About

Venkat Rao, MD, MBA, is a Professor in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and specializes in breast surgery, cosmetic surgery, hand and microsurgery. Dr. Rao provides a wide range of services at UW Hospital, Transformations, and Meriter Hospital, including breast reconstruction, breast reduction, breast augmentation, body contouring, liposuction, hand injuries, and carpal tunnel surgery. His clinical expertise encompasses procedures such as arthritic reconstructions, brachial plexus surgery, digital replantation, limb salvage, hand arthroplasty, microvascular reconstruction, nerve repair, rhinoplasty, tendon repairs, and eyelid tucks. His research interests include breast reconstruction and outcomes in cosmetic surgery. Dr. Rao's educational background includes an MD and Master of Surgery from the University of Madras, India, internships and residencies in general surgery at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, and in plastic surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Hospital. He also completed a research fellowship in microsurgery at St. Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, and a fellowship in hand surgery at the University of Kentucky. His honors include recognition as one of the Best Doctors in America, Madison Magazine Top Docs 2012 Award, and awards for excellence in surgery, hand/microsurgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Research topics

• Computer Science
• Medicine
• Information Retrieval
• Machine Learning
• Surgery
• Artificial Intelligence
• Medical education
• Mathematics
• Dermatology
• General surgery
• Emergency medicine
• Statistics
• Intensive care medicine
• Business
• Medical emergency
• Pathology

Selected publications

• Navigating Postacute Care Pathways Following Hospital Discharge in Plastic Surgery

  Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open · 2026-01-01

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Discharge destination following hospitalization plays a critical role in surgical recovery, long-term outcomes, and healthcare resource use. Although postacute care facilities are increasingly used, there is limited literature within plastic surgery addressing their role and implications. This review outlined the continuum of discharge options available to plastic surgery patients, including long-term acute care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, postoperative guest suites, and home with or without home health care. Each destination differs significantly in patient acuity, level of available services, and payer coverage. Plastic surgery patients undergoing complex procedures such as free tissue transfer, trauma reconstruction, or burn care may require specialized facilities for wound management, rehabilitation, or close monitoring. Medicare and Medicaid policies influence access, and coverage varies widely across facility types and states. Home discharge is generally associated with superior outcomes and more predictable costs, but nonhome postacute care facilities remain essential for patients with higher medical and functional needs. For plastic surgeons, knowledge of these discharge settings is essential to effective discharge planning, directly impacting readmission rates, reimbursement, and patient recovery. Plastic surgeons must engage actively in discharge planning by advocating for the most appropriate level of care, aligning patient safety, functional recovery, and financial stewardship.

  PublisherDOI

• Private Equity: A Roadmap for the Practicing Plastic Surgeon

  Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery · 2026-03-11

  articleSenior author

  The healthcare sector has become a prime target for private equity (PE) investors, with major firms investing in service platforms, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and digital health. PE investors acquire companies, restructure them, and then resell the entities, typically within a three to seven-year timeline. From 2010 to 2020, PE investments in the healthcare sector increased by 166%, with $750 billion invested in the U.S. alone, and $115 billion invested globally in 2024. PE firms have invested increasing amounts in the plastic surgery specialty, with acquisition volume rising 4,300% and capital investments increasing 7,630% between 2000 and 2023. These trends are driven by market fragmentation, growth potential, and favorable financial characteristics, including high profit margins and recurring revenue. Financial sponsors have targeted practices with roll-up strategies and platform consolidations to achieve economies of scale. Policy variables, including Medicare reimbursement disparities and regulatory constraints on physician-owned hospitals, further incentivize consolidation. In response, multiple states, including Massachusetts and Indiana, have enacted transparency laws, and federal agencies have scrutinized the impact of PE on competition and care quality. In this manuscript, we encourage plastic surgeons to advocate for physician-friendly policies, pursue collaborative ownership models with PE sponsors, and engage in research on PE's impacts on care. As PE entities expand their ownership stake in plastic surgery and the broader healthcare sector, physicians must take a proactive role in the management, ownership, and policy issues that will govern such arrangements to safeguard care quality and physician autonomy.

