Dell Medical School Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Dell Medical School has 6 executives leading key functions including human resources, information technology, administration, student leadership, and external medical association relations.

Driven by a commitment to community health, Dell Medical School redefines academic medicine through innovative curricula and research, aiming to cultivate physician leaders capable of addressing systemic healthcare challenges and delivering personalized patient care.

Leadership Roles at Dell Medical School

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

    Swetha Velayutham, the Dell Med HLA Co-President at Dell Medical School, leads student initiatives focused on health leadership and advocacy. Collaborating with fellow co-presidents, Velayutham champions programs designed to cultivate physician leaders capable of addressing systemic health challenges within the community. This role involves organizing student-led projects and representing the student body in discussions concerning curriculum development and healthcare innovation. By actively engaging with peers and faculty, Swetha Velayutham enhances the student experience and reinforces the school's commitment to training future healthcare professionals. The focus remains on empowering students to drive positive change and deliver person-centered care, aligning with the core mission of rethinking academic medicine.

    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, provides critical external leadership and represents the school's interests within broader medical communities. Overseeing strategic engagement with both national and state medical associations, Cardenas advocates for advancements in healthcare policy and practice. This influential position involves fostering collaborations that support the school's mission to improve health in the community and train physician leaders. By connecting Dell Medical School with key professional organizations, Adam Cardenas amplifies the impact of its research and educational initiatives. The President's leadership ensures the school remains at the forefront of addressing systemic health challenges and promoting person-centered care.

    Abinaya Kannapiran - Dell Med HLA Co-President

    Abinaya Kannapiran, the Dell Med HLA Co-President at Dell Medical School, drives student-led efforts in health leadership and advocacy, complementing the school's mission to improve community health. Working alongside fellow co-presidents, Kannapiran spearheads initiatives that empower future physician leaders to confront systemic health challenges effectively. This position involves coordinating student engagement in research and innovation projects, fostering a dynamic learning environment. By championing student voices and leadership development, Abinaya Kannapiran contributes significantly to the school's unique curriculum. The Co-President's dedication ensures students are well-prepared to deliver integrated and person-centered care, embodying the spirit of rethinking academic medicine.

    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 human capital strategies and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, and compensation structures, Kardow ensures the alignment of workforce capabilities with the school's mission to improve community health. This leadership role involves fostering a supportive and innovative work environment, crucial for attracting and retaining top medical talent. By implementing progressive HR policies, Vivian Kardow drives employee engagement and supports the development of physician leaders equipped to tackle systemic health challenges. The focus remains on building a robust and adaptable team that underpins the school's educational and research objectives, directly contributing to the delivery of person-centered care.

    Neal Wright - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Neal Wright, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Dell Medical School, spearheads the strategic implementation and management of information technology infrastructure. Overseeing digital transformation efforts and ensuring robust cybersecurity measures, Wright supports the school's commitment to innovation in healthcare solutions. This role involves architecting scalable IT systems that facilitate cutting-edge research and enhance the educational experience for medical students. By driving technological advancements, Neal Wright ensures seamless integration of digital tools for both administrative functions and patient care delivery. The Deputy Chief Information Officer's oversight extends to optimizing data management and accessibility, critical for the school's mission of rethinking academic medicine and providing integrated, person-centered care across the community.

    Michael Ryan - Chief Administrative Officer

    Michael Ryan, the Chief Administrative Officer at Dell Medical School, manages the comprehensive operational and administrative functions essential for the institution's success. Overseeing budget allocation, resource management, and facility operations, Ryan ensures efficient execution of the school's strategic objectives. This leadership position involves optimizing workflows and streamlining processes to support the unique curriculum aimed at training physician leaders. By driving operational excellence, Michael Ryan directly contributes to the school's capacity for groundbreaking research and its ability to provide high-quality, person-centered care. The Chief Administrative Officer's purview includes fostering interdepartmental collaboration, vital for addressing systemic health challenges and advancing the mission of rethinking academic medicine within the community.
    Michael Ryan

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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 Swetha Velayutham (Dell Med HLA Co-President), along with executives such as Adam Cardenas (President, American Medical Association & Texas Medical Association Chapter) 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 Swetha Velayutham (Dell Med HLA Co-President), Adam Cardenas (President, American Medical Association & Texas Medical Association Chapter), Abinaya Kannapiran (Dell Med HLA Co-President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Dell Medical School have?
    Dell Medical School has 6 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 Dell Med HLA Co-President, President, American Medical Association & Texas Medical Association Chapter, Dell Med HLA Co-President, Interim Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Deputy Chief Information Officer.