Dell Medical School Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Dell Medical School has 4 executives leading key functions including human resources, medical association advocacy, and student leadership initiatives.

Focused on transforming academic medicine, Dell Medical School prioritizes community health outcomes and innovative training for future physician leaders through integrated, person-centered care models.

Leadership Roles at Dell Medical School

  • President, American Medical Association & Texas Medical Association Chapter - Adam Cardenas
  • Dell Med HLA Co-President - Swetha Velayutham
  • Dell Med HLA Co-President - Abinaya Kannapiran
  • Interim Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer - Vivian Kardow
  • Adam Cardenas - President, American Medical Association & Texas Medical Association Chapter

    Adam Cardenas, the President, American Medical Association & Texas Medical Association Chapter at Dell Medical School, leads advocacy efforts for physician-led healthcare reform. Representing the interests of medical professionals, the President, American Medical Association & Texas Medical Association Chapter drives policy discussions that address systemic health challenges. Cardenas coordinates with regional and national medical bodies to influence standards of care and professional development. By bridging the gap between academic training and clinical practice, the President, American Medical Association & Texas Medical Association Chapter ensures that the curriculum remains responsive to evolving patient needs. Adam Cardenas facilitates collaboration between students and established practitioners to promote integrated care models. This leadership position requires constant engagement with healthcare stakeholders to advance the mission of the school. Through active participation in professional associations, Cardenas secures a prominent voice for the institution in shaping the future of medicine across the state and beyond.

    Swetha Velayutham - Dell Med HLA Co-President

    Swetha Velayutham, the Dell Med HLA Co-President at Dell Medical School, architects student-led initiatives focused on healthcare leadership and administration. Overseeing the development of extracurricular programming, the Dell Med HLA Co-President fosters a culture of innovation among the student body. Velayutham manages collaborative projects that connect medical students with industry experts to explore systemic health solutions. By facilitating workshops and networking events, the Dell Med HLA Co-President prepares future physicians for the complexities of modern healthcare management. Swetha Velayutham drives the strategic vision for the organization, ensuring that student activities align with the core mission of improving community health. This leadership role involves coordinating with other student leaders and faculty advisors to maximize the impact of student-led research and advocacy. Through these efforts, Velayutham empowers peers to become effective change agents within the medical field, ultimately enhancing the overall educational experience at the institution.

    Abinaya Kannapiran - Dell Med HLA Co-President

    Abinaya Kannapiran, the Dell Med HLA Co-President at Dell Medical School, executes operational strategies for student engagement in healthcare policy and leadership. Focusing on the practical application of medical administration, the Dell Med HLA Co-President organizes seminars that highlight innovative healthcare delivery models. Kannapiran manages the logistical framework for student-led research initiatives, ensuring that projects address real-world health disparities. By fostering partnerships with local healthcare organizations, the Dell Med HLA Co-President expands the reach of student advocacy efforts. Abinaya Kannapiran maintains a strong focus on professional development, equipping students with the tools necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of academic medicine. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the broader student community to identify and address emerging health challenges. Through dedicated oversight of organizational resources, Kannapiran supports the mission of the school, ensuring that students remain at the forefront of developing next-generation healthcare solutions for the local community.

    Vivian Kardow - Interim Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

    Vivian Kardow, the Interim Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Dell Medical School, directs all talent acquisition and organizational development strategies. Managing the workforce infrastructure, the Interim Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer ensures alignment with the mission of rethinking academic medicine. Kardow oversees complex personnel policies, fostering an environment conducive to research and innovation. By optimizing internal operations, the Interim Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer supports the faculty and staff dedicated to improving community health. Vivian Kardow maintains high standards for professional excellence across the institution. This leadership role involves navigating systemic challenges to retain top-tier medical educators and administrative professionals. Through strategic workforce planning, Kardow strengthens the operational foundation of the school, ensuring that human capital initiatives directly contribute to the delivery of next-generation healthcare solutions within the broader university medical center framework.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Dell Medical School Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Dell Medical School?
    Dell Medical School is led by Adam Cardenas (President, American Medical Association & Texas Medical Association Chapter), along with executives such as Swetha Velayutham (Dell Med HLA Co-President) and Abinaya Kannapiran (Dell Med HLA Co-President).
    Who is part of Dell Medical School’s executive team?
    The executive team of Dell Medical School includes leaders such as Adam Cardenas (President, American Medical Association & Texas Medical Association Chapter), Swetha Velayutham (Dell Med HLA Co-President), Abinaya Kannapiran (Dell Med HLA Co-President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Dell Medical School have?
    Dell Medical School has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Dell Medical School’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Dell Medical School includes roles such as President, American Medical Association & Texas Medical Association Chapter, Dell Med HLA Co-President, Dell Med HLA Co-President, Interim Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer.