Dr S P Rao has dedicated over 40 years to medical education, serving in various leadership and academic roles, including Dean, Principal, and Professor. With experience across government, private, and philanthropic sectors, he has deep expertise in maintaining and enhancing the quality of health professional education.

Actively engaged in research, Dr Rao has collaborated with esteemed international organisations such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF, SIDA, and the Aga Khan Foundation. His research projects have received funding from ICMR and state bodies like Maharashtra’s health sector and the State Health Resource Center.

Dr. Rao has played a pivotal role in establishing new government medical colleges and guiding institutions towards national recognition. A recipient of the prestigious WHO fellowship in Hospital Administration, he is widely recognised for his impactful research in leprosy and his contributions to advancing medical education.