Udupi: The prestigious Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has appointed Dr Sharath Kumar Rao K as its new Vice-Chancellor.

A native of Karkala in Udupi district, Dr Rao is an orthopaedic surgeon and has been serving as the Pro Vice-Chancellor of MAHE since 2023. He brings with him extensive administrative experience, having held several key positions in the institution over the years.

Dr Rao specialises in knee conditions, joint replacement and complex trauma care. His primary areas of interest include knee surgery and joint replacement procedures. Despite his long administrative career, he has continued performing surgeries alongside his academic responsibilities.

Before becoming Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dr Rao held several important roles within Manipal institutions. He served as Dean of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal from 2019 to 2023, Associate Dean from 2015 to 2019, Professor and Head of Department from 2009 to 2014, Professor and Unit Head from 2004 to 2009, Associate Professor from 1993 to 2004, Assistant Professor from 1990 to 1993 and Lecturer from 1988 to 1990.

He completed his MBBS in 1985, Diploma in Orthopaedics in 1987 and MS in 1988 from Kasturba Medical College, Mangaluru.

Dr Rao has conducted extensive research in hip and knee joint damage, surgical procedures and artificial implant techniques. He has also undergone specialised training in knee and joint replacement surgeries and trauma care in Germany, knee replacement training in Italy and shoulder surgery training in Australia.

Additionally, he served as an observer in hip and knee surgeries at Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital and Nepean Hospital.

Dr Rao has also served as president of several professional bodies including AO Trauma India (2016–2018), Karnataka State Orthopaedic Association (2012–2013) and Orthopaedic Association of South Indian Surgeons (2017–2018). He is a life member of numerous national and international orthopaedic associations.