Dr. Sharath K Rao’s journey reflects clinical excellence, academic leadership, and an unwavering commitment to healthcare education, ensuring MAHE continues to advance as a premier global institution for medical sciences.
Legacy of Leadership
Dr. Sharath K Rao, Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), is a distinguished orthopaedic surgeon, academician and administrator with more than three decades of experience in medical education, clinical practice and institutional leadership. An alumnus of Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Mangalore, he earned his MBBS in 1985, followed by postgraduate qualifications in Orthopaedics. His association with KMC Manipal began in 1988, progressing from faculty responsibilities to Head of the Department of Orthopaedics, Associate Dean and Dean of KMC Manipal. In 2023, he assumed the role of Pro Vice Chancellor – Health Sciences, before taking on his current leadership responsibility as Vice Chancellor of MAHE.
A Vision for Future-Ready Education
Dr. Rao brings together deep clinical expertise and academic leadership to advance education, research, innovation and healthcare delivery at MAHE. A renowned orthopaedic surgeon specialising in complex trauma, joint replacement and knee arthroscopy, he has authored 102 publications in indexed journals and contributed book chapters across trauma, joint replacement and arthroscopy.
His academic influence extends internationally through lectures, workshops and professional engagements across Europe, the USA, South America, Southeast Asia, Korea, Australia and New Zealand. As Vice Chancellor, his leadership is focused on strengthening multidisciplinary education, impactful research, clinical excellence and global academic engagement, preparing students and faculty to contribute meaningfully in a rapidly evolving world.
Beyond Academics
Dr. Rao has contributed extensively to the advancement of orthopaedics through professional leadership. He has served as President of the Karnataka Orthopaedic Association, President of the Orthopaedic Association of South Indian States (OASIS), and as an Executive Council Member and Chairman of AO Trauma India.
A committed teacher, researcher and clinician, he continues to connect academic knowledge with clinical practice and professional mentorship. His journey from the classrooms and hospitals of KMC to the leadership of MAHE reflects a career dedicated to education, patient care, research and institutional excellence.
Royal College of Physicians, London
