Atlanta-based rheumatologist Dr. Annapurna Bhat was honored in Washington, D.C., on the floor of the U.S. 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 Stock- bridge, Georgia, and her service as an attending rheumatologist at Henry Hospital and Southern Regional Hospital.
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.