Vijay M. Rao, MD, FACR, FAAWR, FCPP

Vijay M. Rao, MD, FACR, FAAWR, FCPP

David C. Levin Professor and Chair Emerita of Radiology
Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University
Senior Vice President, Enterprise Radiology and Imaging
Jefferson Health

Dr. Vijay M. Rao is a distinguished leader in radiology worldwide. A leading expert in imaging of the head and neck, she is also widely recognized as a thought leader in health services research in radiology.

In today’s value-driven era of healthcare, Dr. Rao has been a strong advocate of radiology’s role in transforming healthcare delivery through innovative initiatives that embrace the power of emerging technologies to drive excellence in patient care. She has published more than 250 peer-reviewed articles, a dozen book chapters, and 275 abstracts in medical literature. She has given 300 presentations at national and international radiology meetings, including invited talks at other academic institutions and several named lectures, and has served on the editorial boards of multiple prestigious radiology journals.

Dr. Rao is a graduate of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India’s premier medical school. After completing her radiology residency in 1978 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, she remained on the faculty. A passionate educator, she served as residency program director, associate chair, and then vice chair for Education, as well as co-director of the Neuroradiology/ENT division.

In 2002, Dr. Rao was appointed chair of Jefferson’s Department of Radiology, becoming the first female chair of a clinical department in Jefferson’s history. She led this outstanding nationally recognized academic department until 2022, and in addition has served on the Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Inc. Board of Trustees since 2012.

Dr. Rao has held many leadership roles in national organizations, including president of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), the American Society of Head and Neck Radiology (ASHNR), the Association of Program Directors in Radiology (APDR), and the American Association for Women in Radiology (AAWR). She formerly served as the RSNA’s R&E Foundation board chair.

Dr. Rao was honored by the Philadelphia Business Journal in 2005 as one of 25 Women of Distinction throughout the region. In 2006, she was named in the Top 10 by Medical Industry. She has been chosen by her peers over 20 times to be included on Philadelphia Magazine’s annual list of Top Doctors.

An outstanding clinician, educator, researcher, and a visionary leader, Dr. Rao is a source of inspiration for many radiologists worldwide. She has received numerous awards, including the highest honor Gold Medals from the Radiological Society of North America, the Association of University Radiologists, the Asian Oceanian Society of Radiology, and the American Society of Head and Neck Radiology. She has also received the American Association for Women in Radiology Marie Curie Award, the APDR Achievement Award for her contributions to national education in radiology, the American Association of Radiologists of Indian Origin Distinguished Radiologist Award, the American Medical Women’s Association Local Hero Award, and the SKMC Dean’s Lifetime Distinguished Service Award in recognition of lifetime excellence in Research, Education and Service. She holds honorary memberships in the Israeli Radiological Society; the European Society of Radiology; the Chinese Congress of Radiology; the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association; and the French Society of Radiology. She has also received the Medal of Honor from the French Society of Radiology.