He was noteworthy for introducing the first open heart surgery to the state of Andhra Pradesh in India and for pioneering advanced medical care at affordable costs.
He studied in the local elementary and high schools to go to college at Vijayawada and Guntur of India.
[4] Returning to India in 1985, he started the coronary bypass surgery programme at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad.
Various modes of cardiac surgery were added into the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences programme.
Residents trained at Nizam's Institute of Medical sciences spread over to various parts of Andhra Pradesh to start new programmes.
Rao was offered the post of Director of Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2004.
In 2009, he launched India's first speaking book in any regional language through World Medical Association, Nizam and Pfizer India introduction of the Indian versions of a "Speaking Book in Telugu for clinical trial participation" to increase awareness about participation in clinical research.
The theme of advanced medicine at affordable cost especially when practicing in developing countries is something he considers to be a guiding principle.