Venkat K Rao, MD, MBA

Professor

  • Division of Plastic Surgery

rao@surgery.wisc.edu
(608) 263-1223

600 Highland Avenue
Box 3236, Clinical Science Center
Madison, WI 53792

Education

  • MD, University of Madras, India, 1970
  • Master of Surgery, University of Madras, India, 1975
  • Internship and Residency in General Surgery, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY, 1973-1978
  • Residency in Plastic Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Hospital and Medical Center, Bronx, NY, 1978-1980
  • Research Fellow, Microsurgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, 1980-1981
  • Fellow, Hand Surgery, University of Kentucky, Louisville, KY, 1981-1982
  • MBA, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 1989

Clinical Specialties

Dr. Rao is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He specializes in breast surgery, cosmetic surgery, hand and microsurgery. Dr. Rao provides a wide range of services at UW Hospital, Transformations and Meriter Hospital which include breast reconstruction, breast reduction, breast augmentation, body contouring, liposuction, hand injuries and carpal tunnel surgery.

Research Interests

Dr. Rao’s current research interests include breast reconstruction and outcomes in cosmetic surgery.

Recent Publications

  • The Price is Right? An Economic Analysis of Factors Influencing Cosmetic Surgery Prices.
    Shaffrey EC, Wirth PJ, Moura SP, Attaluri PK, Rao VK
    Aesthet Surg J 2023 Mar 22;
    [PubMed ID: 36947151]

  • Out-of-scope Cosmetic Surgery: A Review of Malpractice Lawsuits against Nonplastic Surgeons.
    Moura SP, Shaffrey EC, Lam CS, Wirth PJ, Attaluri PK, Rao VK
    Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2023 Mar; 11(3): e4873
    [PubMed ID: 36910731]

  • The Anatomy of a Malpractice Lawsuit.
    Attaluri PK, Wirth PJ, Moura SP, Shaffrey EC, Rao VK
    Aesthet Surg J Open Forum 2023; 5: ojad008
    [PubMed ID: 36844458]

  • "Surprise Billing Legislation: Context and Significance for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.".
    Seitz J, Nicksic PJ, Rao VK
    Plast Reconstr Surg 2022 Dec 13;
    [PubMed ID: 36729735]

  • The No Surprises Act: What Do Plastic Surgeons Need to Know?
    Seitz AJ, Nicksic PJ, Rao VK
    Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2022 Jul; 10(7): e4406
    [PubMed ID: 35813108]

All Publications on PubMed