Leading with Heart: CAPI’s 2025 Evening of Hope Gala Honors Service, Legacy, and the Future of Healthcare
- Paula Wyatt
- Dec 9, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 24, 2025
On December 6th, nearly 300 CAPI members along with community healthcare leaders (from AdventHealth, HCA Healthcare, Orlando Health and UCF College of Medicine) gathered at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress to celebrate one of CAPI’s most anticipated annual traditions—the 2025 Evening of Hope Gala. This signature event, presented in partnership with the American Heart Association, beautifully showcased the heart of CAPI: service, community, culture, and collaboration.
For nearly 20 years, The Central Florida Association of Physicians from the Indian Subcontinent (CAPI) has united more than 600 medical and dental professionals dedicated to advancing healthcare excellence and uplifting the region through philanthropy, education, and cultural pride. With more than half a million dollars in scholarships, grants, and charitable initiatives awarded to date, CAPI continues to strengthen Central Florida while honoring the heritage that connects our community.
This year’s gala—our Evening of Heart—reflected that mission in every moment.
A Warm Welcome: Honoring Our Past While Shaping Our Future
The evening opened with a moving presentation of the U.S. and Indian national anthems, followed by an inspiring welcome from CAPI Co-Founder Dr. Amish Parikh, who reflected on CAPI’s nearly 30-year journey. From its beginnings in 1995 as DOSA (Doctors of South Asia) to its evolution into CAPI in 2008 and now a thriving 501(c)(6) professional association, CAPI’s legacy of healthcare excellence, cultural celebration, and community leadership continues to flourish.
Guests were then greeted by a special video messages from
· Consulate General of India Shri Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan
· President of the American Medical Association (AMA) is Dr. Bobby Mukkamala
Before the Evening of Hope Gala begins, a room of healthcare industry innovators gather for a unique pre -event celebration (form 5pm to 7pm) - CAPI’s highly anticipated Annual Medical Exhibition. A premier showcase featuring interactive engagement tables, specialty networking, and hands-on opportunities to connect with innovators shaping the future of healthcare—setting the perfect tone for the inspiring night ahead.
A Year in Review: Celebrating a Milestone Year for CAPI
Shown Here: CAPI 2025 President, Dr. Neelima Katukuri and CAPI 2026 President, Dr. Shveta Gupta
CAPI President Dr. Neelima Katukuri took the stage to reflect on a remarkable year—one defined by growth, community engagement, cultural celebration, and advancements that strengthened CAPI’s place as a leading medical association in Central Florida. Supported by a dynamic visual presentation, her remarks highlighted the programs, partnerships, and achievements that shaped 2025 and expanded CAPI’s mission of service, education, and cultural connection.
Strengthening Medical Partnerships & Expanding Educational Impact
In 2025, CAPI continued to deepen its academic and community partnerships—most notably with the UCF India Center and the UCF College of Medicine—expanding opportunities for cultural exchange, research collaboration, and student engagement. These partnerships helped elevate CAPI’s presence across campus and strengthened our shared commitment to education and community impact. CAPI also continued investing in future healthcare leaders through the CAPI Endowed Scholarship Fund, supporting students who demonstrate exceptional promise, compassion, and commitment to improving health outcomes in Central Florida.
A highlight of the year included the CAPI Award for Excellence, presented in partnership with AdventHealth’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program). This annual recognition honors on resident and one faculty member. Learn More. Together, these initiatives reflect CAPI’s ongoing commitment to elevating education, fostering collaboration, and empowering the next generation of physicians and researchers.
Promoting Community Health Through Education, Prevention & Outreach
CAPI continued its longstanding commitment to strengthening community health with cornerstone programs throughout 2025:
Community Health Fair – January 2025 - This annual event brought physicians, nurses, and healthcare experts together to provide screenings, education, and direct support to Central Florida residents. The fair remains one of CAPI’s most impactful outreach initiatives—ensuring families have access to preventative care and reliable health information.
Oncology Summit – April 5, 2025 - CAPI convened leading oncologists, researchers, and practitioners for a day of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Topics included breakthroughs in diagnostics, survivor support, and culturally competent cancer care—helping strengthen cancer treatment across Central Florida.
Men’s Leadership Forum – June 24, 2025 - Designed to foster mentorship, connection, and personal development, the Men’s Leadership Forum brought together male physicians and community leaders to discuss leadership, wellness, and professional growth in a supportive peer environment.
