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Indian-American Neurosurgeon Shekar Kurpad Named President of Medical College of Wisconsin
Kurpad, a Bangalore native, will lead the state's largest private academic research institution.
Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:40am
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The appointment of an Indian-American neurosurgeon to lead one of the nation's top medical colleges signals a growing influence of global talent in American academic medicine.Today in MilwaukeeThe Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) has appointed Indian-American neurosurgeon Shekar N. Kurpad as its seventh president and chief executive officer, effective July 1, 2026. Kurpad, who earned his medical degree in Bangalore and later obtained a PhD from Duke University, will succeed Dr. John R. Raymond, Sr., who has led the college for 16 years.
Why it matters
Kurpad's appointment represents a significant milestone for the Indian-American community, placing a Bangalore-trained physician at the helm of a premier American medical institution. His leadership is expected to further MCW's reputation as a hub for global talent and local community impact.
The details
Kurpad has established himself as a leading expert in the field of spinal cord injury and neurotrauma since joining the MCW faculty in 2002. As the founding director of the Wisconsin Institute of NeuroScience (WINS), he has demonstrated the ability to bridge the gap between complex laboratory research and patient care. Under his direction, WINS integrated hundreds of clinicians and scientists across various healthcare systems to streamline neurological treatment.
- Kurpad will assume the role of president and CEO on July 1, 2026.
- Kurpad has served as the Sanford J. Larson Professor and former chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at MCW since 2002.
The players
Shekar N. Kurpad
An Indian-American neurosurgeon who has been appointed as the seventh president and chief executive officer of the Medical College of Wisconsin, effective July 1, 2026.
John R. Raymond, Sr.
The outgoing president and CEO of the Medical College of Wisconsin, who has led the college for 16 years and will transition to a faculty role.
John Donofrio
The chair of the MCW Board of Trustees, who praised Kurpad's proven record of leadership and innovation.
Bangalore Medical College (now Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute)
The medical school in Bangalore, India, where Kurpad earned his medical degree in 1991.
Wisconsin Institute of NeuroScience (WINS)
The institute founded and directed by Kurpad, which has integrated hundreds of clinicians and scientists across various healthcare systems to streamline neurological treatment.
What they’re saying
“Dr. Kurpad brings a proven record of leadership and innovation. He is uniquely positioned to guide MCW forward, building on our strong foundation while advancing academic medicine through patient care, research, and community engagement.”
— John Donofrio, Chair of the MCW Board of Trustees
The takeaway
Kurpad's appointment as the president of the Medical College of Wisconsin represents a significant milestone for the Indian-American community, as he brings his expertise in neurosurgery and research leadership to one of the premier academic medical institutions in the United States.
