Dr. Rao served as a Senior Consultant at Fortis Hospital, Mallya Hospital and Columbia Asia Hospital (Hebbal) in Bangalore and is currently working for his own clinic in Bangalore.

He has dedicated his life to the service of the rural poor, having treated over one million patients absolutely free of charge.

He is a recipient of Padmashree award in 2010, the Dr. Abdul Kalam National Award, and the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award.

He has been in the medical practice from nearly 40 years.

He holds an MBBS (1973) from Kasturba Medical College in Manipal and an MD in Medicine and Cardiology (1980) from Bangalore Medical College, Bangalore.

Dr. Rao served as a Senior Consultant at Fortis Hospital, Mallya Hospital and Columbia Asia Hospital (Hebbal) in Bangalore.