When Sanjay Gupta talks, a lot of people in America listen. And they have good reason to. For, apart from his stellar academic qualifications, CNN's chief medical correspondent has the kind of manner only a very good doctor cultivates over years of practice. It is a manner that is forthright, yet patient. A manner that doesn't come to all in the medical profession.

Winner of several Emmy Awards, Gupta received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and a doctorate of medicine from the University of Michigan Medical Center. Four years ago, he was named one of People magazine's 'Sexiest Men Alive' and a 'pop culture icon' by USA Today. In 2004, the Atlanta Press Club named him Journalist of the Year. He has also won the Humanitarian Award from the National Press Photographers Association, and a Gold Award from the National Health Care Communicators.

		fact Once voted one of the Sexiest Men by People magazine, he has a Web site dedicated to him, set up by fans who call themselves the 'Gupta Girls'.
	Photo: Warner Books

A practicing neurosurgeon and assistant professor of neurosurgery at Emory University in Atlanta, he is also a bestselling author, and investigative reporter. His Chasing Life is a lucidly written and absorbing book that has been getting him much attention in recent weeks.

Based in Atlanta, he also co-hosts Accent Health for Turner Private Networks, provides medical segments for the syndicated version of ER on TNT, contributes health news stories to CNN.com, writes a column for Time magazine and recently launched a weekly podcast called 'Paging Dr Gupta.' He has been with CNN six years, and was a member of the team covering the September 11 attacks in New York City, broadcasting extensively on anthrax and its deadly effects at the time.

He has spent time in Iraq and Kuwait, reporting on the medical aspects of America's escalating war in the region. He has also traveled to many parts of the world to offer medical perspectives on new or continuing situations like AIDS in Thailand and the tsunami devastation in Sri Lanka; that coverage contributed to CNN being awarded an Alfred I DuPont Award.

Sanjay Gupta makes this list not for just his stunning professional achievements. He makes it because his presence on television reassures millions every week. He's making America healthier. And for that, he is much appreciated.