Dr. C. Mohan Rao is a distinguished pulmonologist whose extensive career has significantly advanced respiratory medicine through clinical practice, research, and education. He recently retired as an Associate Professor in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Over the decades, Dr. Rao has played a pivotal role in medical education, interventional pulmonology, and clinical research, leaving behind a lasting impact on the field.
Early Life and Medical Training:
Dr. Rao completed his MBBS from MKCG Medical College and Hospital in 1978 and later pursued an MD in Pulmonary Medicine from SCB Medical College and Hospital in 1989. His passion for advanced pulmonary care led him to undergo specialized training in Interventional Pulmonology at Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, in 2013, where he pioneered the clinical application of medical thoracoscopy in Odisha.
Professional Achievements and Contributions:
Before joining KIMS in 2017, Dr. Rao served for many years at Ispat General Hospital (IGH) in Rourkela, where he was instrumental in fostering medical education and training pulmonary physicians through the DNB program. His dedication to making healthcare accessible to all led to the initiation of free diabetic clinics, providing medical advice and insulin therapy to socio-economically disadvantaged individuals.
At KIMS Bhubaneswar, Dr. Rao further contributed to the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, where he remained committed to patient care, teaching, and research. His excellence in academia was recognized with the Best Faculty Award at the International Scientist Awards on Engineering, Science, and Medicine, organized by the VD GOOD Professional Association.
Research and Publications:
Dr. Rao’s research interests include interventional pulmonology, tuberculosis, chronic respiratory disorders, and the clinical evaluation of COVID-19 and its long-term impact. His work in the field of pulmonary rehabilitation for Long COVID has been highly regarded, with studies such as:
- “Supervised Hospital-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation Outcome in Long COVID” – Examining the role of structured pulmonary rehabilitation in post-COVID-19 recovery.
With a strong commitment to scientific research, Dr. Rao has:
- Authored and co-authored over 45 research papers published in national and international peer-reviewed journals.
- Published two books in international publications, contributing to the global medical knowledge base.
- Served as a peer reviewer for the Cureus Medical Journal under Springer Publications, ensuring high standards in scientific publishing.
Professional Affiliations:
Dr. Rao is an active member of several professional organizations, reflecting his dedication to the continuous advancement of respiratory medicine:
- Life Member, European Respiratory Society (ERS)
- Life Member, Indian Chest Society (ICS)
- Life Member, Odisha Chest Society
- Member, Indian Medical Association (IMA)
- Member, Association of Physicians of India (API)
Awards and Recognitions:
Dr. Rao’s contributions to pulmonology and medical education have been widely recognized, and he has received numerous accolades, including:
- Lifetime Achievement Award by the Odisha Chest Society, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to respiratory medicine.
- Best Faculty Award at the International Scientist Awards on Engineering, Science, and Medicine for excellence in medical education and research.
Public Engagement and Medical Education:
Beyond his clinical and research endeavors, Dr. Rao has been deeply involved in public health awareness and medical education. His contributions include:
- Serving as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, ensuring high academic and clinical standards in published work.
- Participating in health awareness programs on Rourkela Steel Television, educating the public on respiratory health and preventive measures.
- Guiding and mentoring future pulmonologists, helping shape the next generation of medical professionals.
Legacy and Impact:
With a career dedicated to pulmonary medicine, clinical research, and medical education, Dr. C. Mohan Rao has made remarkable contributions to the field. His pioneering work in interventional pulmonology, commitment to patient care, and contributions to medical research continue to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Even in retirement, Dr. Rao remains actively involved in research, academic mentorship, and public health initiatives, ensuring his legacy of excellence in pulmonology endures.
