Dr. Ameya Kulkarni Takes the Helm as Executive Medical Director of Kaiser Permanente

On January 14, 2026, Kaiser Permanente announced the appointment of Dr. Ameya Kulkarni as the new executive medical director for its Mid-Atlantic States, succeeding Dr. Richard McCarthy, who will retire on January 20, 2026. Dr. Kulkarni, a seasoned leader within the organization for over a decade, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to improving healthcare access and quality.

Kaiser Permanente's Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, where Dr. Kulkarni will lead, is one of the largest multispecialty medical practices on the East Coast. This group consists of over 1,800 physicians serving approximately 750,000 members across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Dr. Kulkarni's appointment marks a significant step in Kaiser Permanente's ongoing commitment to shaping the future of healthcare while exceeding patient expectations.

Dr. Kulkarni's Background and Achievements

Dr. Kulkarni, a board-certified cardiologist, joined Kaiser Permanente in 2013 and has held numerous key leadership positions, including chair of the Cardiovascular Institute. His leadership has been pivotal in managing complex health conditions, notably congestive heart failure and end-stage renal disease. As the associate medical director, he focused on various specialties, urgent care services, and patient care strategies.

Maria Ansari, president and CEO of the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, praised Dr. Kulkarni’s track record in providing extraordinary care and enhancing team performance. "His leadership reflects our commitment to revolutionizing healthcare in a way that is accessible and efficient for our patients," she remarked during the announcement.

Dr. Kulkarni’s significant contributions have led to notable improvements in patient experience. For example, he introduced a streamlined evaluation system for transcatheter aortic valve replacement that typically shortens a previously lengthy process. His initiatives have also successfully reduced unnecessary hospital admissions, demonstrating his capability to improve outcomes for patients in critical care.

Vision for the Future

In his new role, Dr. Kulkarni aims to ensure that exceptional healthcare is easily accessible. "Our mission at Kaiser Permanente is to revolutionize healthcare across the Mid-Atlantic region… We are dedicated to removing obstacles and making it easy for patients to access the excellent care they deserve," he affirmed.

Dr. Kulkarni received his medical degree from Yale University and completed his internal medicine residency at Columbia University Medical Center. He specialized further with a cardiology fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco, and an interventional cardiology fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital. In 2025, he earned recognition as a Top Doctor from Washingtonian Magazine, Northern Virginia Magazine, and Arlington Magazine.

Aside from his role at Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Kulkarni is heavily involved in community health initiatives, serving as the president of the American Heart Association's Greater Washington Region Board of Directors. He works on various projects promoting access to nutritious food, CPR education, hypertension prevention, and overall well-being.

Conclusion

As Kaiser Permanente stands on the brink of new developments with Dr. Kulkarni at the forefront, the organization is poised to lead the charge in healthcare innovation and patient-centered care. With a proven leader who combines clinical excellence and a passion for accessible healthcare, the future of Kaiser Permanente in the Mid-Atlantic States looks promising, focusing on delivering high-quality, affordable healthcare to its members.

For more information about Kaiser Permanente, visit about.kp.org.