August 1st, 2025 | Author: Andrew Chang
Introduction
Dr. Henry Chen is a board-certified physician specializing in Internal Medicine and Primary Care with over forty years of experience. He earned his medical degree from Guangzhou Medical College and Sun Yat-Sen University, School of Medicine, and completed his residency at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital. A co-founder of ACAP and its president from 2006–2008, Dr. Chen is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, and provides comprehensive care including routine check-ups, chronic condition management, and coordination with specialists. Dr. Chen is one of the founders and serving as CEO of ECAP IPA (2005), CCACO (2012) since inceptions for the best benefit of the Chinese American physician community in New York. He received U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from the White House in 2022.
The Origins of ACAP
In the mid-1990s, a wave of Chinese physicians were establishing themselves in the United States, many of them recent immigrants balancing both personal and professional transitions. While their medical training had prepared them to treat patients, adapting to the American healthcare system posed unique challenges. Language barriers, unfamiliar regulations, and the absence of professional networks left many physicians isolated. Recognizing this gap, a small group of about 20 to 30 doctors – including Dr. Henry Chen – took the first steps toward creating a community of support. They founded what was initially known as the American Association of Chinese Physicians (AACP), a grassroots effort to build solidarity and exchange knowledge in an unfamiliar environment.
The Early Years of ACAP
“We all spoke the same language and understood the culture,” Dr. Chen later recalled. “That foundation made it easier to exchange ideas and navigate the challenges of building a life and career in a new country.” In its early years, AACP functioned less like a formal institution and more like an extended family. Meetings were small and informal, driven by a desire to support one another as colleagues and as fellow immigrants. The founding members shared not only medical concerns but also personal stories of struggle and perseverance, finding strength in common experiences.
Necessary Changes
By 2000, the fledgling organization faced significant financial and structural hurdles. Despite its value as a community hub, the organization faced severe financial and structural challenges. With little external funding and limited membership dues, the association teetered on the brink of collapse. The organization’s funds had dwindled to just $300. It was during this critical period that Dr. Chen, then a rising leader, helped spearhead a major transformation. Alongside colleagues like Drs. Bing Lu, Huachen Wei, Ming Zhu, David Zhang, Lisa Eng, and James Long from MDLand, Dr. Chen was able to implement reforms that would reshape the association’s future. Together, they introduced formal governance, including the establishment of a two-year presidential term limit to ensure fresh leadership and sustained momentum. Just as importantly, they redefined the organization’s identity by changing its name to the Association of Chinese American Physicians (ACAP). The new name reflected both pride in their heritage and a forward-looking vision for belonging within the broader American medical landscape.
Keeping ACAP Alive
One decisive moment came when Dr. Chen reached out to his close friend, cardiologist Dr. Samuel Chan, who generously donated a $3,000 honorarium. That infusion of support gave ACAP the stability it desperately needed to continue its mission. More than just financial aid, the donation symbolized the power of solidarity within the community – a reminder that acts of generosity could spark long-term resilience.
Expanding ACAP
From that turning point, ACAP began to evolve into a thriving, multifaceted organization. Under Dr. Chen’s leadership and the foundation laid during his tenure, the association expanded beyond simple networking. Scientific meetings were organized to ensure continuing medical education for members, while social gatherings fostered lasting professional and personal relationships. Community outreach also became central, with ACAP physicians volunteering their time and expertise to host health fairs, screenings, and educational programs, particularly in underserved Chinese American neighborhoods like Chinatown and Flushing. Dr. Chen and his colleagues understood that medicine extended beyond clinic walls. By investing their time and energy in ACAP, they not only strengthened professional ties but also amplified the collective voice of Chinese American physicians. Since Dr. Chen’s presidency, ACAP has established sub-chapters such as Pathology, Mid Atlantic, etc. and their efforts have continued to give members tools to navigate insurance systems, led to the formation of ECAP IPA, improved advocacy for their patients, and promoted opportunities to address health disparities within immigrant communities.
Legacy and Mission
From those humble beginnings, ACAP steadily evolved into a robust and dynamic organization. Through meetings, scientific programs, and community outreach, members invested their time and expertise to grow ACAP into a platform that now supports not only Chinese American physicians but also researchers and healthcare professionals across the broader Asian American community. “We started from nothing, but we built something strong—together,” Dr. Chen reflected. The story of ACAP is one of resilience, shared values, and unwavering support—an enduring legacy that continues to empower new generations of medical professionals navigating the complexities of American healthcare.
About the Author
Andrew Chang is a senior at the Fieldston School in New York. He enjoys playing golf and is a member of his high school team. He has been involved in many ACAP events including practice management meeting and holiday parties, and is very grateful for the opportunities and community that ACAP has brought to him.