Dr. Bobby Mukkamala Makes History as AMA President

New York, Jun 12 (PTI) Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, a physician of Indian origin, has made history by becoming the first Indian-heritage doctor to be appointed as the 180th president of the American Medical Association (AMA). Mukkamala, an otolaryngologist or ear, nose, and throat specialist, was officially sworn in on Tuesday, according to an AMA statement.

Mukkamala has been deeply involved with the AMA since his residency days and currently chairs the organization's Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force. Last November, he faced a personal health challenge when he was diagnosed with an 8-cm brain tumor. "A few months ago, I didn’t know if this night would even be possible," he shared in the release.

He has been pivotal in addressing the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, the town where his parents settled after emigrating from India in the 1970s. "Inspired by his parents, both immigrant physicians, Dr. Mukkamala chose to pursue medicine and return to Flint to serve the community that had welcomed his family," the statement noted.

In addition to his medical work, Mukkamala chaired the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, focusing on funding projects to reduce lead exposure in children. His dedication has earned him accolades, including the AMA Foundation’s "Excellence in Medicine" Leadership Award. Mukkamala was also elected to the AMA Council on Science and Public Health in 2009, serving as its chair from 2016 to 2017, before joining the AMA Board of Trustees in both 2017 and 2021.

A graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School, Mukkamala completed his residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago.