CINCINNATI, OHIO: The Indo-American Press Club (IAPC) honored renowned physician leader, healthcare executive, entrepreneur, and cardiologist Dr. Sujeeth Reddy Punnam with its prestigious Excellence in Leadership Award during the Grand Gala of the 11th International Media Conference (IMC 2026) held in Cincinnati, Ohio on Oct. 17th, 2026.
The award recognizes Dr. Punnam’s exceptional contributions to healthcare, medical leadership, innovation, philanthropy, and community service, as well as his longstanding commitment to advancing the physician community both in the United States and internationally.
Receiving the honor, Dr. Punnam expressed gratitude for the opportunities that have shaped his leadership journey and acknowledged the organizations that entrusted him with positions of responsibility throughout his career.
“Feeling incredibly honored to be bestowed with the Excellence in Leadership Award by the Indo-American Press Club. I feel especially privileged to have been entrusted with leadership opportunities by multiple organizations.”
He credited organizations including the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), San Joaquin Medical Society, Dameron Hospital, Osmania Gandhi Kakatiya and Telangana Medical Alumni associations, American Telugu Association, and Kakatiya Medical College US Alumni for providing him opportunities to serve and grow.
“Serving each of them has been a unique learning experience, enriching my perspective, broadening my skills, and preparing me to take on greater responsibilities and larger challenges.”
A board-certified Interventional and Structural Cardiologist, Dr. Punnam brings more than two decades of experience across clinical medicine, healthcare administration, physician leadership, academic medicine, and healthcare entrepreneurship. He currently serves with Sutter Gould Medical Foundation and Sutter Health, where he has been instrumental in advancing cardiovascular service-line growth, physician engagement, quality improvement initiatives, and regional program development.
Colleagues often describe him as a leader who seamlessly combines clinical excellence with strategic vision. Throughout his career, he has led initiatives that have strengthened healthcare organizations while enhancing physician collaboration and improving patient outcomes.
Reflecting on his leadership philosophy, Dr. Punnam said effective leadership is not measured by visibility or authority, but by impact.
“I have always believed that leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room. To me, it is about being quietly effective.”
He emphasized that meaningful leadership is rooted in service, teamwork, and empowering others.
“It means stepping forward when the team needs support, even when it is not expected, and creating opportunities for others to grow and succeed.”
According to Dr. Punnam, the most successful leaders are those who help others thrive rather than seek personal recognition.
“I admire leaders who let their actions speak louder than their words, who encourage good ideas, remove obstacles, and help build a path forward for everyone.”
He added: “In my experience, the most meaningful leadership is often the kind that works quietly in the background, but leaves a lasting impact.”
Beyond his clinical accomplishments, Dr. Punnam currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), one of the largest physician organizations in the United States. In this role, he helps shape strategic initiatives focused on physician engagement, advocacy, education, and organizational growth.
His leadership portfolio also includes service as President of the San Joaquin Medical Society, representing physicians across four California counties, and as Chief of Staff at Dameron Hospital, where he played a key role in strengthening medical staff governance and physician engagement.
Dr. Punnam is also a successful entrepreneur and innovator. As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CLICK2CLINIC Healthcare Inc., he has led efforts to develop technology-enabled healthcare solutions designed to improve access, efficiency, and patient outcomes. The company has established a cross-border healthcare platform serving patients and providers in both the United States and India.
A respected educator and researcher, Dr. Punnam serves as faculty for cardiovascular fellowship and internal medicine residency training programs. He has also participated as Principal Investigator in multiple cardiovascular clinical trials and has authored or co-authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
His commitment to service extends well beyond medicine. As Founding Chairman of the Kakatiya Medical College Endowment Fund, he spearheaded a landmark fundraising campaign that generated more than $1 million within six months to support medical education and institutional development. He also helped lead major humanitarian and COVID-19 relief initiatives that mobilized more than $3 million in support of healthcare systems and underserved communities.
Addressing the role of journalism and public communication during the conference, Dr. Punnam emphasized the critical responsibility of media in an era of information overload. “The role of media in today’s world should be far more than simply delivering news.”
He described media as an essential link between events and public understanding.
“At its best, media serves as the bridge between events and public understanding, helping people make informed decisions about their lives, communities, and governments.”
Calling for responsible journalism, he noted that media must remain committed to truth, context, and public empowerment.
“Media’s ideal role is to seek truth, verify information, present context, and empower citizens to form their own informed opinions.”
He further added that in the digital age, journalists play a crucial role in helping audiences navigate misinformation.
“Media’s responsibility extends not only to reporting facts, but also to helping people distinguish fact from noise.”
Dr. Punnam also praised the vision behind the International Media Conference and the Indo-American Press Club’s efforts to strengthen ethnic media across North America.
“The International Media Conference was an impressive initiative that highlighted the transformative power of bringing together stakeholders from Indian ethnic media across the United States and Canada.”
He commended the organization for recognizing the growing importance of South Asian media.
“As the South Asian population in North America continues to expand, robust and responsible ethnic media become increasingly essential for representing community interests, preserving cultural identity, promoting civic engagement, and ensuring that the voices of the Indian diaspora are heard.”
The Excellence in Leadership Award recognizes not only Dr. Punnam’s remarkable professional accomplishments but also his commitment to servant leadership, innovation, mentorship, and community service. His career stands as a powerful example of how vision, collaboration, and dedication can create a lasting impact across healthcare, technology, education, and society.
Through decades of leadership in medicine and public service, Dr. Sujeeth Reddy Punnam continues to inspire future generations of physicians and community leaders, demonstrating that true leadership is measured not by titles held, but by lives improved and opportunities created for others. For m ore details, please visit: www.indoamericanpressclub.com
