New York, USA: Dr. Hari Shukla, a renowned physician and community leader, has been recognized with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden in honor of his decades-long commitment to medical advancements and public service.
This prestigious award, presented by AmeriCorps, a U.S. government agency dedicated to fostering civic engagement through volunteerism, celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, character, and a strong work ethic in their communities. AmeriCorps' initiatives reach over five million Americans, emphasizing national service to strengthen local communities across various sectors.
Expressing his gratitude for this recognition, Shukla shared, "I am incredibly humbled and thankful to President Biden for acknowledging my contributions to the field of medicine and community service. This award holds the same significance as all the honors I’ve received throughout my career. Along with the certificate, I was presented with a pin for Lifetime Achievement in medical work on the 40th anniversary of my practice, as well as a Medal for my volunteer community efforts."
Shukla also expressed his appreciation for Dileepkumar Thankappan, the global chairman of the World Yoga Community, for his pivotal role in facilitating the award process in the final days of President Biden's term. "His support was crucial to ensuring the timely completion of the award process," Shukla noted.
A trailblazer in neonatology, Shukla made significant contributions to medical practices, including developing mathematical formulas that are widely used today for umbilical catheter insertion and endotracheal tube placement. His involvement in introducing surfactant therapy for premature infants in the U.S. also paved the way for significant advancements in neonatal care.
Beyond his medical career, Shukla has been an influential figure in numerous nonprofit organizations, such as the South Asian of New York, Inc., and the New American Voters Association, where he has advocated for issues like obesity prevention, gun violence reduction, and disaster relief efforts. His service has earned him multiple accolades from U.S. Congress, the Senate, and various state officials. Shukla is also the proud recipient of New York's highest civilian award, the Liberty Award.
Dr. Shukla, a triple-board-certified physician in pediatrics, neonatal-perinatal medicine, and forensic medicine, holds the position of associate professor at New York University’s School of Medicine. He is also the president and founder of the Children’s Medical Center in Flushing, New York.
