
Lieutenant Colonel Kamal S. Kalsi, D.O., FACEP
Civic Engagement Awardee

Lieutenant Colonel Kamal S. Kalsi, D.O., FACEP, is a distinguished leader at the intersection of healthcare innovation, military service, and civic engagement. As Chief Medical Officer of Victory Medical Institute, Dr. Kalsi advances regenerative medicine, transforming patient care through groundbreaking use of stem cells, peptides, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and advanced biologics.
With over 20 years of dedicated service as an emergency physician and U.S. Army officer, Dr. Kalsi exemplifies exceptional leadership both in medical settings and on the battlefield. During his deployment as Chief of the Expeditionary Emergency Room in Afghanistan, he led trauma medicine and mass casualty responses, earning the Bronze Star Medal for lifesaving interventions under combat conditions. At Fort Bragg, he directed the Army’s largest EMS system, significantly enhancing tactical medical readiness and disaster response capabilities.
In addition to his medical and military contributions, Dr. Kalsi is a powerful advocate for civil rights and public policy reform. He made history in 2009 as the first Sikh American in decades to receive a religious accommodation to serve openly in the U.S. military, inspiring a movement toward greater inclusion and diversity in the armed forces. His tireless advocacy through the Sikh American Veterans Alliance (SAVA), which he founded, has led to landmark policy changes within the Department of Defense, opening doors for countless service members of diverse faiths.
Appointed by the White House as a Commissioner for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community, Dr. Kalsi spearheaded efforts to address systemic inequities, combat xenophobia, and promote inclusion at the national level. He also served on New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s transition team, influencing policies on veterans’ affairs and advocating progressive healthcare initiatives.
Recognized nationally for his exceptional leadership and dedication, Dr. Kalsi’s contributions exemplify unwavering commitment to service, equity, and healthcare advancement. Through tireless advocacy, groundbreaking medical innovation, and dedicated military service, Dr. Kalsi embodies the very spirit of civic engagement, continually inspiring positive change.