In a landmark second, Indian-origin physician Dr. Bobby Mukkamala was sworn in because the AMA’s one hundred and eightieth president on June 11, 2025, changing into the primary Indian-American to go the highly effective group. Mukkamala, who has simply recovered from surgical procedure for an 8-cm mind tumor, attributed his success to his immigrant dad and mom and his upbringing in Flint, Michigan, throughout an emotional inaugural speech.
Historic Appointment And Private Success
“Once I was recovering from mind surgical procedure on the Mayo Clinic, this recognition was a far cry,” Mukkamala mentioned in his tackle to AMA members, recalling his restoration from a probably deadly situation. The Flint-based ENT specialist, who was born to Indian immigrant physicians Apparao and Sumathi Mukkamala, was very clear about highlighting his dad and mom’ sacrifices. “I stand right here on the shoulders of my dad and mom, who believed America provided alternatives not potential in India,” he mentioned. Mukkamala, who earned his medical diploma from the College of Michigan and accomplished residency at Loyola College in Chicago, practices alongside his spouse, Dr. Nita Kulkarni, an obstetrician-gynecologist. They’ve two sons, Nikhil, a biomedical engineer, and Deven, a PhD candidate in political science.
Please be a part of us in celebrating the inauguration of Bobby Mukkamala, MD, the one hundred and eightieth president of #OurAMA. Dr. Mukkamala is an completed otolaryngologist primarily based in Flint, Michigan, with over twenty years of dynamic management in organized medication and public well being. He’s additionally the… pic.twitter.com/xTSUAZDzsF
— AMA (@AmerMedicalAssn) June 11, 2025
Advocacy And Public Service
Mukkamala has been a number one AMA voice, serving as chair of the Substance Use and Ache Care Job Power to deal with the overdose epidemic via evidence-based coverage. Public service consists of main the Group Basis of Better Flint via the town’s water disaster to deal with mitigating lead publicity in youngsters. In his remarks, he emphasised well being disparities in under-served communities reminiscent of Flint, the place life expectancy is nearly six years decrease than the nationwide normal, based on CDC statistics. “My spouse and I’ve seen these disparities up shut,” he mentioned, citing the rising scarcity of physicians and financial pressures driving docs out of personal observe.
Imaginative and prescient For Healthcare Reform
Mukkamala urged immediate reforms to remove gaps within the US healthcare system. Struggling for correct well being protection and a sustainable, equitable mannequin of healthcare is important,” he urged, cautioning that sufferers are prevented from seeing them as physicians wrestle. He recounted a affected person’s devotion after surgical procedure, ready six weeks for his return, so as to emphasise belief in physicians. As AMA president, Mukkamala will search to advertise accessible, inexpensive care and higher authorities funding for analysis and for public well being. “Our sufferers, physicians, and nation deserve higher,” he said.
Public and Social Media Response
The nomination has broadly resonated, with X customers reminiscent of @HealthEquityNow commending Mukkamala’s emphasis on underserved communities. His background of perseverance and immigrant achievement has lifted many, with tweets referring to him as a “trailblazer for Indian Individuals.” As he begins his time period, Mukkamala’s management is about to affect U.S. healthcare coverage beneath pressing challenges.