He has done specialisation in Laparoscopic and Vascular Surgery. Dr Rao is an MBBS graduate from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. He has obtained his fellowship from Royal College of Surgeons, Glasgow United Kingdoms. Dr Rao has also acquired Master of Science degree in Vascular Surgery. He has past affiliations with various hospitals in and around London as Senior Registrar for over 10 years before returning to Bangalore to join Dr Malathi Manipal Hospital in 1991. Dr Rao is the Governing Council member and Hon. Treasurer of Association of Surgeons of India. He is also the President elect of Surgical Society of Bangalore. Dr Rao is known for his knowledge contribution through books and many publications.