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Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Medical Faculty Association Affinity Group

Mission

AAPI Affinity Logo

The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Medical Faculty Association Affinity Group seeks to: 

  • Provide mentorship and support to medical students, residents, fellows, and faculty of Asian and Pacific Islander descent

  • Raise awareness of and challenge racism, prejudice, and bias experienced by Asians and Asian-Americans at Emory University School of Medicine and in the workplace

  • Promote research, treatment, and education in the health and well-being of Asian and Pacific Islander people and their communities


Chairs

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AAPI Facts

  • Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is an annual celebration that recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States. 
  • The AAPI umbrella term includes cultures from the entire Asian continent - including East, Southeast, and South Asia, the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. 
  • The month of May has been chosen for AAPI Heritage Month because it commemorates the immigration of the first Japanese people to the United States on May 7, 1843. May is also a significant month because it recognizes Golden Spike Day (May 10, 1869), which marks the completion of the transcontinental railroad that was built with significant contributions from Chinese workers. 
  • As of 2019, there were approximately 22.9 million people of Asian or Pacific Islander descent in the United States. According to the Pew Research Center, APPI people are a diverse and growing population that makes up about 7% of the total U.S. population and is the fastest-growing racial group in the United States. 

Member Profiles

Pediatric Endocrinology Sobha P. Fritz, PhD Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Growing up as a first-generation American born in the United States, I learned to appreciate my South Indian heritage while embracing my American ideals. As a child, I watched my dad balance family life with the rigorous professional demands of being a full professor in the School of Medicine. My mother showed me how to incorporate traditional South Indian values while pursuing her career goals and findings time to enjoy her passions for gardening, cooking, sewing, entertaining, and painting. As I watched my mother and father grow professionally, I carefully observed how they took care of those around them. My parents taught my sisters and me that caring for others in our community not only shapes who you are as an individual but also helps foster a sense of community.

My Asian American heritage led me to pursue a career as a pediatric psychologist, which emphasizes the importance of the family structure while caring compassionately for others. Battling stereotypes as an Asian American impacted my personal and professional life. Thus, I sought out opportunities to work within the Department of Psychiatry - Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee, the Department of Pediatrics - Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and the Anti-Racism Training Subgroup for the Society of Pediatrics Psychology. I was able to give back by volunteering my professional skills regarding the COVID-19 and racism pandemics. I continue to proudly carry my family's South Indian customs by teaching my children about festivals and holidays, like Diwali by decorating our home with Rangoli and diyas, cooking traditional dishes like biriyani (a flavorful rice dish) and making peda (an Indian sweet often made during holidays an celebrations), and sharing the beauty of my culture with friends and family. 

Sobha Fritz headshot

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