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Dr. Prateek Sharma is an internationally recognized Indian-American physician, clinician-scientist, academic leader, and researcher whose pioneering contributions to gastroenterology, endoscopic medicine, and healthcare innovation have reshaped the landscape of gastrointestinal disease diagnosis and treatment. In 2026, Dr. Sharma was conferred the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours, in recognition of his distinguished contributions to medicine and healthcare.

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Early Life and Education

Born in India, Dr. Prateek Sharma began his journey into medicine inspired by a deep commitment to clinical excellence and research. He completed his MBBS from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (Vadodara), earning foundational training that would later underpin his career as a physician and academic.

After medical school, Dr. Sharma moved to the United States to further his training. He completed his internal medicine residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and then pursued a gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Arizona in Tucson. These formative years of rigorous clinical training helped establish his expertise in digestive diseases and advanced endoscopic techniques.

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Trailblazer in Gastroenterology

Dr. Sharma is best known for his expertise in diagnosing and managing gastrointestinal diseases, especially conditions that can lead to cancer, such as Barrett’s esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). His research has significantly influenced how gastroenterologists around the world detect and treat complex digestive conditions.

He has published hundreds of peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and scientific papers in leading medical journals, including The New England Journal of Medicine, Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and Annals of Internal Medicine. His scholarship has helped refine clinical guidelines and establish evidence-based approaches for patient care in gastroenterology.

Beyond research, Dr. Sharma’s work on advanced imaging and therapeutic techniques in endoscopy has improved early detection of gastrointestinal cancers, transforming outcomes for patients worldwide. His role in promoting and integrating computer-assisted diagnostics and artificial intelligence (AI) tools into clinical practice has helped usher in a new era in gastrointestinal care.

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Academic Leadership and Professional Roles

Dr. Prateek Sharma serves as a Professor of Medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, where he combines clinical roles with teaching and mentorship of future physicians. His leadership roles include serving as President of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), one of the largest professional organizations dedicated to digestive health in the world. He also chairs the ASGE Artificial Intelligence Institute, leading efforts to harness technological innovation to improve patient outcomes.

His peers widely respect him for his contributions to medical education, research mentorship, and clinical excellence. Over the years, Dr. Sharma has become one of the most influential voices in digestive disease research and endoscopic medicine.

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Recognition and Awards

In addition to his leadership roles, Dr. Sharma is the recipient of numerous accolades for his contributions to medicine:

• Padma Shri (2026): Awarded by the Government of India for distinguished service in medicine. This honour highlighted his global impact as an Indian-American physician whose work transcends continents and benefits patients and professionals worldwide.
• Distinguished Educator and Research Mentorship Awards: Recognized by leading professional organizations in the United States for his mentorship and contributions to advancing medical science.

His selection for the Padma Shri in 2026 placed him among a select group of Indian-Americans recognised for exceptional contributions in medicine, arts, sports, and science during that year’s honours list.

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Research Impact and Influence

Dr. Sharma’s research contributions span basic science, clinical trials, and translational studies that bridge laboratory innovation with patient care. His focus on esophageal diseases, Barrett’s esophagus, and early detection of gastrointestinal cancers has particularly transformed clinical practice. His work has helped establish protocols and interventions that offer patients earlier and more effective treatment options, reducing morbidity and mortality associated with complex digestive diseases.

He has presented at hundreds of national and international scientific meetings and served on editorial boards of major journals, helping steer the direction of global research in gastroenterology. His work has influenced clinicians, researchers, and policymakers alike, and has also included engagement in policy discussions on clinical best practices and healthcare innovation.

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Global and Community Contributions

Despite his demanding professional roles, Dr. Sharma remains committed to advancing medicine globally. Whether mentoring young clinicians, sharing scientific knowledge at global forums, or guiding research initiatives, his influence resonates across borders.

He often engages the broader community through educational outreach, public lectures, and collaborative research programs that aim to improve health outcomes for all. His efforts reflect a deep belief that science and medicine should serve humanity in the broadest and most equitable way possible.

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Legacy and Ongoing Work

Dr. Prateek Sharma’s legacy will be defined not only by his research and clinical achievements but also by the generations of physicians and scientists he has inspired. His commitment to patient care, innovation, and leadership sets a benchmark for what a modern clinician-scientist can achieve.

As medicine evolves, Dr. Sharma continues to push boundaries through interdisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge research, and a vision that health innovation must always serve patients first. Whether through advanced endoscopic techniques, AI-driven diagnostics, or global education initiatives, his work exemplifies the transformative potential of combining clinical excellence with scientific curiosity.

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Conclusion

Dr. Prateek Sharma’s journey from a medical student in India to a celebrated global authority in gastroenterology illustrates the power of passion, perseverance, and scientific rigor. His recognition with the Padma Shri in 2026 underscores the significance of his contributions to medicine and humanity. As a clinician, educator, and innovator, Dr. Sharma’s influence will continue to shape the future of digestive health care for years to come.

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