Dr. Raghavendra Rao is a distinguished clinician-scientist, integrative medicine researcher, and healthcare innovation leader currently serving as vice president – research & integrative medicine at HealthCare Global Enterprises (HCG), one of India’s foremost oncology care networks. Widely recognized for pioneering evidence-based complementary and integrative medicine within mainstream cancer care, he has played a transformative role in bridging modern oncology with scientifically validated holistic therapies.

With a Ph.D. in Yoga and Life Sciences from Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA), Bengaluru, Dr. Rao has built an exceptional academic and clinical career focused on integrative approaches to chronic disease management, oncology rehabilitation, and patient-centered supportive care. His early research covered areas such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer, establishing him as a leading authority in the therapeutic applications of yoga and naturopathy (mitracancare.org).
)

At HCG, he was instrumental in establishing and leading the Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Integrative Medicine program, one of the few such institutional frameworks in India accredited by the European Society for Integrative Oncology. His work has focused on incorporating yoga, naturopathy, lifestyle interventions, and supportive therapies into conventional cancer treatment pathways to improve quality of life, symptom management, survivorship outcomes, and psychosocial well-being for patients. mitracancare.org
)

Dr. Rao has also led major research infrastructure initiatives at HCG, including oversight of clinical research programs, cancer registries, biorepositories, and global clinical trial collaborations, positioning the organization as a hub for translational oncology research. His extensive publication portfolio includes nearly 90 international research papers, book chapters, and conference presentations across oncology, integrative medicine, and preventive healthcare. (kdham.com
)

Beyond HCG, he has contributed to national healthcare advancement through leadership roles in the Ministry of AYUSH ecosystem, including serving as Director of the Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), where he further expanded integrative medicine’s role in public health.

Through his visionary leadership, Dr. Raghavendra Rao continues to redefine the future of cancer care by championing a comprehensive healthcare model that integrates cutting-edge research, clinical excellence, and holistic healing—advancing both patient outcomes and the broader field of integrative oncology.