AMA Leadership Changes Amid Calls for Healthcare Reform and Research Funding
The American Medical Association (AMA) has undergone its annual leadership transition, ushering in a new era of advocacy for the nation's largest physician association. This change comes at a critical time for the healthcare industry, as it grapples with challenges ranging from chronic disease prevention to technological modernization.
New AMA Leadership Takes the Helm
Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, a Michigan-based otolaryngologist, has been sworn in as the 180th president of the AMA. His inauguration marks a significant moment for the organization, particularly given his recent personal health challenges. Dr. Mukkamala, who was diagnosed with an 8-cm brain tumor in November 2024, expressed gratitude for the medical advancements that have enabled him to assume this role.
"A few months ago, I didn't know if this night would even be possible," Dr. Mukkamala remarked during the 2025 Annual Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates. He emphasized the importance of government-funded research, citing his own treatment with an IDH inhibitor as an example of successful collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, academic researchers, and the National Institutes of Health.
Alongside Dr. Mukkamala, the AMA's House of Delegates elected Dr. William Underwood III as president-elect. Dr. Underwood, a urologic surgeon from Buffalo, New York, will assume the presidency in June 2026. With a 25-year career and numerous leadership roles within the AMA, Dr. Underwood brings extensive experience to his new position.
Priorities for the Coming Year
The new leadership has outlined several key priorities for the AMA in the coming year:
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Chronic Disease Prevention: Dr. Mukkamala aims to shift focus from the "sick care" model to prevention, drawing from his community work in Flint, Michigan.
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Physician Advocacy: Continuing efforts to increase physician pay and reduce the burden of prior authorization remain top concerns.
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Technological Modernization: The AMA plans to advocate for improved interoperability of health information systems.
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Research Funding: In light of proposed cuts to the National Institutes of Health, the AMA leadership has emphasized the critical importance of government investment in biomedical research.
Dr. Underwood echoed these sentiments, stating, "The AMA is leading the way in fighting for a rational Medicare payment system, to rein in prior authorization, and reduce physician burnout. I will stand up to advocate for our profession in a way that will inspire, motivate, and activate physicians to join the AMA in our efforts to improve the health of our nation."
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the AMA's new leadership faces the challenge of navigating complex issues while advocating for both physicians and patients. Their success in addressing these priorities could have far-reaching implications for the future of healthcare in the United States.
References
- Bobby Mukkamala sworn in as AMA president; New York urologist voted in as president-elect
The presidency of the American Medical Association changed hands on Tuesday, as Michigan-based urologist Bobby Mukkamala, M.D., took the reins. William Underwood III, M.D., will succeed him next year, delegates decided.
Explore Further
What is the professional background and experience of Dr. Bobby Mukkamala prior to assuming the presidency of the AMA?
What specific measures have been proposed by the AMA leadership to advocate for increased research funding?
How has the American Medical Association addressed physician burnout in previous years, and what plans are in place under the new leadership?
What are the recent trends in leadership changes at other major healthcare organizations?
What impact have past AMA leadership tactics had on physician pay and the issue of prior authorization?