Join WhatsApp Channel
The New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) has conferred an honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) degree on Dr. Krishan Kumar during its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, attended by more than 7,000 graduates, faculty members, family members, and distinguished guests.
The prestigious academic honor recognizes Dr. Kumar’s lifelong contributions to medicine, medical education, emergency medical services (EMS), and public service. According to a statement, the Doctor of Science degree is among the highest distinctions awarded by NYIT and is reserved for individuals whose careers reflect sustained scholarly achievement, leadership, and meaningful societal impact.
The statement noted that the recognition places Dr. Kumar among a select group of physician-scholars in the United States. Of the approximately 1.1 million licensed physicians nationwide, fewer than 200 are estimated to hold both Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degrees. Dr. Kumar is also believed to be the only Indian American physician to receive this honor from NYIT, highlighting the distinction’s rarity and academic significance.
Recent recipients of the honorary degree include Dr. Anthony Fauci, who was recognized in 2022 for his contributions to immunology and public health leadership. In that context, Dr. Kumar’s recognition reflects a career spanning more than five decades in pediatrics, emergency medicine, EMS, and medical education.
According to the official NYIT resolution, Dr. Kumar is recognized “for his enduring dedication to medical education and public service, exemplified by his leadership as Medical Director of the Nassau County Fire Police EMS Academy, his service on the New York State Board of Medicine, and his role as Vice President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), along with his longstanding commitment to mentoring future physicians and advancing healthcare education.”
