Accolades Galore For Surgeon Dr Vishal Rao's Innovations
The awards recognise Dr. Rao's work in cancer treatment, medical innovations, and raising awareness about tobacco's health risks
Dr. Vishal Rao, a Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon at HCG Cancer Hospital in Bengaluru, has been honoured with several awards and appointments for his pioneering work in cancer treatment and tobacco control advocacy, as well as appointments to several advisory roles in the medical field.
Dr. Rao trained in head and neck cancer surgery at renowned medical institutions. Dr. Rao also had a stint as a visiting scholar at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in the United States. His background receiving specialised instruction at globally respected cancer centres prepared him for later work advancing cancer treatment and care.
In 2017, Dr. Rao received the Judy Wilkenfeld Award for Global Excellence in Tobacco Control. The award recognized his efforts in raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and its link to various types of cancer, emphasising the importance of prevention and early detection through his campaigns.
Closer to home, the government of Karnataka has honoured Dr. Rao with the Kempegowda Award, the highest civilian award bestowed by the Bengaluru municipal corporation. This recognition is a testament to his outstanding service and impact on the local community. He was also named Kannadiga of the Year in 2018, receiving the Varshada Kannadiga Award for his contributions to science and technology.
In 2016, Dr. Rao received the Rotary Vocational Training Award for inventing a voice prosthesis that has significantly improved the quality of life for throat cancer patients. His innovative work in the field of cancer treatment has also earned him an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons in Glasgow, a prestigious accolade reserved for exceptional medical professionals.
Beyond his medical practice, Dr. Rao serves in several advisory roles, including as a member of the consultative group to the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India and as a visiting faculty member for leadership programs at Johns Hopkins University. These appointments reflect his expertise and thought leadership in the field of cancer care.
At the state level, he is a member of the High-Powered Committee on Tobacco Control and Cancer Control for the Government of Karnataka and the NCD Task Force for Bengaluru city, contributing his insights to shaping public health policies and initiatives related to cancer and non-communicable diseases.
Additionally, Dr. Rao coordinates the activities of the Union for International Cancer Control at HCG and chairs the Ethics Committee on Biotechnology for the Karnataka Department of IT and Biotechnology. He is also a member of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) ethics committee, further underscoring his commitment to ethical practices in medical research and biotechnology.
Dr. Rao serves as a board trustee for the Namma Bengaluru Foundation and the Sathya Sai Trust (Karnataka), reflecting his involvement in community service and recognition of unsung heroes in the city.
The awards recognise Dr. Rao's work in cancer treatment, medical innovations, and raising awareness about tobacco's health risks. However, his appointments to advisory committees and boards also point to his involvement in policy making related to public health, overseeing ethical practices in medical research and biotechnology, as well as community service initiatives within Bengaluru and Karnataka.
