Born in Pittsburgh, Dr. Suma Rao grew up in Rockville, MD, and attended University of Maryland for her undergraduate schooling.  She graduated from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (VMRCVM) at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia in 1994.  She has had dogs and cats her entire life and now shares her home with her geriatric cat named Tiffany. 

Dr. Rao is one of only 11 Maryland veterinarians who have achieved board certification in canine and feline practice with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP).  ABVP certifies veterinarians who demonstrate exceptional knowledge, skill, and competency in the care of the “total patient,” and requires that diplomates stay current in the field through regular recertification. To find out more about ABVP, please visit www.abvp.com. 

Dr. Rao is also certified in PennHip radiographic technique. The exacting requirements of the PennHip x-ray provide information that can predict the onset of hip dysplasia and is a highly regarded tool for breeders to eliminate this debilitating disease from their breeding programs. To find out more about the PennHip technique, go to www.pennhip.org.

Helping Hands has also entered the cutting edge of stem cell therapy! Dr. Rao is a credentialed veterinarian with Vet-Stem Regenerative Medicine, a company that uses patients’ own stem cells to help treat diseases such as arthritis.  This new treatment has made thousands of dogs with debilitating arthritis free of pain and able to return to normal activity within weeks of receiving the injection!  Please visit www.vetstem.com or call our hospital for more information.