Our Bureau
Somerset, NJ
RWJBarnabas Health proudly announces that Dr. Rachana Kulkarni has been honored as Physician of the Year by NJBIZ, a distinguished recognition of her exemplary leadership in cardiovascular medicine, longstanding commitment to women’s heart health, and advocacy for health equity.
Dr. Kulkarni currently serves as Regional Director of Cardiovascular Services for RWJBarnabas Health and Director of the RWJBarnabas Health Women’s Heart Center. She is also the President and CEO of Medicor 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. A tireless advocate for gender equity in health care, she 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 improvement in outcomes for women with cardiovascular disease across New Jersey.
As Lead Physician of the RWJBarnabas Health Women’s Health Collaborative, Dr. Kulkarni is leading the establishment of Heart Care Centers for Women 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 physicians.
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 cardiovascular health education and physical activity within New Jersey’s school systems.
Dr. Kulkarni’s contributions have been widely recognized. Her accolades include:
- Physician of the Year – American Heart Association
- Women of Impact Award-American Heart Association
- Inspirational Physician Award – American Medical Association
- Consistent inclusion in Top Doctor listings for over 20 years
She has previously served as Chief of Cardiology and Chair of Medicine at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital – Somerset, and as President of the American Heart Association – New Jersey Chapter. She currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for AAPI New Jersey, representing physicians of Indian origin.
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 significantly expanded its reach and impact, exemplifying the power of public-private partnerships to drive meaningful social change.
Dr. Kulkarni remains steadfast in her mission to make New Jersey a heart-healthy state for all—men, women, and children—through prevention, education, innovation, and community engagement.
