Dr. Nilin M. Rao, DPM, PhD, FACFAS

Dr. Rao is a Cleveland, OH native, and specializes in both conservative and surgical treatment of the foot and ankle, with specialty interests in minimally invasive surgical techniques, sports injuries, and fracture care, reconstructive surgery, advanced arthroscopic techniques, cartilage restoration/repair, regenerative medicine and injection therapy, deformity correction, bunion correction, and arthritis. He attended Miami University (Ohio) for his undergraduate studies, where he received a bachelors degree in psychology/neuroscience. He then pursued his masters degree, followed by simultaneous doctoral degrees from Kent State University, completing his DPM as well as a PhD, in exercise physiology. During this time, Dr. Rao served as student body president and president of the Pi Delta National Honor Society, and graduated both degrees Summa Cum Laude. He then completed a three-year Podiatric Surgical Residency at the Highlands Presbyterian/ St. Luke’s Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, where he served as Chief Resident during his final year. This was followed by an additional one-year fellowship in advanced foot/ankle reconstruction, sports injuries and trauma at the prestigious Silicon Valley Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Fellowship with Sutter Health-Palo Alto Medical Foundation in Mountain View, California.

Dr. Rao is passionate about healing his patients, and believes in the constant pursuit of excellence. He has authored several publications in both scientific journals and textbooks. He is the recipient of several awards and distinctions, serves on the board of directors for The Podiatry Foundation, and speaks regularly at local, state and national meetings and conferences. He is board certified by both the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.