  PublisherDOI

• Reconsidering Percentile Reporting in Plastic Surgery In-service Examinations: Insights From the Trainee Perspective

  Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open · 2026-01-01

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  The Plastic Surgery In-service Training Examination (PSITE) is administered annually to evaluate resident knowledge and guide program curricula. The American Board of Surgery In-service Training Examination (ABSITE) is used in general surgery for similar purposes. Recently, percentile score reporting was removed from the ABSITE due to concerns over its use in high-stakes decisions and limitations in interpreting percentile data.1 These concerns also apply to plastic surgery and warrant reevaluation of PSITE percentile reporting. The PSITE currently provides 3 performance metrics: percentage correct, raw score (based on distribution around the mean), and percentile rank relative to all plastic surgery residents within the same training year. With only 221 residents in the 2025 integrated intern class, the small sample size limits the reliability of percentile-based comparisons.2 Clustering of scores can exaggerate percentile shifts with only minimal changes in raw score.1 The 2025 PSITE normative table data reveal that scoring 78% versus 77% correct as a fifth-year resident increases the percentile rank from the 83rd to 94th percentile. This is problematic given the lack of evidence linking PSITE performance to clinical competence. A multi-institutional survey of plastic surgery faculty found PSITE performance ranked low among indicators of resident excellence, whereas bedside manner, personality, operative case preparation, leadership, and technical ability were ranked highest.3 Tying percentile scores to rewards may also foster unhealthy competition, detract from collaboration, and worsen burnout. Despite these limitations, percentile-based metrics offer a normalized score that compensates for examination variability, helping to guide curricular interventions. One study by Girotto et al4 reported that PSITE scores below the 24th percentile are associated with a 7.5-fold increased risk of failing the American Board of Plastic Surgery written examination. As a result, programs often use percentiles to assess readiness for board examinations. However, the study analyzed data from 2009 to 2015 and should be replicated in more recent cohorts. Despite the presence of this metric, first-time pass rates for the written boards have continued to decline.5 Moreover, using imprecise metrics as a proxy for clinical readiness can foster a false sense of confidence or exacerbate stress and burnout, especially given the differences in plastic surgery exposure in early training years across programs. Alternative options such as the Bayesian Score Predictor used in family medicine should be considered. In fellowships (such as hand surgery) with applicants from multiple specialties, percentile scores may help compare candidates with diverse training backgrounds. However, limited evidence and a lack of clarity around their use raise doubts about their reliability for applicant evaluation. Additionally, the inclusion of PSITE scores in many fellowship applications may suggest their use in applicant selection and warrants further transparency from fellowship directors. The removal of percentile scores from the ABSITE presents a timely opportunity for reevaluation of this metric and its utility in plastic surgery residency. As such, we advocate for increased transparency in how PSITE scores are used and call for the elimination of percentile score reporting as a meaningful step toward restoring the PSITE to its original intent as a formative educational tool. DISCLOSURE The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article.

  PublisherDOI

• Leveraging TikTok in Plastic Surgery: A Practical Framework for Patient Education, Professional Branding, and Ethical Use

  Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum · 2026-05-10

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Abstract TikTok (Culver City, CA, USA), with over 1.6 billion active monthly users, has emerged as an ideal social media platform for plastic surgeons. With its unique audiovisual format, personalized algorithm, and broad audience, TikTok has become an increasingly effective medium for surgeons to interact with patients, share educational content, and build professional brands. However, despite its popularity, many surgeons, especially those who established their practice before this digital landscape, might be unfamiliar with how to effectively utilize the platform and leverage its unique features. This paper provides a comprehensive practical guide for plastic surgeons to strategically design, optimize, and maintain a TikTok presence. We describe key aspects of the platform, including its unique For-You-Page algorithm and demographic distribution. Furthermore, we offer insights on profile optimization, content strategy, actively analyzing content performance, and ethical considerations relevant to social media use. When used strategically, TikTok can serve as an effective tool for patient education, audience engagement, and maintaining professional visibility within plastic surgery.

  PublisherDOI

• Mobile Devices Restricted—Updating the Surgical Timeout

  JAMA Surgery · 2025-02-19

  articleSenior author

  This Viewpoint discusses smartphone use in the operating room.

