Celebrating the Power, Purpose, and Presence of Women in Medicine: The CAPI Women’s Leadership Forum:

For nearly two decades, the Central Florida Association of Physicians from the Indian Subcontinent (CAPI) has united more than 600 medical and dental professionals committed to advancing healthcare excellence, leadership, and community impact. Through education, philanthropy, and cultural connection, CAPI has contributed more than half a million dollars—and growing—toward strengthening Central Florida’s healthcare ecosystem while proudly elevating Indian culture and cross-cultural understanding.

Among CAPI’s most cherished and impactful traditions is the CAPI Women’s Leadership Forum—an annual gathering designed to honor, uplift, and empower women physicians. Timed intentionally around Mother’s Day, the forum has become a space for reflection, renewal, and connection, celebrating the extraordinary women who balance medicine, leadership, family, and service with grace and grit.

This is more than an event. It is a celebration of energy—the collective force of women in medicine who lead with compassion, resilience, and vision.

Leadership Rooted in Service

CAPI is led by an all-volunteer leadership team, with Presidents elected to a five-year progression that reflects extraordinary dedication—especially for physicians balancing demanding careers, family life, and community service. That depth of commitment is what makes the CAPI Women’s Leadership Forum so meaningful. Each year, the Forum is shaped by the vision, experience, and leadership style of the sitting President. No two gatherings are the same—each one uniquely reflecting the priorities and perspective of a woman who has devoted years to advancing CAPI and the broader healthcare community.

Over the years, the CAPI Women’s Leadership Forum has evolved into a signature, members-only experience—each year shaped by timely themes, meaningful dialogue, and leaders who bring authenticity to the stage. As part of CAPI’s ongoing commitment to nurture and support its entire membership, this signature experience has intentionally grown into a women-centric forum that celebrates leadership, wellness, and connection. CAPI’s female physicians are invited guests, and in the spirit of inclusivity and shared support, invitations are also extended to the spouses of male physicians. Designed exclusively for CAPI members and their spouses, the Forum creates a trusted space for connection, reflection, and leadership growth within our community. Let’s take a look at some of our past experiences.

2025 | Strong Women, Strong Families

📍 Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress👩‍⚕️ CAPI President 2025: Dr. Neelima Katukuri

The 2025 Women’s Leadership Forum celebrated the power of Mom Docs—women physicians navigating demanding careers while nurturing families and communities. The day was filled with heartfelt insights and honest dialogue around balancing personal and professional life.

A major highlight was welcoming Nemours Children’s Hospital, where attendees learned about groundbreaking pediatric genomics research focused on uncovering genetic and epigenetic causes of congenital heart disease. CAPI proudly supported this work through a check presentation, reinforcing the belief that investing in women and science creates healthier futures for all.

We heard from 3 “mom docs” each sharing wisdom and insights into parenting at different cycles of life:  Power Chats featured:

• Dr. Preethi Gondi on balancing screen time with young children

• Dr. Swathy Kolli on emotional well-being for preteens and teens

• Dr. Beena Parikh on parenting from afar while nurturing personal well-being

“The Women’s Leadership Forum reminds us that our strength as physicians is amplified when we support one another—not just professionally, but personally.”— Dr. Neelima Katukuri, CAPI President 2025

2024 | Discovering Your True North: The Art of Self-Care

📍 The Conrad, Orlando👩‍⚕️ CAPI President 2024: Dr. Alka Arora

The 2024 Women’s Leadership Forum invited women physicians to pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves as leaders and caregivers. Centered on self-awareness and authenticity, the experience created space for meaningful conversation around confidence, leadership presence, and the internal narratives that often shape women’s professional journeys.

