Ascension St. Vincent's Dr. Vijay Rao Begins Term as American Heart Association President

Ascension St. Vincent is proud to congratulate Vijay U. Rao, MD, PhD, who began his term as president-elect of the American Heart Association Indiana Board of Directors this month.

Dr. Rao joined Ascension in January as a board-certified general cardiologist and serves as the Director of the cardio-oncology program. He specializes in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease, with expertise in preventive cardiology, heart failure, atrial fibrillation (AFib), and cancer treatment-related heart conditions. Dr. Rao's election to lead one of the nation's leading organizations dedicated to heart health is a testament to his distinguished career in clinical care, research, education and physician leadership.

In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Rao has a longstanding commitment to advancing cardiovascular medicine. He has a clinical interest in congestive heart failure and cardio-oncology and is experienced in advanced cardiac imaging, including echocardiography, nuclear cardiology and cardiac CT. Recognized for his expertise by both his peers and patients, Dr. Rao has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for cardiovascular disease in Indianapolis every year since 2017.

As president of the American Heart Association Indiana Board, Dr. Rao will help shape the organization's efforts to improve cardiovascular health, advance scientific research, advocate for patients and communities, and educate clinicians and the public on the prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke.