Sharad Lakhanpal MD

Sharad Lakhanpal, MBBS, MD, vividly remembers his father’s stories of traveling to the U.S. As a young boy, he grew intrigued, imagined living here and knew that someday he would narrate his own adventures about this country. As president of the ACR and a practicing rheumatologist at Rheumatology Associates in Dallas, Dr. Lakhanpal now focuses on telling a different story: how the ACR is helping the field of rheumatology evolve. As president, his plans include increasing the number of rheumatology health professionals; exploring development of a rheumatology alternative payment model under MACRA; expanding the newly launched online learning management system; and leveraging data in the RISE Registry to enhance patient care, research, education and value of care. “It’s a pretty ambitious agenda,” he says. “But I’m fortunate to be supported by a dedicated group of qualified volunteers and staff.” Training Around the Globe Dr. Lakhanpal’s medical training occurred on three different continents. He graduated from King George’s Medical College at the University of Lucknow in 1974. Determined to work and live in a country roughly 8,500 miles away from home,