New York, NY [USA], September 28: Dr. Poonam Velagapudi, a Structural and Interventional Cardiologist in New York has been crowned “Mrs Elite Universe USA 2027” adding a national pageant title to a career dedicated to heart health, education, and mentorship.
The title was awarded September 11, 2026, at Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, New Jersey, during the Mrs Universe USA 2027 pageant which brought together accomplished women from diverse professional and personal backgrounds.
Originally from Hyderabad, India, Dr. Velagapudi completed her medical education at Osmania Medical College before pursuing advanced training in the United States including fellowships in cardiology, interventional cardiology, and structural heart disease at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Brown University, and Columbia University respectively.
As a Structural and Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Velagapudi is dedicated to treating patients with coronary artery disease and heart valve conditions. Her work includes caring for patients during critical cardiac events while also emphasizing prevention, awareness, and heart-healthy lifestyles
A Mission to Empower Women Through Heart Health
Through her platform, Dr. Velagapudi aspires to increase awareness of cardiovascular disease among women globally, encourage women to recognize and act on concerning symptoms, and emphasize the importance of prevention and regular cardiovascular care. She believes that empowering women to prioritize their health can have a wider impact on families and communities.
Alongside patient education, Dr. Velagapudi is passionate about educating and mentoring the next generation of physicians, particularly young women interested in pursuing careers in interventional cardiology, a field that traditionally has only 3-5% women.
A Passion Beyond Medicine
Dr. Velagapudi’s interests extend beyond medicine. In September 2026, she walked the runway for acclaimed designers during New York Fashion Week, embracing fashion as a creative outlet and another way to celebrate individuality and confidence. She says, “Medicine allows me to serve, while fashion allows me to express my creativity. I love that women can embrace different sides of themselves without having to choose just one identity.”
Her journey demonstrates how professional excellence and personal passions can coexist, allowing women to explore different dimensions of their identity while pursuing meaningful goals.
“It Is Never Too Late to Dream”
For Dr. Velagapudi, the journey to the crown reflects a broader philosophy and her message to women is clear: women should never feel that their dreams have an expiration date. “I believe it is never too late to dream, to reinvent yourself or to discover something new about yourself”, Dr. Velagapudi says. “We can be physicians, mothers, wives, leaders, artists, entrepreneurs, or anything else we aspire to be. We don’t have to put ourselves just in one box.”
She also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and nurturing meaningful relationships along the way. For her, achievement becomes even more fulfilling when it is shared with the people who provide encouragement and support.
A Strong Circle of Support
Dr. Velagapudi credits her family and friends as the foundation behind her journey. “They are my strength, my cheerleaders and my safe place- the people who celebrate my achievements, stand beside me during challenging moments and remind me to keep dreaming.” She considers herself blessed to have such a strong circle of love and support throughout her journey.
Gratitude to My Dream TV USA
Reflecting on her pageant experience, Dr. Velagapudi expressed gratitude to My Dream TV USA for its rigorous training, methodical coaching, and continued encouragement throughout the pageant journey. “Their guidance and support from the beginning of the journey through the completion of the pageant made this experience truly meaningful,” she said.
Dr. Velagapudi’s newly earned title, Mrs Universe USA 2027 marks another milestone in her journey and work as a cardiologist, mentor and advocate for heart health and she hopes her new platform will allow her to reach women beyond the exam room.
“If there is one message, I want women to take from my journey, it is this: never stop dreaming and pursuing those dreams,” she says. “Your dreams do not have an expiration date.”
https://www.instagram.com/poonamvelagapudi?stkn=MXV4M3ZqMmdjdXM0dA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
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