3 Indian American teens selected for Arizona’s prestigious APME Program

Three Indian American students—Nishita Karikatti, Sudeep Vattikuti, and Karthik Ainapurapu—have been chosen for the prestigious Accelerated Pathway to Medical Education (APME) program at the University of Arizona. This selective program offers a fast-track path from undergraduate studies to medical school, designed to address the growing need for primary care physicians in Arizona.

These students are from the 2025 graduating class of BASIS Charter Schools, a high-performing tuition-free public school network serving K–12 across multiple states. Their selection highlights their academic achievements, leadership qualities, and commitment to community service.

Nishita Karikatti: STEM scholar and advocate for women’s health

Nishita Karikatti, a graduate of BASIS Oro Valley, is a nationally recognized STEM scholar with a passion for mental health advocacy and community volunteering. She plans to major in physiology and medical sciences with a minor in Spanish. Looking ahead, Nishita wants to engage in clinical research and global health efforts, with a vision to establish a nonprofit focusing on women’s health and underserved populations.

Expressing gratitude for her teachers’ support, Nishita said, “This opportunity brings me one step closer to bridging gaps in access to healthcare, particularly in rural and mental health services.”

Sudeep Vattikuti: Future ophthalmologist with strong communication skills

Sudeep Vattikuti graduated from BASIS Peoria, where he excelled in the rigorous science curriculum and earned national recognition as a debater. His experience in debate sharpened his communication and critical thinking—key skills that distinguish him in the competitive medical school admissions landscape. Sudeep aspires to specialize in ophthalmology, aiming to improve patient lives by restoring vision through surgical care.

He shared, “Medicine is about helping people, but it’s also about listening, communicating, and problem-solving—skills I’ve worked hard to develop both in the classroom and through competitive debate.”

Karthik Ainapurapu: Committed to serving underserved communities

Karthik Ainapurapu, from BASIS Tucson North, was inspired to pursue medicine early on through his parents and an influential AP Psychology class. Hands-on volunteering at a clinic for the unhoused reinforced his dedication. Karthik is determined to serve Southern Arizona’s underserved communities both as a practicing physician and a mentor to future healthcare providers.

He noted, “I’ve always known I wanted to serve the community that raised me, and this program gives me the chance to turn my passion for medicine into real impact.”

Meeting Arizona’s growing need for primary care physicians

Arizona currently faces a shortage of primary care doctors, with an estimated 600 additional physicians needed now and a projected demand for 2,000 more by 2030. The University of Arizona’s APME program responds to this critical need by allowing students to accelerate their medical education on a seven-year track, combining undergraduate and medical school studies.

APME offers high school seniors early, conditional admission to medical school without the need for the MCAT, contingent on maintaining strong academic and professional standards during college. The program is highly competitive, drawing hundreds of applicants annually nationwide.

University of Arizona welcomes exceptional future physicians

Tejal M. Parikh, Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of the Comprehensive Education Center at the College of Medicine – Tucson, praised the students’ selection: “Their academic excellence, leadership, and deep commitment to service embody the values we champion at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. They represent the next generation of leaders who will advance health and wellness in our community and beyond.”

Parikh emphasized that these students will help drive innovation and fulfill the university’s mission to transform lives through education, research, and compassionate patient care.