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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 4 CITY VIEWS July 11, 2025 Dr. Rachana Kulkarni Recognized As NJBIZ Physician Of The Year D r. Rachana Kulkarni, Regional Director of Cardio- vascular Services and Director of theWomen’s Heart Center at RWJBarnabas Health, New Jersey, was recently honored as Physician of the Year by leading business journal NJBIZ. She was recognized for her “exemplary leadership in cardiovascular medicine, longstanding commitment to women’s heart health, and advocacy for health equity,” according to a press release. Dr. Kulkarni is also the President and CEO of Medi- cor Cardiology, one of New Jersey’s premier cardiology practices. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Kulkarni has been consistently recognized as a Top Doctor in New Jersey, reflecting her clinical excellence, patient-centered approach, and leadership in cardiovascular care. She has been a lifelong advocate for gender equity in health care, and has played a pivotal role in increasing awareness of heart disease in women and in educating both the public and medical professionals on gender- specific risks and treatments. Her efforts have contributed to a measurable improve- ment in outcomes for women with cardiovascular disease across New Jersey, the press release noted. As Lead Physician of the RWJBarnabas HealthWomen’s Health Collaborative, Dr. Kulkarni is leading the estab- lishment of Heart Care Centers forWomen across the state to address women’s cardiovascular needs across their lifespan. Nationally, Dr. Kulkarni has been a strong proponent for pay equity and greater inclusion of women in the field of cardiology, working to create a more supportive and sustainable professional environment for female physi- cians. In her role as Director of Community Cardiology and Preventive Health at RWJBarnabas Health, she has championed numerous initiatives to foster heart-healthy communities. Notably, her advocacy was instrumental in the passage of state legislation promoting cardiovas- cular health education and physical activity within New Jersey’s school systems. Dr. Kulkarni’s recognitions and accolades include: • Physician of the Year – American Heart Association • Women of Impact Award-American Heart Associa- tion • Inspirational Physician Award – American Medical Association • Consistent inclusion in Top Doctor listings for over 20 years She previously served as Chief of Cardiology and Chair of Medicine at RobertWood Johnson University Hospital – Somerset, and as President of the American Heart Association – New Jersey Chapter. She currently serves as Chair of the Board of Direc- tors for the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin-New Jersey (AAPI-NJ). In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Kulkarni is actively involved in philanthropy as Vice Chair of Akshaya Patra USA, the world’s largest NGO-run mid- day meal program, which feeds over 2.2 million children daily. Under her leadership, the U.S. chapter has signifi- cantly expanded its reach and impact, exemplifying the power of public-private partnerships to drive meaningful social change, the press release said. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:CourtesyDr.Kulkarni NJBIZ program announcing Dr. Rachana Kulkarni selected as Physician of the Year. Dr. Rachana Kulkarni with representative of NJBIZ receiving the award as Physician of the Year, presented by the respected business journal. Health Camp Of New Jersey To Host Free Community Health Fairs In Bridgewater And Morganville N J Health Camp of New Jersey (HCNJ), a leading nonprofit health organization, is set to host two free health fairs this summer aimed at providing vital medical services to uninsured and underinsured residents across New Jersey. The events will take place on Sunday, July 27 at the Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple in Bridgewater , and on Sunday, August 10 at the Sri Guruvaay- oorappan Temple in Morganville. Both fairs will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Since its founding in 1999, HCNJ has served over 13,500 individuals and identi- fied more than 4,300 cases of chronic disease through its community-based health screening programs. The organiza- tion’s annual health fairs play a critical role in addressing healthcare disparities, particularly among South Asian and other underserved populations. This year’s fairs will offer a wide array of services, including: • Blood tests and diabetes screening (Hemoglobin A1c) • Cardiology evaluations and electro- cardiograms • Vision screening for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy • Cancer screenings and physical examinations • Women’s health services • Dental check-ups and physical therapy • Hypertension and chronic disease monitoring • Dietary and pharmacy consultations • Mental health support and alterna- tive therapies • Health education and care naviga- tion assistance Registration is required to attend either event. Attendees must sign up by July 21 for the July 27 fair in Bridgewater, and by August 4 for the August 10 fair in Morgan- ville. Registration links are available online at www.IHCNJ.org. The health fairs are made possible through the support of numerous com- munity partners and healthcare providers, including Balaji Temple, Sri Guruvaay- oorappan Temple, RWJ Barnabas Health – Somerset, LabCorp, Rutgers Medical School, the New Jersey Department of Health, SAMHIN, Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy, SSAI, Faith Health Care, the New Jersey Commission for the Blind, and NJ State AAPI. Each fair will be staffed by a dedicated team of volunteer professionals, including physicians, dentists, nurses, social work- ers, physical therapists, and students from leading regional medical institutions. “Our goal is to bring preventive care and health education directly to the com- munities that need it most,” said Dr. Tushar Patel , President of Health Camp of New Jersey. “These fairs are not just screen- ings—they’re life-saving interventions for people who might not otherwise receive care.” In 2023, HCNJ marked its 25th anniver- sary with a gala celebration, during which it announced an ambitious new goal: to open a Community Health Center by 2026 . This center will provide continuous care and follow-up services to thousands of resi- dents who currently rely on annual events as their only point of medical contact. For more information about the health fairs or to support the Community Health Center initiative, visit www.IHCNJ.org or email info@IHCNJ.org. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:Health Camp of New Jersey (HCNJ)