She set up the first MSc course in Gastroenterology in the UK and continues to teach, lecture and examine medical students and doctors across the globe.

Kumar moved to the United Kingdom and studied medicine at St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College, then training as a gastroenterologist under Sir Anthony Dawson and Michael Clark.

Kumar is a trustee of the British Youth Opera[5] and healthcare funder Barts Charity,[6] and the BMA Foundation for Medical Research.

In 1999, she became the first recipient of the Asian Woman of the Year (Professional) award, and in 2000 was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of her services to medicine.

[2] She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2017 Birthday Honours for services to medicine and medical education.