Dr. Rachana A. Kulkarni stands as a prominent figure in cardiovascular medicine, currently serving as the Regional Director of Cardiovascular Services for RWJBarnabas Health and the Director of the esteemed Women’s Heart Center within the network. Her dedication to patient care, coupled with her leadership roles and advocacy for preventative health, positions Doctor Kulkarni as a true leader in her field.
Joining Medicor Cardiology in 1998, Doctor Kulkarni brought with her a strong foundation in internal medicine and cardiology, honed at Rutgers – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Board Certified in both Cardiology and Nuclear Cardiology, her expertise is further validated by her fellowships with the American College of Cardiology and the American Society of Preventive Cardiology. This extensive training and commitment to continuous learning underscores her proficiency as a top cardiologist.
Doctor Kulkarni’s influence extends far beyond her clinical practice. She is a past President of The American Heart Association of New Jersey SC, demonstrating her commitment to the broader cardiovascular health community. Her leadership roles have included serving as Chief of Cardiology and Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, showcasing her administrative and medical leadership capabilities. Furthermore, she actively contributes to the American College of Cardiology as co-chair of NJ’s Women in Cardiology Chapter and serves on the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association, impacting cardiovascular care at multiple levels. Her dedication also extends to critical public health issues, as evidenced by her co-chair role in the AHA’s anti-vaping initiatives and her service on American Heart Association national committees.
A core tenet of Doctor Kulkarni’s practice is the firm belief in the preventability of heart disease. She passionately advocates for addressing risk factors and embracing healthy lifestyles as the cornerstone of cardiovascular wellness. Her specific areas of interest, preventive cardiology and heart disease in women, are reflective of this philosophy. Doctor Kulkarni has tirelessly championed awareness for women’s heart disease, delivering numerous seminars both nationally and internationally to educate and empower individuals. Her contributions to the field are also evident in her extensive publications and her role as a contributing author in cardiology textbooks focusing on heart disease in women, solidifying her position as an expert in this critical area.
Doctor Kulkarni’s pursuit of excellence is not limited to clinical expertise. Embracing lifelong learning, she has augmented her medical acumen with a Healthcare Executive MBA from Auburn University and a Certificate of Management Excellence from Harvard Business School. This commitment to both medical and administrative excellence enhances her ability to lead and innovate within the healthcare landscape.
Her exceptional contributions have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards, including the American Heart Association’s Physician of the Year and their Woman of Distinction Award, celebrating her sustained and extraordinary impact on women, health, and society. She was also honored as a Public Health Hero of New Jersey for her significant contributions to improving heart care and promoting heart health awareness throughout the state. Executive Women of New Jersey have lauded her leadership, and NJBIZ recognized her as one of the Best 50 Women in Business in New Jersey for her impactful contributions to the healthcare industry. Further highlighting her inspirational role, the American Medical Association acknowledged Doctor Kulkarni as an Inspirational Physician, an award reserved for physicians who have significantly advanced women in medicine.
Doctor Kulkarni’s consistent recognition as a “Top Doc” and “Top Cardiologist” for several years, alongside commendations from her peers as one of the best cardiologists in New Jersey and a Best Doctor for Women, speaks volumes about her expertise and patient care. The International Association of HealthCare Professionals has also acknowledged her as a top cardiologist. Beyond her professional achievements, Doctor Kulkarni demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility, serving on the National Board of Directors for Akshaya Patra USA, a charity dedicated to promoting education in underprivileged children. Doctor Kulkarni’s multifaceted career showcases a remarkable dedication to medicine, leadership, and community service, making her a truly inspirational figure in cardiology and beyond.
