Dell Medical School Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to community health, Dell Medical School redefines academic medicine through a unique curriculum focused on training physician leaders to tackle systemic health challenges and deliver person-centered care.

Leadership Roles at Dell Medical School

  • President, American Medical Association & Texas Medical Association Chapter - Adam Cardenas
  • Dell Med HLA Co-President - Abinaya Kannapiran
  • Dell Med HLA Co-President - Swetha Velayutham
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Neal Wright
  • Interim Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer - Vivian Kardow
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Michael Ryan
  • 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 leadership at the intersection of medical practice and policy. This role involves advocating for physician and patient interests, shaping healthcare policy, and fostering professional development within the medical community. Cardenas's influence extends to driving initiatives that address systemic health challenges and promote innovative healthcare solutions. The President, American Medical Association & Texas Medical Association Chapter's engagement ensures that Dell Medical School's educational and research efforts are aligned with the broader goals of advancing medical science and improving public health. Adam Cardenas's leadership reinforces the school's dedication to training physician leaders equipped to navigate complex healthcare landscapes.

    Abinaya Kannapiran - Dell Med HLA Co-President

    Abinaya Kannapiran, the Dell Med HLA Co-President at Dell Medical School, leads key initiatives within the Health Leadership Academy, focusing on student development and organizational strategy. This role involves guiding student-led projects, fostering collaboration among peers, and representing student interests to institutional leadership. Kannapiran's responsibilities include driving engagement in programs designed to train physician leaders capable of addressing systemic health challenges. The Dell Med HLA Co-President's active participation ensures that student voices shape the school's innovative curriculum and research directions. Abinaya Kannapiran's leadership contributes significantly to cultivating a dynamic environment where future healthcare professionals develop essential skills for person-centered care and community health improvement.

    Swetha Velayutham - Dell Med HLA Co-President

    Swetha Velayutham, the Dell Med HLA Co-President at Dell Medical School, shares leadership responsibilities within the Health Leadership Academy, focusing on enhancing the student experience and operational effectiveness. This executive collaborates on strategic planning for student programs, aiming to equip future physician leaders with the skills needed to tackle complex health issues. Velayutham's role involves coordinating student activities, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring the academy's initiatives align with the school's broader mission. The Dell Med HLA Co-President's dedication supports the development of innovative healthcare solutions and person-centered care models. Swetha Velayutham's contributions are vital to fostering an environment that champions academic excellence and community health advancement.

    Neal Wright - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Neal Wright, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Dell Medical School, directs critical information technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Overseeing the development and implementation of technological solutions, Wright ensures the seamless operation of systems supporting both academic and clinical functions. This leadership role involves managing data security, enhancing network capabilities, and driving innovation in IT services to align with the school's mission of improving community health. Wright's focus on scalable and secure technology underpins the school's ability to deliver advanced healthcare solutions and maintain efficient administrative processes. The Deputy Chief Information Officer's efforts are vital for supporting research initiatives and enhancing the overall educational experience for students and faculty.

    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, spearheads all human capital management initiatives. This executive oversees talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture, ensuring alignment with the school's mission to train physician leaders. Kardow's responsibilities include fostering a supportive work environment, implementing progressive HR policies, and managing employee relations across academic and administrative departments. The Interim Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer plays a crucial part in attracting and retaining top talent, essential for Dell Medical School's innovative approach to academic medicine. By focusing on employee well-being and professional growth, Kardow directly contributes to the school's capacity to address systemic health challenges and provide exceptional patient care.

    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. This executive directs financial planning, resource allocation, and facilities management, ensuring efficient operations that support the school's academic and research endeavors. Ryan's oversight extends to optimizing business processes and driving operational excellence across all departments. The Chief Administrative Officer's strategic approach to resource management directly enables Dell Medical School's commitment to rethinking academic medicine and improving community health outcomes. By ensuring robust administrative support, Michael Ryan empowers faculty and staff to focus on innovative healthcare solutions and the training of future physician leaders.
    Michael Ryan

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    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 Abinaya Kannapiran (Dell Med HLA Co-President) and Swetha Velayutham (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), Abinaya Kannapiran (Dell Med HLA Co-President), Swetha Velayutham (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 President, American Medical Association & Texas Medical Association Chapter, Dell Med HLA Co-President, Dell Med HLA Co-President, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Interim Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer.