Atlanta-based rheumatologist Dr. Annapurna Bhat was honored in Washington, D.C., on the floor of the United States House of Representatives when Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson recognized her decades of medical, philanthropic, and community service.
In remarks entered into the Congressional Record, Jackson praised Bhat for more than 30 years of service as a physician, community leader, and philanthropist. He highlighted her work as CEO and managing partner of Bhat and Bhat Medical Center in Stockbridge, Georgia, and her service as an attending rheumatologist at Henry Hospital and Southern Regional Hospital.
Bhat completed her medical education at Kasturba Medical College, followed by a residency in internal medicine at Woodhull Medical Center in New York and a fellowship in rheumatology at Emory University.
Jackson also recognized Bhat’s leadership in professional and community organizations, including her roles as founder president of the Georgia Karnataka Doctors Association, president of the Bhat Foundation, president of NAVIKA for 2026-2027, and chair of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin Alumni. Her affiliations include the American College of Physicians, the American Medical Association, the Medical Association of Georgia, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, the Association of Kerala Medical Graduates, and the Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage.
Beyond medicine, Bhat has been involved with numerous educational, cultural, and civic organizations, including the Hindu Temple of Atlanta, Nrupathunga Kannada Koota of Atlanta, Clayton State University, the Indian American International Chamber of Commerce, and several health, arts, and women’s empowerment initiatives.
The congressional tribute also noted Bhat’s charitable and humanitarian work, including disaster relief fundraising, scholarship initiatives in Georgia and India, and service through the Rotary Club of Atlanta Southern Crescent, where she is a Major Donor and Paul Harris Fellow.
Jackson described Bhat as “a daughter of India, a servant of Georgia, a healer by profession, and a philanthropist by conviction,” recognizing her contributions to medicine, civic life, and community service.