Dr. Rachana Kulkarni, Regional Director of Cardiovascular Services and Director of the Women’s Heart Center at RWJBarnabas Health, New Jersey, was recently honored as Physician of the Year by leading business journal NJBIZ.
She was recognized for her “exemplary leadership in cardiovascular medicine, longstanding commitment to women’s heart health, and advocacy for health equity,” according to a press release.
Dr. Kulkarni is also the President and CEO of Medicor Cardiology, one of New Jersey’s premier cardiology practices.
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With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Kulkarni has been consistently recognized as a Top Doctor in New Jersey, reflecting her clinical excellence, patient-centered approach, and leadership in cardiovascular care.
She has been a lifelong advocate for gender equity in health care, and has played a pivotal role in increasing awareness of heart disease in women and in educating both the public and medical professionals on gender-specific risks and treatments.
Her efforts have contributed to a measurable improvement in outcomes for women with cardiovascular disease across New Jersey, the press release noted.
As Lead Physician of the RWJBarnabas Health Women’s Health Collaborative, Dr. Kulkarni is leading the establishment of Heart Care Centers for Women across the state to address women’s cardiovascular needs across their lifespan.
Nationally, Dr. Kulkarni has been a strong proponent for pay equity and greater inclusion of women in the field of cardiology, working to create a more supportive and sustainable professional environment for female physicians.
In her role as Director of Community Cardiology and Preventive Health at RWJBarnabas Health, she has championed numerous initiatives to foster heart-healthy communities. Notably, her advocacy was instrumental in the passage of state legislation promoting cardiovascular health education and physical activity within New Jersey’s school systems.
Dr. Kulkarni’s recognitions and accolades include:
- Physician of the Year – American Heart Association
- Women of Impact Award-American Heart Association
- Inspirational Physician Award – American Medical Association
- Consistent inclusion in Top Doctor listings for over 20 years
She previously served as Chief of Cardiology and Chair of Medicine at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital – Somerset, and as President of the American Heart Association – New Jersey Chapter.
She currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin-New Jersey (AAPI-NJ).
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Kulkarni is actively involved in philanthropy as Vice Chair of Akshaya Patra USA, the world’s largest NGO-run mid-day meal program, which feeds over 2.2 million children daily. Under her leadership, the U.S. chapter has significantly expanded its reach and impact, exemplifying the power of public-private partnerships to drive meaningful social change, the press release said.