Dr. Haranath Policherla Named Chairman of the Board of Governors at St. Martinus University Faculty of Medicine

Experienced U.S. Neurologist to Support Governance and Academic Development. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) March 09, 2026 - Willemstad, Curaçao - St. Martinus University Faculty of Medicine (SMUFOM) has announced the appointment of Dr. Haranath Policherla, MD, as Chairman of the Board of Governors. Dr. Policherla is a U.S.-based neurologist with more than three decades of experience in clinical practice, hospital systems, and physician training.

The appointment was confirmed by the University’s Board of Directors in consultation with Chancellor Dr. Murali Chand Ginjupalli, PhD. The decision reflects the institution’s continued focus on strengthening governance and maintaining strong connections with the U.S. healthcare environment that many of its graduates enter.

Medical Training and Professional Background
Dr. Policherla received his medical education at Sri Venkatesvara Medical College, affiliated with NTR University of Health Sciences in India. He later completed his neurology residency at Detroit Medical Center through Wayne State University School of Medicine in the United States.

He currently practices in Michigan and maintains affiliations with several hospitals, including Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital, Henry Ford St. John Hospital, and DMC Harper University Hospital. His professional qualifications include board certification in Neurology, Clinical Neurophysiology, and Sleep Medicine. In addition, he holds certification from the American Society of Neurorehabilitation. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to research in neurological disorders and diagnostic electrophysiology. Throughout his professional journey, Dr. Policherla has remained involved in physician education and clinical program development, helping guide medical trainees while supporting interdisciplinary patient care.

“This appointment represents a defining step forward for St. Martinus University. Dr. Policherla brings exactly the caliber of clinical authority, governance acumen, and strategic vision that our institution needs as we enter our next chapter of growth. His deep roots in U.S. healthcare systems - combined with a genuine commitment to mentoring the next generation of physicians - make him the ideal leader for our Board of Governors.” - Dr. Murali Chand Ginjupalli, PhD, Chancellor, St. Martinus University.

Role as Chairman of the Board of Governors
In his new position, Dr. Policherla will contribute to the oversight of institutional governance and academic policies. The Board of Governors works with university leadership to support program integrity, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning. His clinical background within the U.S. healthcare system provides valuable perspective as the university continues to align its academic programs with the expectations of international medical licensing bodies and residency training environments.

Supporting Clinical Training Opportunities
Dr. Policherla’s experience within major American hospital systems strengthens the university’s ongoing collaboration with Prime Healthcare Services, a national healthcare network operating 54 hospitals across 15 states.

These relationships support opportunities for students to gain exposure to hospital-based clinical training environments in the United States, an important step for graduates pursuing residency placements.

“At St. Martinus University, we have always believed that the strength of a medical institution is measured by the physicians it produces and the partnerships it builds. Dr. Policherla’s appointment is not just a governance milestone — it is a signal to students, faculty, and the broader healthcare community that SMU is deepening its commitment to clinical excellence, U.S. residency readiness, and global standards of medical education. We are building something enduring here, and Dr. Policherla’s leadership will be instrumental in that journey.” - Dr. Murali Chand Ginjupalli, PhD, Chancellor, St. Martinus University

Continued Institutional Development
St. Martinus University continues to expand its academic and clinical initiatives while maintaining a governance structure supported by experienced physicians and healthcare professionals. Leadership participation from clinicians such as Dr. Policherla reinforces the university’s focus on preparing graduates for modern healthcare systems.

“Over the past 19 years, I have witnessed St. Martinus University grow from a promising institution into one of the Caribbean’s most respected medical schools. Dr. Policherla’s appointment as Chairman of the Board of Governors is a powerful affirmation of that journey. His firsthand understanding of what it takes to train residents in the U.S. healthcare system — from clinical competency to board readiness — will directly strengthen the educational experience we deliver to our students. For our faculty, this is a source of great confidence. For our students, it is a commitment that their success in residency and beyond remains at the center of everything we do.” - Dr. Danna Soria, MD, Vice Chancellor & Professor of Pharmacology, St. Martinus University

About St. Martinus University Faculty of Medicine
Founded in 2000, St. Martinus University Faculty of Medicine is located in Willemstad, Curaçao and offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program structured around a U.S.-modeled curriculum. The university prepares students for medical licensure examinations and postgraduate training in several regions, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The institution is accredited by the Agency for Accreditation of Educational Programs and Organizations (AAEPO), a WFME-recognized accrediting body, with accreditation valid through 2028. Through a combination of academic instruction, clinical partnerships, and international regulatory recognition, the university continues to educate physicians who serve across global healthcare systems.

Media Contact
Office of Communications
St. Martinus University Faculty of Medicine
Schottegatweg Oost 18
Willemstad, Curaçao
Email: marketing.lnu ( @ ) martinus dot edu
Website: www.martinus.edu

For press inquiries or institutional information, please contact the Office of Communications.

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