Kemal Erkan, CEO of United Medical LLC and Chairman of UMACO, achieved a significant milestone in 2025 by surpassing 200,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel. This accomplishment caps a year marked by expanded community outreach, enhanced patient education, and a growing digital healthcare presence. Erkan launched the channel to make healthcare news more accessible and to foster discussions on bariatric surgery, U.S. economics, and politics, empowering patients and the broader community.
Erkan's subscriber base more than doubled over the past year, driven by a shift toward structured, high-quality content that resonates globally. His most-watched videos include his speech at the 28th Eurasian Economic Summit, which garnered over 104,000 views, appearances on EKOTÜRK, and weekly U.S. news updates. This reach underscores a growing urgency for sustainable healthcare practices and positions Erkan as a key voice, particularly through his role as a U.S. representative for the Marmara Group Foundation.
Throughout the year, Erkan hosted notable figures such as Sarah McBride, Seema Verma, Kyle Evans Gay, and Selin Yeninci, sparking conversations on critical issues. In a session with Seema Verma, GM and EVP of Oracle Health, they discussed frustrations with the U.S. healthcare system and the future of Oracle Health following the Cerner acquisition. Verma highlighted a new AI-powered and interoperable EHR designed to reduce provider burden and free up time for patient care. This discussion, available on Kemal Erkan's channel, reflects the potential of technology to transform healthcare delivery.
Another pressing topic covered was the government shutdown and its impact on everyday people. Erkan and Sarah McBride addressed the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits and resulting health insurance premium hikes. McBride emphasized the need for bipartisan collaboration, while Erkan expressed concern over individuals facing uncertainty about healthcare affordability. These conversations amplify constituents' voices and push for policy change, as seen on his channel.
The recurring segment "Bariatric Friday" continued to provide valuable information for patients, featuring surgeons like Dr. Isaias Irgau and Dr. Gail Wynn from CHRIAS. This physician-led series helps patients navigate weight-loss surgery and post-operative life, fostering confidence and support. The channel's growth and diverse content underscore Erkan's commitment to patient education and community engagement, setting the stage for further expansion in the coming year.
