R. Harsha Rao, MD, is the chief of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, and a professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Dr. Rao completed his medical school degree at the Armed Forces Medical College at the University of Poona in India. He completed residency training and fellowship at Maulana Azad Medical College in Delhi, India, followed by additional residency training at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Rao fellowship in endocrinology and metabolism also was completed at the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Rao’s academic interests focus on improving the understanding and treatment of endocrine disorders, particularly those that impact veterans and their families within the Veterans Administration Healthcare System. To address these important issues, Dr. Rao uses the rich data repository and unique features of the Veterans Administration Healthcare System to assesses clinical outcomes, quality measures, and patient satisfaction resulting from different health care delivery models and medical approaches. Dr. Rao’s scholarly work has included evaluation of 1) the clinical effectiveness of U-500 insulin in the inpatient and outpatient setting, 2) the impact of testosterone prescribing practices on cardiovascular outcomes, and 3) the benefits of an impatient IV bisphosphate therapy protocol for patients with hip fracture. Dr. Rao also serves as a scholarly project mentor for trainees in the field of endocrinology and metabolism.