Dr. Shekar N. Kurpad Takes Helm as New President of Medical College of Wisconsin

Inauguration of Dr. Shekar N. Kurpad at the Medical College of Wisconsin

On September 17, 2026, the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) officially welcomed Dr. Shekar N. Kurpad as its seventh President and Chief Executive Officer during a significant ceremony at the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee. Dr. Kurpad, a distinguished neurosurgeon with two decades of service at MCW, succeeds John R. Raymond, Sr., who led the institution for 16 years.

The ceremonial event gathered an impressive audience, including faculty, staff, alumni, community leaders, and local elected officials, all there to celebrate Dr. Kurpad's new leadership role. Among the highlights were congratulatory messages in the form of videos from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Cristy Garcia-Thomas, president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee. Attendees were also treated to heartfelt speeches from colleagues and mentors who expressed their best wishes for Dr. Kurpad as he embarks on this new chapter for MCW.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Kurpad presented a visionary approach to not only enhance MCW but also to position it as a national beacon for exceptional health care, advanced medical training, and groundbreaking research. He expressed a strong desire to make MCW and the broader Milwaukee area a hub for innovation that attracts top talent and investment, which are critical for fostering healthier communities both locally and globally.

"Our opportunity is to connect our strengths in new ways to move faster, act bolder, and turn collaboration into momentum," stated Dr. Kurpad during his speech. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts to create a destination for health that thrives on discovery, is dedicated to quality care, and powered by educational initiatives. Furthermore, he highlighted the significance of community partnerships to achieve a singular purpose: improving health outcomes for all.

Dr. Kurpad's vision resonates with the institution's long-standing commitment to excellence in healthcare and education, aiming to advance its mission throughout Wisconsin and beyond. Evaluating the evolving healthcare landscape, he pointed out that collaboration, innovation, and community involvement would be pivotal in driving MCW forward and addressing modern challenges faced in healthcare.

MCW's reputation as one of the leading academic medical centers and the third-largest private medical school in the United States speaks to the institution's capability and influence. Dr. Kurpad plans on capitalizing on this foundation by steering a focused agenda that emphasizes world-class education, impactful research, and strategic partnerships with various health systems.

As he steps into this leadership role, the community eagerly anticipates Dr. Kurpad's initiatives and how they will shape the future of both the Medical College of Wisconsin and the healthcare environment in Wisconsin. The gathering at the inauguration served not only as a celebration but also as a promise of what lies ahead with Dr. Kurpad at the helm - a future that seeks to instigate positive change in health and education, while setting MCW on a path of transformative growth and sustainability.

With determination and an ambitious vision, Dr. Kurpad’s leadership is expected to usher in a new era for the Medical College of Wisconsin, fostering advancements that reflect the institution's dedication to academic excellence and community service.