As you stand at the crossroads of your medical career, weighing specialties and envisioning the kind of impact you want to have, I want to share a story that might inspire your journey. I’m Dr. Nilin Rao, a podiatric physician specializing in foot and ankle care. My work spans minimally invasive surgical techniques, sports injuries, fracture care, and reconstructive surgery - a blend of precision, problem-solving, and human connection that makes this specialty so fulfilling.
My path to podiatric medicine wasn’t linear. At Miami University, I double-majored in psychology and neuroscience, imagining a future in research. But life has a way of introducing you to unexpected opportunities. During my master’s program, I discovered podiatric medicine - a specialty that not only allowed me to combine clinical and surgical expertise but also had the potential for groundbreaking research and patient advocacy.
I earned my Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and a PhD in Exercise Physiology at Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University, where I cultivated my leadership skills as Student Body President and graduated with honors. The sense of community and the rigorous training at KSUCPM laid the foundation for my professional journey.
Post-graduation, I completed my residency at Highlands Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center in Denver, followed by a fellowship in advanced foot and ankle reconstruction in Silicon Valley. This training exposed me to a wide range of experiences, from complex reconstructions to innovative techniques that transform lives. It also allowed me to merge my academic passions with patient care, contributing to the field through research and national presentations while providing compassionate, individualized treatment.
For me, podiatric medicine is the perfect balance of art and science. It’s a field where you can be a healer, a surgeon, and a scientist - all while forging meaningful relationships with your patients. Whether it’s helping an athlete get back on the field, restoring mobility to a patient after an injury, or finding innovative solutions to complex cases, podiatric medicine offers a uniquely fulfilling career.
To those of you exploring specialties, I encourage you to take a closer look at podiatric medicine. Shadow a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), ask questions, and see the impact of this field firsthand. You might just find, as I did, that it’s the perfect fit for your aspirations.
Wishing you success and clarity as you navigate this exciting time in your life.
Dr. Rao