Gautam G. Rao

Dr. Gautam G. Rao serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, specializing in Gynecologic Oncology within the Division of Gynecologic Oncology. His clinical practice focuses on advanced surgical and medical management of gynecologic malignancies.

Education:

• B.S. in Biology, University of Miami (1995)
• M.D., University of Miami (1997)
• Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine/Detroit Medical Center (1997-2001)
• Fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (2001-2005)

Research Interests: Dr. Rao's work centers on clinical trials for gynecologic cancer treatment, with emphasis on ovarian malignancies including low malignant potential tumors. He investigates chemotherapy complication prevention, EP4 receptor pathways in ovarian cancer as therapeutic targets, intraperitoneal chemotherapy efficacy, and robotic surgical innovations. His cyclooxygenase pathway research aims to develop novel targeted therapies for ovarian cancer patients.

Publication Trends: His 15 most recent publications reveal dual research trajectories: guideline development through ACR Appropriateness Criteria panels for endometrial, cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers (2011-2016), and diagnostic/therapeutic innovation including Raman spectroscopy applications for cervical dysplasia and fertility-sparing techniques for ovarian tumors. This demonstrates consistent focus on evidence-based clinical practice improvement across gynecologic oncology subspecialties.

Scientific Awards:

• Honors Program in Medical Education, University of Miami (1991-1997)
• Felix Rutledge Fellowship, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (1999)
• Outstanding Resident Award, Wayne State University (2001)
• NIH T32 Physiology of Reproduction Training Grant (2003-2005)
• ACOG/CORE National Faculty Award, Vanderbilt University (2007)
• Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (2015)

Advising and Grants: As Principal Investigator since 2014, Dr. Rao leads a $50,000 annual grant on EP4 expression in ovarian cancer through the University of Maryland. Previously, he co-investigated an American Cancer Society biomarker study (2004-2005). He serves as American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology Oral Examiner (2014-present) and has reviewed for major journals including Gynecologic Oncology and American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Professional Activities: Dr. Rao contributes to national guideline development as a member of the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria – Gynecologic Radiation Oncology Panel (2010-present) and NRG Oncology Uterine Corpus Committee (2015-present). He maintains active membership in the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and American Association for Cancer Research.