Born to Late Sri A. Shama Rao and Smt. Indira, Dr. Rao graduated from MGM College, Udupi, and completed his MBBS and MD at Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Mangaluru. Beginning his career as a Consultant Physician in 1971, he devoted more than five decades of his life to medicine, medical education and service to society.
He served at KMC, Mangaluru, for over three decades, retiring in 2002 as Professor & Head of the Department of Medicine and Director of Postgraduate Studies in Medicine. Even after retirement, his calling as a physician and teacher never ceased. He continued his passion for medical education for over two more decades at A.J. Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangaluru, as Professor Emeritus, teaching and mentoring generations of medical students and young doctors until his final days. Alongside his teaching, he remained an active practicing physician, continuing to see and care for patients at his clinic until the very last day of his life. A physician to thousands and a mentor to generations of doctors, he was honoured as Best Teacher of KMC (1998).
Dr. Rao also held leadership roles in the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Association of Physicians of India. He was recognized as Best IMA President of Karnataka State (1995–96) and received the National Award for IMA Membership Growth.
A dedicated member and leader of the Lions movement, he served in several leadership capacities and was honoured as Best Lions Club President, Best Zone Chairman, Best District Chairman, Best Regional Chairman and Best District Treasurer. During his leadership in Lions, he was instrumental in establishing theFree Haemodialysis Centre and Burns Centre at Government Wenlock Hospital, Mangaluru and Eye Hospital, reflecting his deep commitment to making essential medical care accessible to the community.
His service extended well beyond his professional responsibilities. For several decades, he provided free medical check-ups and medicines to pensioners and contributed to the construction of the Lord Ayyappa Temple at Kudupu, Mangaluru.
His distinguished contributions to medicine, education and society earned him numerous honours, including the Rajyotsava Award (2007), Lifetime Achievement Award (2012), and many other awards and recognitions throughout his remarkable career.
Beyond his many accomplishments, he will be remembered for his discipline, simplicity, compassion, generosity, devotion and lifelong commitment to service.
His legacy lives on in the countless patients he cared for, the generations of doctors he taught and mentored, the community he served, and the family he loved. His was truly a life devoted to healing, teaching and serving others until his very last day.