Dr. Nilin M. Rao is a double board-certified, fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon with nearly a decade of clinical experience. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Rao attended Miami University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Neuroscience. He went on to pursue a master’s degree and subsequently earned dual doctoral degrees from Kent State University, completing both his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) and PhD in Exercise Physiology. During his time at Kent State, Dr. Rao served as Student Body President and President of the Beta Chapter of the Pi Delta National Honor Society. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with both degrees.
Dr. Rao completed his three-year podiatric surgical residency at Highlands-Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, where he served as Chief Resident during his final year. He then completed an additional year of advanced fellowship training in foot and ankle reconstruction, sports injuries, and trauma at the prestigious Silicon Valley Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Fellowship in affiliation with Sutter Health/Palo Alto Medical Foundation in Mountain View, California.
Dr. Rao is passionate about patient care and believes in the constant pursuit of excellence. He has authored numerous publications in scientific journals and medical textbooks and regularly lectures at local, state, and national meetings and conferences. His academic and professional accomplishments have earned him numerous awards and distinctions, including the APMSA National Student of the Year Award, the Thomas V. Melillo DPM Full Tuition Scholarship, the ABFAS Michael L. Stone, DPM Outstanding Professional Conduct Award, and the 2023 KSUCPM Young Physician Professional Achievement Award.
Dr. Rao serves on several national committees and boards and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, as well as a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. His approach to patient care is centered on treating each individual as a whole person, not simply a diagnosis. He takes the time to understand each patient’s unique needs, goals, lifestyle, and concerns, developing individualized treatment plans designed to achieve the best possible outcome. Dr. Rao believes in treating every patient with the same compassion, respect, and personal attention he would provide to a member of his own family.
Above all, Dr. Rao is deeply committed to helping his patients restore mobility, regain independence, and return to an active, fulfilling and pain free lifestyle with confidence.
