Board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, Dr. Latha Rao joined Valley Children’s in September 2013 as a pediatric hematologist/oncologist. Her areas of clinical interest include sickle cell disease and bleeding disorders.
Dr. Rao has presented on various topics in her field. She is a member of several professional societies, including the American Society of Hematology, and American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.
An active member of the community, Dr. Rao has volunteered for projects in India ranging from immunization programs in which she provided door-to-door education to families and free health checks for children in underserved areas, to evaluating and managing pediatric patients with developmental and mental health disorders in India. She also has helped educate pediatricians on resources for families and children with developmental needs, and volunteered at workshops for autism and adolescent education, in Michigan.
Dr. Rao received her medical degree from Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeswara Medical College in Mysore, India. She did her residencies in general surgery at Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan, and in pediatrics at William Beaumont Hospital, in Royal Oak, Michigan. She completed her fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center.
Dr. Rao is fluent in Hindi and Kannada.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children, reading and dancing.