Message from the Chair, Winston F. Wong, MD, MS
This morning my morning coffee was disturbed by a “Breaking News” interruption in my television feed, leading to a chill that reverberated through my body. The Supreme Court had just released its ruling on the Trump’s Administration argument to rescind the 14th Amendment that provides birthright citizenship to children born within the jurisdiction of the United States (with a few specific exceptions). As a child of a paper son, would I hear within the next few seconds that my identity as a U.S. citizen would immediately be legally questioned? My distress was relieved in the next minute when it was announced that the Court had upheld the legitimacy of the 14th Amendment, and reminded me of the courage of Wong Kim Ark who argued before the Supreme Court in 1898 the legitimacy of his citizenship.But within the next few minutes, I also heard the details of the case of two transgender athletes in the states of Idaho and West Virginia that argued their civil rights had been violated because of those states disallowing their participation as athletes in competitive women’s sports. The SCOTUS upheld the States rights to bar these athletes, a direct rejection of these individuals’ identity as female athletes. The parallels between my fear that I might not be seen as a U.S. citizen, and these individuals facing the sanctioned rejection of their identity were all but a reflection of the narrow prejudices regarding inclusion and belonging. Every child that is born is of our community, and their derived identity and innate sense of self should be included in our quest for dignity and equity. I would rather be in a place of belonging rather than in a place of rejection. Fundamentally, that is why I believe in NCAPIP. Perhaps the SCOTUS decisions, divergent as they may seem, remind us of what we need to do as advocates for health equity.
News and Events
Forcibly Detained, Voluntarily Professional:
Japanese American Physicians During Internment
In honor of AANHPI Heritage Month, NCAPIP hosted a compelling webinar on Japanese American physician internment during World War II, featuring guests Dr. Troy Kaji and Dr. Gwenn Jensen
Gwenn M. Jensen is an oral historian and medical anthropologist with a master’s and Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Colorado. Together with Naomi Hirahara, she coauthored Silent Scars of Healing Hands: Oral Histories of Japanese American Doctors in World War II Detention Camps.
NCAPIP Perspectives
Physicians Call for Reinstatement of Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
NCAPIP calls Secretary Kennedy’s dismissal of ACIP members, a hazard to the U.S. Public Health.
NCAPIP'S Mission
We are doctors who put our patients and communities first, and work towards optimal health for all.
Advancing Health Equity, One Community at a Time
In these challenging times for public health, NCAPIP stands as a trusted voice for AANHPI physicians and the communities we serve—over 10% of the U.S. physician workforce. From small safety net clinics to national health systems, we fight for equity, culturally responsive care, and the belief that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. We uplift disaggregated data, combat silent epidemics like diabetes, and champion the next generation of diverse medical leaders. As a bridge between frontline providers and national policymakers, your support helps us keep that bridge strong—and ensures that no voice or community is left behind.
Donate now to sustain this mission. We are advocates for patients and communities – not physician interests – and every contribution helps us continue this vital, values-driven work.
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National Council of Asian Pacific Islanders Physicians
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(510) 919-3025