Richard Gunderman, MD, PhD, of Zionsville, was sworn in to begin his 2026-2027 presidential term. Dr. Gunderman is Chancellor’s Professor of Radiology, Pediatrics, Medical Education, Philosophy, Liberal Arts, Philanthropy, and Medical Humanities and Health Studies at the Indiana University School of Medicine. He has received the IU Trustees’ Teaching Award 10 times and has authored 15 books, including “We Make a Life by What We Give” and “We Come to Life With Those We Serve.” He is also currently publishing a book on loneliness. Dr. Gunderman graduated summa cum laude from Wabash College and earned his MD and PhD at the University of Chicago. An ISMA member since 2005, Dr. Gunderman chairs the organization’s Physician Wellness Steering Committee. He was also elected as an AMA delegate.
“I hope you know that everything that counts cannot be counted,” Dr. Gunderman said. “And some of the things we count all the time don’t count for much. We need to make sure that what matters most stays first and topmost in the minds of Indiana’s physicians.”
Dr. Gunderman gave a moving presentation about a terminal patient who was able to see her grandchild because of the medical professionals caring for her. After he was sworn in, the association held elections for the other open seats.
Columbus direct primary care physician Teresa Lovins, MD, FAAFP, will serve as the 180th president of the ISMA following her election.
Dr. Lovins has been a member of ISMA since 2005 and has served in various capacities. She has served as chair of the board of trustees, assistant treasurer, and a member of the executive committee, Women in Medicine committee, commission on legislation, commission on medical education, and American Medical Association delegation. She was also instrumental in the development of ISMA’s new strategic plan.
“Dr. Lovins is a lifelong Hoosier and has been serving her hometown Columbus community for over 30 years,” ISMA Executive Vice President Clif Knight, MD, said. “She has been a leader throughout her career locally, statewide, and nationally. We are fortunate to have a dedicated and talented physician such as Dr. Lovins to lead the ISMA”.
Dr. Lovins will be ISMA president-elect until September 2027, when she will succeed Dr. Gunderman as president.
Due to increased AMA membership amongst Indiana physicians, Indiana’s AMA delegation is growing by one additional delegate and one additional alternate delegate in 2027 and will include six of each, with half of the delegation positions elected to 2 year terms each year. Three AMA delegates and four alternate delegates to the Indiana delegation were elected on Sunday. Elected as AMA Delegates are Dr. Gunderman, J. Elizabeth Struble, MD, North Manchester; and Tashera Perry, MD, Bloomington. AMA delegation members serve two-year terms and are elected on a staggered basis. Alternate delegates elected include Sara Brown, MD, Fort Wayne; Caitlin Bernard, MD, Indianapolis; Monica Wehby, MD, Carmel and Colin Ray, MD, Noblesville. Dr. Ray will serve a partial term vacated by Dr. Struble when she was elected as delegate.
