Dr Sharath K Rao Assumes Charge as MAHE Vice-Chancellor

Mangalore Today News Network

Manipal, May 3, 2026: Renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr Sharath K Rao on Friday, 1st May 2026, assumed charge as the eighth Vice-Chancellor of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).

Dr Rao succeeds Lt Gen (Dr) MD Venkatesh, who had been serving as Vice-Chancellor since July 1, 2020.

Congratulating Dr Rao on his appointment, Dr Ranjan R Pai, president of MAHE Trust and chairman of Manipal Education and Medical Group, said his extensive institutional experience and inclusive leadership would further strengthen MAHE’s global standing.

A distinguished orthopaedic surgeon with more than four decades of experience in clinical practice and academic administration, Dr Rao is widely known for his expertise in complex trauma, joint replacement and knee arthroscopy.

He has served as president of the Karnataka Orthopaedic Association and the Orthopaedic Association of South Indian States (OASIS), besides chairing AO Trauma India. In July 2025, he was awarded the Honorary Fellowship (FRCP) by the Royal College of Physicians in recognition of his contributions to medical leadership and healthcare management.

Dr Rao has been associated with MAHE since 1988, when he joined as an assistant lecturer in orthopaedics at Kasturba Medical College. An alumnus of the institution, he earned his MBBS degree from the University of Mysore and completed his D.Ortho and MS degrees from Mangalore University.

During his tenure at MAHE, he held several leadership positions including head of orthopaedics at KMC Manipal, associate dean, dean, and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences), a role he had been serving in since 2023.