The American Medical Association named Bobby Mukkamala, MD, an otolaryngologist from Flint, Mich., its new president-elect.
Dr. Mukkamala is chair of the AMA Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force and is known for advocating for evidence-based policies to end the nation's overdose epidemic. He also played a central role in the response to the Flint water crisis, according to a June 7 association news release.
"It is a turbulent time to be a physician in this country," Dr. Mukkamala said in the release. "Challenges like an unsustainable Medicare payment system, excessive prior authorization, and physician burnout have put our health system in a precarious place. But the AMA is fighting these battles in Congress, in state capitals, and in our communities to achieve a better future where physicians can spend more time with their patients. I am honored to be chosen by my peers as the AMA's president-elect and I am eager to continue fighting for better health care for all our communities."
He takes over the role of president from Jesse Ehrenfeld, MD.