AAPI is a Non-Profit national organization which represents the interests of more than 60,000 physicians of Indian origin, who are practicing or training in the United States. It also serves as an umbrella organization representing over 130 regional, alumni and specialty organizations.

The Governing structure of AAPI is very democratic and broad based. It consists of:

General Body:

It is composed of all dues paid active members. It is the final authority on all matters. It meets once a year at the annual convention.

Governing Body (GB):

It is a deliberative body. It is composed of:

• The Executive Committee
• Chairs of all standing committees
• President of each dues paid member organization

The GB meets 4 times a year. Its business includes informational and action items submitted by its members, chairs of committees and task forces 30 days in advance. Other AAPI members are welcome to participate in the proceedings, but may not vote. They may place items on the agenda by submitting them at least 30 days prior to the meeting for consideration of the EC.

Meetings are held at the following times:
1. On Sunday of the Annual convention (new incoming officers/committee).
2. Fall GB meeting in (Sept/Oct).
3. Spring GB meeting in (Mar/Apr).
4. On Thursday of the annual convention.

Board of Trustees (BOT):

The Board of Trustees (BOT) is the custodian of the assets of AAPI and serves an advisory role. It does not interfere with regular operations of AAPI. The BOT consists of 9 members. The trustees are non-voting members of the governing body. The AAPI president is a non-voting member of the BOT.

Executive Committee (EC):

The Executive Committee is made up of the president, president elect, vice president, secretary, treasurer, immediate past president, chair of the board of trustees, ten regional directors and the presidents of the MS/R and YPS section. The Chair of the Board of Trustees (BOT) is a non-voting member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee executes the policies and action plans of AAPI through the officers and the AAPI Executive Office. The president is the spokesperson for the organization.

Committees:

AAPI has 14 standing committees and several ad-hoc committees and task forces. Chairs of the standing committees except the nomination committee are appointed by the President-elect and approved by the GB. During its Spring meeting preceding the annual meeting. Members of the committees are appointed by the President in consultation with chairs of respective committees. The committees conduct their business mostly via teleconferences and meetings if necessary.

Governance of AAPI:

Orientation to the Board of Trustees: The Board of Trustees was formed in the year 1989 to safeguard the Patron Fund in an Escrow Account. The Board forms the fourth pillar of AAPI is a system of checks and balances, the other three being the Executive Committee, Governing Body and General Body. Nine experienced and elected AAPI members comprise the Board of Trustees at any given time. The current President is an ex-officio member. The Board members are elected for a term of three years. There are three retiring members at the end of each year and three new elected members replace them. A member can serve up to a maximum of two terms if elected again for a second term.
The role of the Board is far from decorative. It is charged with the following responsibilities:
1) Oversight of Patron Membership Funds in an escrow account to assure prudent use of the monies and ensure growth of AAPI with the eventual goal of some day having a building to house the AAPI offices exclusively as the Headquarters.
2) Ultimate residual authority is vested in the Board of Directors according to the Articles of Incorporation. This gave the responsibility of oversight of the policy-making branches, namely the Governing Body and the Executive Committee. The Board Members are therefore non-voting members of the Governing Body.
3) The Governing Body may request the Board to serve as mediator to resolve disputes among various office holders and committees. Its decision shall be final and binding.
4) They are the Internal Auditors of AAPI and responsible for long range planning.
5) They are responsible for the Fiscal welfare and operation of AAPI. In this role they represent the interests of all active AAPI members to the management (Executive Committee and Governing Body).
6) The Chair and Chair-Elect are elected from among the members of the Board. The Chair of BOT is an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee.
7) The relationship of the Board (representing the members) and Executive Committee (representing the management) is by no means adversarial. Both bodies have the welfare and growth of AAPI as their main goal. Collaborative effort will be more conducive to fulfilling these goals if all members keep in mind that this is the concept of "Checks and Balances" in action rather than an adversarial relationship.

Orientation of the Executive Committee:

All elected officials are primarily responsible and answerable to the general members
Orientation to the newly elected officers is recommended
The elected officers are encouraged to visit the AAPI executive and legislative office in the beginning of their term, to familiarize with the duties, limitation, strengths and weaknesses, and compensation of the staff in the AAPI office.

