In an era where healthcare faces rapid transformation, uncertain challenges, and a desperate need for compassionate leadership, Bobby Mukkamala, AMA President, stands out as a beacon of hope, integrity, and inspiration. Sworn in as the 180th president of the American Medical Association (AMA) in 2025, Dr. Mukkamala made history—not just as an accomplished otolaryngologist and policy influencer—but as the first physician of Indian heritage to lead the nation’s most powerful voice for medicine.
But his story is far greater than a title. It is a moving narrative of humble beginnings, heartfelt service, and unshakable commitment to patients, physicians, and the community of Flint, Michigan—a city that shaped him and one he continues to serve with unwavering dedication.
Bobby Mukkamala: Roots Grounded in Purpose
Born to physician parents who immigrated to the U.S. with dreams of better healthcare and greater opportunities, Bobby Mukkamala’s journey is both deeply personal and universally inspiring. A graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. Mukkamala chose to specialise in otolaryngology—treating conditions of the ear, nose, and throat—but his calling extended far beyond the exam room.
After completing his residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago in 2000, he made a conscious decision that few would have taken. Rather than settling in a bustling metropolis, Dr. Mukkamala returned to Flint—a working-class city struggling with systemic challenges, including a water crisis that drew national scrutiny. For him, Flint wasn’t just home; it was a mission.
Today, he practices in solo, private practice, sharing a clinic with his wife, Dr. Nita Kulkarni, an obstetrician-gynaecologist. Together, they embody the spirit of community-focused medicine, where healing is personal, and care is both science and soul.
From Flint to the Forefront of American Medicine
Dr. Mukkamala’s ascent to the presidency of the AMA is the result of decades of tireless service. His involvement with the AMA began during residency, and over time, he emerged as a key voice across multiple roles:
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Member and Chair, AMA Council on Science and Public Health
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Chair, AMA Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force
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President, Michigan State Medical Society
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Board Member, Genesee County Medical Society
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Leadership Award Winner, AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine
Through each role, Dr. Mukkamala pushed boundaries. He brought clarity to complex public health issues, championed policies grounded in evidence, and advocated for vulnerable populations. His leadership style? Humble yet fearless. Strategic yet human.
Most significantly, he became a voice for physicians and patients alike—a rare duality in today’s healthcare landscape.
Healing Flint and Fighting for Justice
Bobby Mukkamala, AMA President, never let his national influence disconnect him from local roots. When the Flint water crisis erupted, exposing thousands of children to dangerous lead levels, Dr. Mukkamala became a critical agent of change.
As the former chair of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, he helped mobilise resources to counteract the devastating effects of lead exposure. From early childhood education programs to nutritional support and healthcare access, his initiatives weren’t just charitable—they were life-changing.
He also serves on the board of the Foundation for Flint and was appointed trustee of the C.S. Mott Foundation, working tirelessly to build a just and sustainable future for Flint’s youth. In 2012, he and his wife took their commitment further by establishing the Endowed Health Professions Scholarships at the University of Michigan-Flint, ensuring future healthcare leaders could rise regardless of background.
Bobby Mukkamala: A Voice of Conscience in a Time of Crisis
In Dr. Mukkamala’s own words:
“Medicine has been very good to me and my family and I want to give back to the greatest extent possible.”
These aren’t just sentiments. They define his leadership philosophy.
He understands the intersection of healthcare and humanity. Whether confronting systemic inequality, substance use crises, or physician burnout, Dr. Mukkamala believes that the profession must evolve—but never lose its soul.
As Bobby Mukkamala, AMA President, he urges colleagues to be more than clinicians. He encourages them to be educators, advocates, and stewards of truth in an age of misinformation. He emphasises that preserving the doctor-patient relationship requires safeguarding science, ethics, and compassion, especially in turbulent times.
The Family of Medicine and Legacy of Leadership
Raised in a family of doctors and married to one, medicine runs deep in Dr. Mukkamala’s veins. His clinic is a family affair—and that warmth translates into how he treats patients: not as case numbers, but as people, as extensions of his community.
His twin sons reflect this spirit of service too: Deven, a PhD candidate in political philosophy at Duke University, and Nikhil, a biomedical engineer. Together, the Mukkamala family illustrates that leadership is not merely a position—it’s a practice, cultivated daily through values and actions.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The impact of Bobby Mukkamala, AMA President, will be felt long after his term ends. He has lit a path for immigrants, for underrepresented voices in medicine, and for every physician who believes that service to community and country is not optional—it’s essential.
His story reminds us that excellence doesn’t require fanfare. It requires heart, grit, and the courage to return home, rebuild broken systems, and lead with empathy.
As Dr. Mukkamala continues to shape the future of American medicine, his message is clear:
“Healthy societies need healthy leaders—and physicians are uniquely poised to be both.”
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