Dr. Bobby Mukkamala Becomes First Indian-Origin President of American Medical Association

In a historic moment for the medical community, Dr. Bobby Mukkamala has been elected as the president of the American Medical Association (AMA), becoming the first person of Indian origin to lead the 178-year-old organization.

An otolaryngologist by profession, Dr. Mukkamala was officially inaugurated as the 180th president of the AMA at a ceremony held in Chicago. Describing the occasion as “emotional” and “unforgettable,” Dr. Mukkamala's elevation to the prestigious role serves as an inspiration to many, especially within the Indian-American medical fraternity.

However, the journey to this milestone was not without personal challenges. In November last year, an MRI scan revealed an 8-centimeter tumor in the temporal lobe of Dr. Mukkamala’s brain. Just three weeks after the diagnosis, the 53-year-old father of two underwent surgery in a bid to remove 90 percent of the tumor. His battle with cancer became a testament to his resilience and reinforced the purpose behind his leadership.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Mukkamala emphasized the importance of equity in healthcare and the need to leverage his platform to build a better, more inclusive American healthcare system.

"We undoubtedly received the best possible care," he said, reflecting on his own experience. "But for many patients, accessing care remains far more challenging than it should be. They are left wondering if their insurance will cover procedures, what their medications will cost, or how long they will have to wait to see a specialist—even for something as serious as a lump in the neck."

Dr. Mukkamala also called for unity within the profession, stating, “Our healthcare system needs the vision of skilled doctors from every state and specialty. With leaders in our profession speaking with one firm and commanding voice, they need the AMA more than ever.”

His election marks a significant milestone, not only for representation but also for the future direction of the AMA under a leader shaped by both professional excellence and deeply personal experiences.