Dr. Sarita Rao

Dr. Sarita Rao is a pioneer in the field of interventional cardiology, and has illuminated the global stage with her groundbreaking work. She is currently at Apollo Hospitals, Indore as   Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Director of Cathlab. She embodies a remarkable expertise and innovation in the field of Interventional Cardiology.

With over 23 years of dedicated service, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of cardiac care in central India. She has extensive experience and has performed more than 30000 cardiac procedures, establishing Apollo Hospitals as an ultra-modern hub for cutting-edge cardiovascular interventions.

She has achieved several pioneering milestones, marking her as a trailblazer in the field. Her groundbreaking achievements include being the first female in India to successfully implant a Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold, showcasing her commitment to pushing the boundaries of cardiac interventions. Her accolades extend to being the first female to perform a Live Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) case in SAARC countries, a testament to her skill and leadership. Moreover, Dr. Sarita Rao has demonstrated her proficiency by accomplishing the first successful IMPELLA Surgery in Central India and being the first female to conduct Shockwave Lithotripsy IVL in India.

Her accolades also include the performance of the first Hybrid procedure for Aortic Aneurysm in Central India and achieving the first successful Dedicated bifurcation stenting using the AXESS bifurcation device in India. She is a pioneer in complex coronary interventions such as Orbital Atherectomy, Rotational Atherectomy, Shock wave IVL, ELCA, Imaging (OCT/IVUS), Renal Denervation therapy, TAVI, leadless pacemaker MICRA & AVETR.

Dr. Rao has showcased her expertise on national and international platforms through live case transmissions and lectures at various national and international conferences. Her captivating presentations have not only reflected her mastery of interventional cardiology but have also contributed significantly to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

Pioneering various firsts in Central India, She has introduced cutting-edge treatments. From conducting the first Shockwave C2 Plus case in Madhya Pradesh at Apollo Hospital, Indore, to administering Central India's first Renal Denervation therapy in SAARC Countries, their impact is felt far and wide. She has achieved several milestones, including being the first Certified Proctor of Orbital Atherectomy in Central India and successfully performing the first SAPIEN 3 TAVI in the region. Her role in the national launch of Ultimaster Nagomi stent from Apollo Hospital Indore is a testament to their influence on the progress of technology in healthcare in India.

Dr. Sarita Rao's role as the Fellowship Director for the International WIN-APSIC Fellowship at Apollo Hospital Indore exemplifies her commitment to nurturing future talent. She has organized the WOMEN CARDIAC CARE (WCC) 2023 as Organizing secretary in Indore, advocating for gender-inclusive cardiac care. She is the Co-chair of EAPCI International Affairs, President of Women in cardiology and related sciences (WINCARS) Association. She is the board member of WIN APSIC and CSI Pink Council.

In acknowledgment of her contributions, Dr. Rao has received accolades, including the Paul Dudley White International Scholar Award from the American Heart Association, the Apollo Clinical Trailblazer Award, the prestigious Dr. SK Mukherjee Award, Devi Ma Ahilya Nari Alankaran, Times Excellence Award in Healthcare, Nai Duniya Chikitsa Samman, IBC 24 women award and many more. Her commitment to community well-being extends beyond the cathlab, with initiatives such as providing basic life support awareness to various organizations, and free camps for the poor in Central India.

She has shared her knowledge and insights through various talks and publications, addressing critical topics in International and National forums. Her articles in leading publications like Times of India, India Today, ZEE TV, NDTV India, CNBC TV, The Hindu, Indian Express, etc have furthered the reach of her expertise.

Dr. Sarita Rao stands as a beacon of excellence, and hope for future women leaders pushing the boundaries of interventional cardiology, and leaving an indelible mark on the global medical and social landscape.