Dr SP Rao has been working in the medical education sector for the past 40 years in various positions comprising Dean, Principal, Professor, Associate Professor and Assistant Professor. Having worked in Government, private and philanthropic sectors, he is fully conversed with the working pattern and upholding quality health professional education. He is actively involved in conducting research projects with International Organizations like the World Health Organization, UNICEF, SIDA, and Aga Khan Foundation. Many of his research projects are funded by ICMR and State sectors like the Maharashtra and the State Health Resource Center.

His administrative experience covers the establishment of new government medical colleges, and steering the medical colleges in achieving national recognition. He is a recipient of a prestigious WHO fellowship in HospitalAdministration. His seminal research work in Leprosy, and imparting quality professional education are well acclaimed.