Attendees heard from Garima Shah, Founder and CEO of Biller Genie, who led a powerful discussion on imposter syndrome, exploring how high-achieving women can recognize self-doubt, reclaim confidence, and step fully into their leadership potential. The event featured Suzanne A. Worthington, Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer at Orlando Health, who shared insights drawn from decades of healthcare leadership. Her perspective on quality, service excellence, and purposeful leadership reinforced the importance of clarity, consistency, and courage in advancing healthcare systems and supporting women at every stage of their careers.

“The Women’s Leadership Forum is a space where women physicians can step back, reflect, and reconnect with what grounds them. When we invest in ourselves, we strengthen our ability to lead—with intention, compassion, and confidence.”— Dr. Alka Arora, CAPI President 2024

The forum was proudly supported by Orlando Health Women’s Institute, whose partnership reinforced the shared commitment to advancing women’s leadership and well-being in healthcare.

2023 | Women Inspiring Women

📍 Lake Nona Wave👩‍⚕️ CAPI President 2022: Dr. Sushma Nakka

The 2022 Women’s Leadership Forum, themed Women Inspiring Women, brought together women physicians for a dynamic and inspiring experience focused on leadership, resilience, and lifting one another through shared wisdom. Set in Lake Nona’s innovation district, the forum blended celebration, reflection, and meaningful dialogue around the impact women leaders have across healthcare, education, and community.

A powerful highlight of the day was welcoming Dr. Deborah German, MD, Vice President for Health Affairs and Founding Dean of the UCF College of Medicine, as Guest of Honor. Dr. German shared insights from her trailblazing career in academic medicine, including building a nationally recognized medical school, advancing inclusive medical education, and shaping the future of healthcare leadership.

The forum also featured a panel discussion with respected healthcare leaders, including Dr. Anjali Vyas.  President of Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies offering perspectives on physician leadership, engagement, and system-wide impact. Attendees were further inspired by Madhurima Boyapati Paturi, Founder and President of ShakthiUS, who spoke on advocacy, empowerment, and supporting women and families through community-driven solutions.

“When women in medicine come together to share their stories, experiences, and leadership journeys, we don’t just inspire one another—we strengthen the future of healthcare.”— Dr. Sushma Nakka, CAPI President 2022

Looking Ahead: 2026 Women’s Leadership Forum (May 2026)

📍 Venue: To Be Announced👩‍⚕️ CAPI President 2026: Dr. Shveta Gupta

The 2026 CAPI Women’s Leadership Forum will continue this powerful tradition with Nourish & Flourish: A Women’s Wellness Experience—a thoughtfully curated gathering designed to honor, uplift, and empower women in healthcare and the broader community.

Nourish & Flourish will be a three-hour immersive wellness experience, blending grounding rituals, restorative practices, and meaningful connection. Rooted in CAPI’s mission, the forum reflects a deep commitment to supporting women who lead with compassion, purpose, and resilience.

Attendees can look forward to inspiring workshops, energizing moments, and powerful speakers, alongside hands-on experiences and thoughtfully crafted food and beverages. Every element is intentionally designed to create space to pause, reconnect, and leave feeling centered, supported, and renewed.

Partnership Information for Nourish & Flourish

“The Women’s Leadership Forum reflects CAPI’s belief that strong healthcare systems are built by women who are supported, energized, and connected. Nourish & Flourish is about creating space to renew ourselves—so we can continue leading with purpose.”—

Dr. Shveta Gupta, CAPI President 2026

As CAPI looks to the future, the Women’s Leadership Forum remains a cornerstone of its mission—celebrating the voices, experiences, and impact of women in medicine while creating a space to recharge, reflect, and rise together.

Because when women lead with purpose, everyone benefits.

2019  | The Inaugural Women's Forum - Four Seasons Orlando 

2022 | Honoring Women in Medicine - The Ritz Carlton Orlando

2023 | Women Inspiring Women - Lake Nona Wave

2024 | Discovering Your True North: The Art of Self-Care - The Conrad Orlando

2025 | Strong Women, Strong Families - Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

2026 | Nourish and Flourish: A Women's Wellness Experience