Dr. Rao has worked as an Emergency Room physician and has done research in cardiothoracic surgery. She has experience in both clinical and hospital settings. She has hospitalized and cared for patients at Torrance Memorial Medical Center. She returned to teach at Harbor UCLA, where she also gave lectures on Ayurveda. Dr. Rao began her study in Ayurveda in 1992 by working with one of India's leading Ayurvedic physicians, the late Dr. Balraj Maharshi. She has been a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians since 1994. In 2001, she began her practice, which combines Ayurveda and Family Medicine, and continues to study Ayurveda.

"I was born in India and completely immersed in the culture until the age of seven, but I also come from a family of Western-trained medical doctors. This dual perspective has helped me to understand that Western medicine should focus more heavily on preventive care, which gives patients greater control over their own health.

Having a center in Santa Monica dedicated to Ayurveda and Family Medicine, I am in the unique position of being able to naturally combine knowledge of both medical approaches to patient care. I feel fortunate to be able to use my knowledge of both Ayurveda and Western medicine to create balance in my patient’s physiology while simultaneously improving their quality of life. I enjoy observing the abatement of symptoms accompanied by an immediate rise in their immunity and a visible glow in the skin and face.”