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: S. Bobby Mukkamala, MD, who practices general otolaryngology in his hometown of Flint, Michigan.
AMA member since: 1992.
What inspired me to pursue a career in medicine: My parents moved to this country with their medical education and not much else. I chose to go into medicine to expand on their success by going back to my hometown of Flint and serving the community that welcomed them decades ago.
How I move medicine: Through my work in my county, state and national medical societies. We bear witness to things that aren’t perfect about our health care system, but being a witness is not as satisfying as being part of the solution. That is what my activity in organized medicine is: a way to improve the status quo.
Career highlights: I serve on the AMA Board of Trustees and chair the Michigan State Medical Society’s board of directors. I also serve on the board of the Crim Fitness Foundation in Flint.
Advice I’d give to those interested in pursuing a career in medicine: Go for it! There will always be “noise” about the turbulence of our profession, but I think this noise has always been there, and our AMA is adept at dealing with it. When the noise is removed, what will always remain is a career that is enormously fulfilling.
Aspect of my work that means the most: Being able to help my hometown and its people. Being an otolaryngologist, I see newborns and senior citizens, pretty healthy people and those that are very ill. I love playing some role in all of their lives by trying to improve their health.
Learn more about AMA members who are relentlessly moving medicine through advocacy, education, patient care and practice innovation, and join or renew today.
