In medicine, true leadership is measured not only by knowledge or skill, but by commitment to serve. This philosophy drives our mission at the UofL School of Medicine and few leaders embody it more fully than Murali Ankem, vice dean of graduate medical education. 

 
Since he first began his medical training in India, Ankem has been continuously inspired by the opportunity to serve people at their most vulnerable moments. When he was a young physician in hospitals with limited resources, he quickly learned the importance of community-centered care, where compassion and accessibility mattered as much as clinical skill. That lesson continues to guide him today, shaping his approach to academic medicine and community-engaged care. 

“Service is at the core of my professional identity,” Ankem shared. “Through patient care, resident education and organizational leadership, I am reminded daily that everything we do must be rooted in improving lives.”  

With every decision, Ankem leads by example, showing trainees and colleagues that leadership extends beyond the operating room or classroom. He models the idea that physicians holdboth the privilege and responsibility of shaping the communities they serve. His service includes participating in professional societies, advocating for educational policy and volunteering histime for broader institutional needs, Ankem’s leadership shows that physicians can drive change at every level.  

“What excites me the most is the growing recognition that medicine cannot be siloed within hospitals and clinics,” shared Ankem. “Partnerships between universities and communities, physicians and policymakers and health systems and patients are shifting medicine towards community-engaged care. Together, we can address not only disease, but also the social determinants of health, creating a more equitable and impactful health care system. I am energized to be part of shaping that transformation.” 

Ankem serves the School of Medicinein multiple capacities, including as professor and chair of the department of Urology, vice dean ofgraduate medical education, and as the ACGME Designated Institutional Official, where he oversees the training of nearly 800 residents and fellows across the health system. Beyond the university, he provides care as a staff urologist at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center and serves nationally throughroles such as a Chair-Elect on the AMA Academic Physician Section Governing Council, on the Finance Committee of the Endourologic Society and on committees of the Southeastern Section of the AUA.  

Across each role,Ankemis dedicated to mentoring, collaboration and improving care. His leadership strengthens connections between academic medicine and communitypractitioners, directly improving patient care in Kentucky. His dedication to patients, trainees and the wider community continue to inspire those around him. 

“My advice is simple: let service guide your decisions, not just achievement,” he said.“Excellence in medicine will come with time and training, but a true career of impact is built on relationships, humility and community commitment.” 

Please join us in thanking Dr. Ankem for his ongoing commitment to supporting both learners and communities while strengthening the future of medicine.  

Explore how leaders like Dr. Ankem are training the next generation of physicians through ourgraduate medical education programs.