Message FROM PRESIDENT- 2026

Shaping Our Future Together
 
Dear Members, Colleagues, and Friends,
As we embark on this transformative year, I am deeply honored to serve as your President for the APPNA South Texas Chapter (STC) for 2026. Standing at the threshold of a new year, I am energized by the vibrant spirit of our Houston and South Texas medical community—a community built on a legacy of excellence, compassion, and unwavering dedication.
Our mission for 2026 is clear: From Affluence to Influence. Under the broader vision of APPNA President Dr. Babar Rao, we are committed to moving beyond professional success to create a measurable, lasting impact on policy, healthcare equity, and community welfare.
2026 is a transformative year for our organization, and I am committed to focusing our collective energy on several key pillars:
 
Empowering the Next Generation: YPC Program
Our young and early-career physicians are the future of medicine. This year, we are bolstering our Young Physician Committee (YPC) program to provide enhanced mentorship, career guidance, and residency support. By offering specialized networking sessions and navigating the 2026 Match process together, we will ensure our young members thrive in their professional journeys.
 
Compassionate Service: Philanthropy & Medical Missions
Service lies at the heart of APPNA STC. In 2026, we are strengthening our social welfare team to support local, national, and international charities. Our Medical Missions & Philanthropy programs will focus on providing direct, life-changing healthcare support to underserved communities.
 
Community Engagement & Health Fairs
We are expanding our local outreach through regular, free health screenings and wellness fairs across Greater Houston. By addressing health issues within our local community, we are bridging the healthcare gap and raising the visibility of our members as compassionate caregivers.
 
 Fostering Unity: Sports & Culture
To foster unity through shared experiences, we are hosting a vibrant calendar of sports tournaments, including Cricket, Golf, Badminton, and Table Tennis. These events, along with our cultural gatherings, are essential to building camaraderie, fostering friendships, and promoting a healthy lifestyle among our members and their families.
 
 The strength of APPNA STC lies in its unity. I invite each of you to join me in this journey—whether by becoming a member, participating in our events, or volunteering for our community initiatives.
Together, let’s make 2026 a year of transformative change and extraordinary achievement.
 
Warm regards,
Dr. Mansoor Zaidi, MD FASN
President, APPNA South Texas Chapter 2026

 

Message FROM PRESIDENT- 2025

Dear APPNA South Texas Chapter Members, Friends, and Supporters,

As we stand on the threshold of a brand new year, I can practically feel the energy buzzing in the air here in Houston and across the vibrant South Texas region! This is a time of growth, cultural richness, and limitless opportunities for collaboration. It’s with immense pride and excitement that I take on the role of President of the APPNA South Texas Chapter for 2025. I am thrilled to embark on this incredible journey with you. Together, we hold the power to create a lasting impact in our community, and I am ready to make our dreams a reality.

Since making Houston our home in 2012, my wife and I, along with our children, have been warmly embraced by this incredible community. From the moment we arrived, we felt like part of an extended family, surrounded by kindness, support, and a shared sense of purpose. We are deeply grateful for wonderful friendships and for the oppurtunity we’ve had to connect with so many of you, and we are excited to give back by contributing to the growth and well-being of this vibrant community that has given us so much.

I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the visionary leaders who have paved the way before me. Each of the past presidents has left an inspiring mark on our chapter, shaping it into what it is today. As I step into the presidency, I aspire to not only follow in the footsteps of my predecessor, Dr. Riaz Ul Haq, but also to build upon the foundation he established in 2024, elevating our chapter to new heights. This moment is not just about looking back; it’s about celebrating our achievements and reigniting our dedication to the vibrant tapestry of our community. As a community, we have witnessed the unwavering devotion of Pakistani-American healthcare professionals in our region, and I am determined to tackle the challenges ahead with the same resolve.

I am ecstatic to work alongside such an energetic and dedicated Executive Council. Together, we aim to build on the strong foundation our chapter has established across the Greater Houston and South Texas region. Our focus will be on strengthening our connections within the broader community through impactful healthcare services, educational initiatives, philanthropic efforts, and outreach programs that align with our mission.

As I step into this exciting role as President at the start of this New Year, I am filled with passion and determination to work alongside each of you. I invite each of you to join me on this exhilarating journey. Your support and active participation are not just welcomed; they are essential as we strive to achieve our shared goals. Let’s make this year one of collaboration, growth, and transformative change. Together, we can accomplish the extraordinary!

Here’s to a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead, filled with exciting possibilities and adventures!

Warmest regards,

Naveed Saqib, MD FACS FSVS
Associate Professor & Program Director,
Vascular Surgery Residency & Fellowship
Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery
UTHealth Houston & UT at MD Anderson

President APPNA South Texas Chater