Nurses Appreciation Week - CAPI proudly celebrated the nurses who serve as the backbone of patient care. Through recognition events, personal messages, and member engagement, CAPI honored their dedication, compassion, and essential role across every healthcare setting.
Cardiology Summit – August 9, 2025 - This high-level summit highlighted advancements in cardiovascular care, from innovative imaging and diagnostics to breakthrough treatments and collaborative care models. The event fostered dialogue among cardiologists, internists, and allied health professionals dedicated to improving heart health outcomes.
Celebrating Culture & Building Community Connections
CAPI’s commitment to honoring Indian heritage remained central throughout 2025, with cultural experiences that strengthened community bonds and celebrated the traditions that bring our membership together.
Holi Celebration – Turkey Lake Park - Members and families came together for a vibrant Holi celebration filled with color, joy, music, and cultural connection. This family-friendly event remains one of CAPI’s most cherished community moments of the year.
Orlando Health Presents the Annual CAPI Diwali Celebration- A celebrated partnership tradition.
New Member Mixer – November 7, 2025 - This growing tradition welcomed new physicians, dentists, and trainees into the CAPI community. Attendees enjoyed an evening of networking, cultural connection, and professional engagement, continuing CAPI’s commitment to building a strong, inclusive membership
Women’s Leadership Forum – May 11, 2025 - This signature event celebrated the voices, experiences, and leadership pathways of women across medicine. From keynote presentations to mentorship discussions, the forum empowered attendees to connect, grow, and champion one another. A special highlight included recognizing the work of Dr. Jennifer Solms Nelson for her research in genomics—advancing cardiovascular and precision medicine. A check for $5,00 was presented to Nemours Children's Hospital.
Honoring Leaders & Looking Ahead
During her presentation at the 2025 Evening of Hope Gala, Dr. Katukuri recognized the UCF India Center and honored the 2025 Executive Committee for their leadership, service, and dedication to advancing CAPI’s mission. And presented a check for $10,000.
Her thoughtful stewardship strengthened CAPI’s presence across Central Florida and built a powerful foundation for the organization’s next chapter. Under her presidency, CAPI not only broadened its programs and partnerships—it deepened its cultural footprint and reaffirmed its commitment to community health, education, and service.
As CAPI steps into 2026 with renewed momentum, the organization stands stronger than ever—united by mission, inspired by community, and rooted in nearly three decades of shared history.
Honoring a Global Leader: 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
During the 2025 Gala, CAPI proudly honored Dr. Jogi V. Pattisapu with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary contributions as a pediatric neurosurgeon, educator, and global humanitarian. Though currently in India, the award was accepted by Dr. Debra German, Dean of the UCF College of Medicine. Dr. Pattisapu founded the Pediatric Neurosurgery program at Arnold Palmer Hospital and has spent more than four decades advancing pediatric neuroscience, medical education, and international humanitarian work. His recent JAMA-published study—showing that fortifying table salt with folic acid can significantly reduce neural tube defects—has the potential to transform global maternal–child health.
Gala Partner Spotlight: The American Heart Association
CAPI was honored to welcome LaSonia Landry, Senior Vice President of the American Heart Association, who shared a powerful update on the AHA’s life-saving work across Central Florida. Through research, community programs, and advocacy, the AHA continues to advance health outcomes for families throughout our region. A check for $5,000 was presented at the December event.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for 2026
Incoming 2026 President Dr. Shveta Gupta shared an inspiring preview of the year ahead. Her vision builds on CAPI’s core pillars—healthcare excellence, education, philanthropy, and cultural celebration—while expanding opportunities for:
Member engagement
Leadership development
Community partnerships
Strategic grantmaking
Cultural and heritage events
Her message was clear: CAPI’s next chapter is one of growth, innovation, and deeper community impact.
A Night to Remember. A Mission That Continues.
The 2025 Evening of Hope Gala was more than an event—it was a reflection of who we are:
A community of leaders committed to healthcare excellence
A network dedicated to uplifting the next generation
A family that proudly celebrates Indian heritage
A collective force working to build a healthier, more connected Central Florida
As CAPI moves into 2026 with renewed purpose and inspiring momentum, we remain grateful for every member, partner, and supporter who shares in this mission.
Together, we will continue advancing health, strengthening community, and celebrating culture—always with heart.
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