The AMA “Members Move Medicine” series profiles a wide variety of doctors, offering a glimpse into the passions of women and men navigating new courses in American medicine.
On the move with: Deepak Kumar, MD, a colorectal surgeon at Dayton Colon Rectal Center in Dayton, Ohio.
AMA member since: 1981.
What inspired me to pursue a career in medicine: Since my early youth, I was interested in being a surgeon to make meaningful changes in the lives of individuals. Surgery offered real opportunity to see your outcomes on a long-term basis.
How I move medicine: By staying involved with citizens, legislators, administrators, business leaders and advocating on behalf of my patients and my colleagues.
Career highlights: Almost everything in my community and state. From being chair of the department of surgery to chief of staff at Kettering Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio, and board member of the Kettering Health Network to president of my local county medical society, president of the Ohio state Medical Association and president of the State Medical Board of Ohio.
Now I serve as Chair-elect of the AMA International Medical Graduates Governing Council. I have served as chair of the legislative and communication committee of Montgomery County Medical Society for 20 years. I have also served on Ohio State Medical Association Political Action Committee Board.
Advice I’d give to those interested in pursuing a career in medicine: Go beyond the noise created by all politicians and look at the personal fulfillment and satisfaction you will get by improving the lives of your fellow citizens. Ask not what organized medicine can do for you. Ask what you can do for your patients, colleagues and the profession.
How I give back to the community: I have donated to create classrooms in the local College of Medical Arts. I have also contributed to create a large conference center (Kumar Conference Center) in a local hospital which is used for medical and health education of every sector of our community.
Aspect of my work that means the most: Patient care.
My hope for the future of medicine: Despite all the turbulences, medicine will always be there on the horizon to improve the lives of communities we serve.
Visit MembershipMovesMedicine.com to learn more about other AMA members who are relentlessly moving medicine through advocacy, education, patient care and practice innovation, and join or renew today.