Treasurer:

Serves as the sole fiscal officer
Has custody of the financial accounts of the AAPI
Has basic understanding of book keeping
Should develop a budget in beginning of the year
File all income tax returns.
Assess performance of the current CPA and Auditor
Develop a protocol - set up invoices, guidelines for payment etc
Review cost of insurance coverage- bonding of employees, premise liability insurance, Coverage for AAPI officers, BOT members and agents, AAPI convention, GB meetings etc.
Transfer to the next treasurer all accounts of AAPI within 30 days

Secretary:

Keep account of all meetings
Maintain updated member list
Prepare an agenda for the EC, GB and Gen Body meetings in consultation with the President and other EC officers
Keep copies of all official correspondence, newsletters, brochures etc.
Keep an attendance record
Be Custodian of the Articles of Incorporation, by-laws etc.
Notify committee members of their appointments and assigned duties
Sign all contracts on behalf of AAPI
File the corporate information reports to the states of Michigan and Illinois
Maintain active AAPI Corporate status
Safeguard AAPI Logo
Be responsible for all modes of communication, including AAPI website and online communications.
Relations with media- Press reports,
Updating website and provide material for constant improvements
Develop promotional material
Reassess printing cost

Vice-President:

Responsible to promote membership- develop effective strategy
Revise existing membership brochures and material.
Develop a card with bullet points- Why should you become a member of AAPI ?
Be in communication with the Presidents of component( member) organizations and enhance membership among component organizations.
Provide monthly report on membership
Propose a method to clean up the existing database
Liaison to YPS section
Liaison to MSRF

President-Elect:

Responsible for Articles of Incorporation and By-laws
Review the existing election policies and procedures
Identify three agencies to conduct the election
Work with the Election Officer
Analyze problems encountered in previous elections due to changes in bylaws and recommend suggestions.
Review printing contract for printing ballots and other election related material.
Develop networking with local leaders for future convention
Enhance image of AAPI
Develop and foster good relations with the industry
Plan for a leadership conference

President:

Spokesperson for the organization
Will facilitate and promote good will and understanding between all branches of AAPI including the BOT and Charitable Foundation.
Will facilitate and encourage different officers to attend local events organized by member organizations.

Regional Directors

Know your region
Be a liaison between the local organizations and AAPI
Increase communication by periodically sending e-newsletter
Attend meeting organized by the member organizations
Promote membership

Submit reports to the GB meeting
Regional Director's Report
Regional Director
Name of the region and states
Date:
No. of meetings, visits to diff organizations.
Members- New, renewed, member organizations.
Brief summary of activities, contributions of the members from the region.

Committees

Committees are essential to carry out the association's work. In order to be a voting member of the committee, one has to be a dues paid member of AAPI, however non-voting members can be appointed in capacity of consultants or advisors for their expertise. The term of the office is for a year.

Committee tasks:
1. It would be helpful to learn about a committee's mission, objectives and goals. The president may assign a charge to the committee. The committee may set goals for the year.
2. Committees generally conduct their business by teleconferences in the evenings and a few at the time of GB and Annual meetings.
3. Chair of the committee is expected to submit minutes of meetings or teleconference to the Secretary.
4. Each committee also submits a written report to the GB and request for audio-visual equip if necessary. at each one of its meetings which is compiled in to a booklet. at least 15 days before the GB meeting.
5. It is helpful if this general format is followed for the written reports.

AAPI Committee / Task Force Report

Name of Committee:
Chair:
Members of the committee:
Presenter:
Date:
Clearly identify action items and informational items.
Action Item:
i. Provide a brief summary or background information
ii. Make a clear statement of the proposal to the GB.
iii. Fiscal impact, if any
iv. Keep a record of the decision, share it with the committee and make it part of the committees next report.
No. of meetings/teleconferences held
Dates of meetings/ teleconferences held:
Attendance of the members
Charge to the Committee/ Task Force
Brief summary of activities, contributions of the committee members etc.