Hari Krishna Shukla

Hari Krishna Shukla is an American physician of Indian origin. He is a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the New York University School of Medicine, the President of Children’s Medical Center, Flushing, New York, and specializes in Pediatrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. He is recognized for developing a globally adopted equation for umbilical catheter placement, pioneering the use of surfactant therapy in preterm infants in the United States, and for his contribution toward the eradication of polio. His research has influenced clinical practices internationally.

Early life and education

Shukla was born in Gujarat, India. He graduated as valedictorian from high school in Ahmedabad in 1968 and completed his pre-medical studies at Gujarat University in 1970, also as valedictorian. He earned his M.B.B.S. degree from Gujarat University in April 1976, followed by a Doctorate in Pediatric Medicine in 1979.

He later came to the United States in 1980, undertaking residency training in Pediatrics at Lincoln Hospital & New York Medical College (1980–1982), and fellowships in Neonatology at New York University Medical Center & Bellevue Hospital (1982–1985). Shukla achieved certification from the American Board of Pediatrics in 1985, the Subspecialty Board in Neonatal Perinatal Medicine in 1987, and the American Board of Forensic Medicine in 1996.

Medical Practice and Academic Appointments

Shukla began his medical career in India as a tutor in Physiology and Pediatrics at Gujarat University (1977–1980). He came to the United States in 1980 as a Rotary International Group Study exchange scholar. Later, he joined New York University School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital in various teaching and research roles, later serving as a part-time attending Neonatologist until 2005.

Since 1985, Shukla has practiced full-time in Pediatrics and Neonatology, holding admitting privileges at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital – Queens, NYU Medical Center, Bellevue Hospital, and Cohen’s Children Hospital. He has been a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at NYU School of Medicine since 1998 and has served as a proctor for Weill Cornell Medical College (1996–2020). He has been the President and founder of Children’s Medical Centre, Flushing, New York, since 1996.

Shukla has served as a Question Writer and Author for the American Board of Pediatrics and the Neonatal-Perinatal Board for several years. He has been the Consultant Pediatrician for Permanent Missions of India and other countries at the United Nations and for the Consulate General Office at New York since 1987.  He has also been the Civil Surgeon for the United States Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service since 1990.

Research and Medical Contributions

In 1986, Shukla developed an equation for umbilical catheter placement, now used globally and estimated to have been applied in over 400 million cases. In 1987, he is pioneer physician in the United States, and the first Indian physician worldwide, to use surfactant therapy in preterm infants as phase two study and IND protocol of Food and drug administration, which later became standard practice. His work on endotracheal tube placement is part of standard U.S. medical training.

Earlier in his career, Shukla participated in polio vaccine immunity research (1979–1980) in India, influencing immunization policies. He has also contributed to studies on kernicterus, bilirubin metabolism, and gestational age assessment. His publications have been cited in several Pediatric and Neonatology books.

Community service

In 1975, Shukla participated in flood relief efforts in Bihar and Gujarat and organized rural health camps; for that, he was honored by the Governor of Gujarat twice. He trained police and firefighters in first aid during the late 1970s and held leadership roles in the Indian Red Cross (Secretary -medical wing Gujarat) and Rotary International (DRR 1979-80, R.I District 305).

He has led disaster relief initiatives for India, Sri Lanka, and Haiti, co-founded a free breast cancer clinic for South Asian women, and worked to enroll children in public health insurance programs. He is the founder and President of South Asians of New York, Inc. (Est 2004) and Chairman of the New American Voters Association (Est 2017), focusing on health advocacy, disaster aid, and social issues such as [...] and substance abuse prevention. He has also played a role in organizing the India Day parade, the Walkathon Parade for Children, the Janmashtami Parade, the Diwali Celebration, and the toy distributions at Christmas, all in Queens, New York.

Awards and recognition

• Key to the City of New York - New York City Mayor Eric Adams – 2025
• Lifetime Achievement Award – President of the USA – 2025
• Liberty Award – 2024

Personal life

Shukla is married to Kirti Shukla, and they have two physician sons and six grandchildren.