  PublisherDOI

• The Anatomy of an Employment Contract

  Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open · 2025-03-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Understanding the anatomy of an employment contract in plastic surgery is essential for achieving financial stability and advancing career goals. The lack of formal training for residents on employment contracts can make it challenging to secure favorable terms postgraduation, potentially leading to career dissatisfaction and increased risk of burnout. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the key elements of an employment contract to empower plastic surgeons and residents in effective negotiation. It covers critical contract components, including compensation models, duties, and benefits, tailored to the unique needs of plastic surgeons. Furthermore, it discusses termination clauses, legal protections, and the advantages of legal assistance in contract negotiation. By equipping plastic surgeons and residents with this knowledge, they can attain greater career satisfaction, financial security, and sustained professional success.

  PublisherDOI

• Gloving the Surgeon: A Practical Review of Surgical Glove Material Properties, Safety, and Waste

  Annals of Surgery Open · 2025-08-04

  reviewOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Surgical gloves are a staple in every surgeon's daily routine, yet their full lifecycle is not always well understood. This paper outlines the journey of a surgical glove from manufacturing to disposal, with particular emphasis on clinically relevant properties such as durability, perforation rates, and allergy risk. It begins with a review of the historical context of sterile surgical gloves, followed by a detailed overview of the manufacturing process and the materials used, including latex and various synthetic alternatives. These various materials may differ in barrier protection, fit, tactile sensitivity, and allergenic potential. Data presented here suggests that synthetic alternatives to latex, while hypoallergenic, may be more prone to microperforations or decreased dexterity. The logistics of glove sourcing and inventory management are also examined, providing insights to help surgical teams and hospital administrators prepare for supply chain disruptions, such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, best practices for glove disposal and the environmental impact of surgical gloves are explored. By examining the clinical and logistical aspects of glove use, this article offers insights to optimize surgical safety, resource management, and sustainability.

  PublisherDOI

• Ashramas of Hinduism: A Guide to the Journey of Life and Career of a Plastic Surgeon

  Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery · 2025-05-07

  articleSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• The Anatomy of Patents and Intellectual Property

  Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open · 2025-05-01 · 2 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Medicine is ripe for new ideas, and plastic surgeons are some of the most capable innovators. Some may choose to pursue the development and entrepreneurship of their idea. In these cases, obtaining a form of intellectual property such as a patent, copyright, or trademark can be a wise decision. Doing so can provide the inventor with the exclusive and legal right to their invention. Unfortunately, the process to acquire these forms of intellectual property, especially patents, can be a confusing and time-consuming process. This article provides a primer on patents and intellectual property for the aspiring inventor.

  PublisherDOI

• Beyond Borders: Mitigating Risks to Healthcare Professionals in Global Surgery Missions

  Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open · 2025-07-01

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Summary: Global surgery is an increasingly important field aimed at providing equitable surgical care in low- and middle-income countries, where there is often limited access to high-quality surgical care. However, participants in global health trips encounter significant health, injury, and political risks that must be addressed to ensure the safety and efficacy of the mission. Health risks include exposure to endemic infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, which necessitate proper planning to prevent contraction. Working and living in unfamiliar environments also increases the risk of injury from occupational hazards and crime. Furthermore, sociocultural differences and civil unrest can pose an additional danger for participants. This review explored these risks and provided practical guidance on how to prepare and address these risks to ensure safer and more effective global surgery missions.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Peter J. Wirth

  University of Wisconsin–Madison

  39 shared

• Ellen C. Shaffrey

  University of Wisconsin–Madison

  37 shared

• Pradeep Attaluri

  32 shared

• Jacqueline S. Israel

  Mayo Clinic in Arizona

  19 shared

• R.A. MacMahon

  18 shared

• Michael L. Bentz

  15 shared

• Roger C. Mixter

  14 shared

• David G. Dibbell

  UW Health University Hospital

  14 shared

Education

• M.D.

  University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

• B.S.

  University of California, San Diego

Awards & honors

• Best Doctors in America Award
• Madison Magazine Top Docs 2012 Award