AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, MD, addresses the ISMA House of Delegates.

The 180th president of the American Medical Association (AMA), Bobby Mukkamala, MD, urged physicians to take an active role in shaping legislation at both the state and national levels, in an address to the ISMA House of Delegates on Sept. 27.

“Advocacy here in Indiana and throughout the country takes on many forms, but at its heart, that advocacy is about two things: what is best for physicians and what is best for our patients,” said Dr. Mukkamala, an otolaryngologist from Flint, Michigan. “What we know—and it’s proven through the AMA’s advocacy year after year—is that what’s best for physicians is also best for our patients. When our patients are happy, we’re happy. And honestly, when I’m happy, my patients are happy. That’s that love relationship that happens.”

Dr. Mukkamala, who was diagnosed with an eight-centimeter brain tumor last November, reflected on what he learned about medicine by becoming a patient himself. He also discussed the challenges facing the health care system and communities like Flint, as well as the generations of sacrifice that led to him becoming the first physician of Indian heritage to lead the AMA.

Dr. Mukkamala later opened the floor to questions from delegates, addressing issues such as the difficulties of maintaining independent practices and the strain of juggling business operations with patient care. He shared his personal experience helping his wife run a small practice — while serving as the “maintenance man” — and emphasized that unity and representation remain the key to overcoming many of the profession’s obstacles.