Ep. 74: From patient to president, with AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D. (Part 1)

Bobby Mukkamala, M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA) joins the show to discuss the AMA's mission in the year ahead, health care policy, challenges facing primary care and his personal health journey.

This is part one of a two-part interview with Mukkamala. Don't miss part two — where he talks about reimbursement struggles, prior authorization frustrations, the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine and physician autonomy — available next Monday, July 28, right here and wherever you get your podcasts.

Don't miss our previous episodes on why physicians are suing RFK Jr., Medicare reform, agentic AI and the state of private practice.

Music Credits:
Slow Hip Hop by tuttkile - stock.adobe.com
Relaxing Lounge by Classy Call me Man - stock.adobe.com
A Textbook Example by Skip Peck - stock.adobe.com

Editor's note: Episode timestamps and transcript produced using AI tools.

Introduction and Overview (00:00:00) Dr. Mukkamala discusses advocacy for patients and physicians, setting the tone for the episode.

Podcast Introduction and Guest Background (00:00:22) Host Austin Littrell introduces the episode, guests and main topics to be discussed.

Dr. Mukkamala Personal and Professional Background (00:01:27) Dr. Mukkamala shares his medical background, family, and practice history in Flint, Michigan.

AMA’s Mission and Dr. Mukkamala's Goals (00:02:14) Discussion of the AMA’s mission, current challenges in medicine and Dr. Mukkamala's presidential goals.

Dr. Mukkamala's Experience as a Patient (00:03:42) He recounts his brain tumor diagnosis and how being a patient changed his perspective on health care.

Challenges in Primary Care (00:06:01) Exploration of the burdens facing primary care physicians, including regulations, burnout and workforce shortages.

Primary Care and Systemic Barriers (00:06:48) Further discussion on prior authorizations, insurance hurdles, and the impact on patient care and physician burnout.

Healthcare Becoming Transactional (00:09:21) Concerns about the loss of physician-patient relationships and the impact of insurance compensation models.

Policy, Politics and the AMA’s Role (00:11:19) Discussion of major policy changes in 2025, federal agency restructuring and the AMA’s advocacy approach.

Impact of Policy on Medical Research and Practice (00:13:13) How changes in funding and policy affect medical research, innovation and Dr. Mukkamala's personal treatment.

Medicare Reimbursement Challenges (00:16:21) Examination of stagnant Medicare reimbursement, its ripple effects and the AMA’s advocacy for payment reform.

Health Equity and Outcomes (00:20:31) Addressing health equity gaps, local disparities in Flint and the AMA’s efforts to raise awareness and drive change.

Episode Conclusion and Next Steps (00:23:52) Host wraps up, previews part two and provides subscription information for listeners.