Chicago, May 10 (IANS): Over 2,000 doctors are expected to attend the five-day annual convention of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) - the largest ethnic medical organization in the US and a very politically influential group by virtue of their nationwide presence and wide social respect - from May 23.

The 31st annual convention will provide a forum for the Indian origin physicians to deliberate on ways to enhance their own professional growth while offering opportunities for networking and staying united, the organisers said in a media release.

Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, AAPI represents the interests of over 100,000 physicians and fellows of Indian heritage in the US and serves as an umbrella organization for over 160 professional and alumni associations.

Democrat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will be the keynote speaker at the convention. Other speakers include Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn, the lone Indian-American House member Ami Bera and the first Hindu-American member of the House Tulsi Gabbard.

"Some of the other major attractions include cutting-edge Continuing Medical Education with renowned speakers, alumni meetings, delicious ethnic cuisine, fashion shows, and the best of the Bollywood entertainment," said AAPI President Narendra R. Kumar.

"AAPI was formed in the midst of challenges that physicians of Indian origin have faced due to cultural barriers and bias against international medical graduates. Those barriers created obstacles to immigration and licensing opportunities," said Jayesh Shah, President-Elect of AAPI.

"Today, the organization is a dynamic body, spearheading legislative agendas on health care and influencing the advancement of ethnic medical organizations."