in their community through charitable work and service.

About the Award

The award recognizes physicians-in-training whose service goes beyond the classroom and the clinic. It honors their dedication and impact, and supports them in continuing and expanding their service across the United States, with the backing of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin.

5,000

Annual Award

Support Community Services

Encourages Future Physician Leaders

2026 - 2027 Recipient

Aditya Gunturi

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

Aditya is a third-year medical student at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He receives the award for UnPuff, a digital cessation platform designed for college students. The app will offer personalized behavioral counseling through motivational interviewing and scheduled check-ins.

Past Recipients

2025–2026

Sasrika Rajan

Medical Student, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine

Project:

Food for Thought: A School-Based Initiative to Connect Kids to Food, Farming and Wellness

2024–2025

Rushali Kothari

Medical Student, Albany Medical College

Project:

Story Time Stars

Eligibility and How to Apply

Award criteria, eligibility and application details are published by AAPI Scholars.

AAPI is grateful to Dr. Rajesh Kakani and the Kakani Foundation for their commitment to the next generation of physicians and to the communities they serve.