Originally from India, Dr. Tumkur, received his medical degree from M.R. Medical College in Gulbarga where he also completed his internal medicine residency. He finished an internship in internal medicine at Government Civil Hospital in Gulbarga. Upon arriving in the United States, Dr. Tumkur completed a residency and fellowship at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee. He is board certified in medical oncology. He has participated in several scholarly activities and presentations.