Who is Bobby Mukkamala? The first person of Indian origin is head of the American Medical Association; Immigrant gives credit to parents for your visit

A historic first, Indian -origin doctor Bobby Mukkamala has been sworn in as the 180th President of the American Medical Association (AMA).He is the first physician of Indian heritage to lead an impressive organization.According to the American Medical Association, Mukkamala appointed only a few months after undergoing surgery for the 8-semi brain tumor. While reflecting his journey, he said, “As I was in recovery from brain surgery in Mayo Clinic, monitoring my every movement with tubes and wires, this night – this honor – this opportunity to improve health care was very far away.”Addressing AMA members and guests, he outlined the immediate need to improve the US healthcare system. “There are tremendous gaps in our health care system that requires our attention,” he said. “This is why it is very important for our patients to continue fighting for adequate health coverage … and why it is so important to fight for a permanent, equitable health care model.”Mukkamla has been a long-time lawyer within AMA, presiding over the use of matter and pain care task force and working on evidence-based policies to combat the overdose crisis. His public service work has led the Community Foundation of Greater Flint during the water crisis, focusing on projects that help reduce the impact of lead on children.Born in Indian immigrant doctors, Mukkamala credited his parents’ sacrifices and his hometown flint to shape his career. He said, “I am standing on the shoulders tonight, I was really standing quite as a child,” he said. “My parents, Apprao and Sumati, two migrants from India, who settled in this country, believe that it introduces them – and their future children – such opportunities that were not just possible at home.”Mukkamala completed his medical degree at Michigan University and Residency at Loyola University in Chicago and returned to Flint to practice medical with his wife, Neeta Kulkarni, a maternity-expert-generologist. The couple have two sons, Nikhil, a biomedical engineer and Deven, a PhD candidate in Political Science.Mukkamala also used his first speech as AMA President to highlight growing health inequalities in underscreased cities such as flint. He said, “Life expectancy in flint is about 12 years less than his suburbs,” he said that he and his wife have seen those inequalities for the first time through their work.He warned that more doctors may leave private exercises due to financial problems and increasing lack of physicians. “Where are our patients going to turn from?” He asked, stating how a patient preferred to wait six weeks for his return after surgery compared to alternative care.As the President, Mukkamala plans to continue advocating for research and public health, accessible care and maximum government investment. “Our patients deserve better. Our doctors deserve better. Our nation is better worthy,” he said.