Udupi: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has officially welcomed Dr K Sharath Rao as its eighth vice-chancellor. His appointment, announced in March, recognizes his outstanding contributions to medical leadership and healthcare management.
Honorary Fellowship and Academic Background
Dr Rao was awarded the honorary FRCP fellowship by the Royal College of Physicians, London, on July 8, 2025. He joined MAHE in 1988 as an assistant lecturer in the Department of Orthopaedics at Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal. An alumnus of KMC Mangaluru, he holds an MBBS from the University of Mysore and D Ortho and MS degrees in orthopaedics from Mangalore University.
Key Leadership Roles at MAHE
Over the years, Dr Rao has held several key leadership positions across MAHE's health sciences institutions. These include head of Unit V, Department of Orthopaedics, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal (since 2000); head of the Department of Orthopaedics, KMC Manipal (2009–2014); associate dean, KMC Manipal (2015–2019); dean, KMC Manipal (2019); and pro vice-chancellor (Health Sciences) from 2023.
Professional Body Leadership
Dr Rao has also served as president of the Karnataka Orthopaedic Association and president of the Orthopaedic Association of South Indian States (OASIS). He was chairman of AO Trauma India, contributing to the advancement of orthopaedic practice and education.
Academic and International Contributions
His academic contributions include over 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals, several textbook chapters, and extensive international engagements. He has delivered lectures and conducted workshops across Europe, the United States, South America, Southeast Asia, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, strengthening global collaboration in medical education and orthopaedic practice.
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