Prashant Rao, MD, is an attending anesthesiologist at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. His clinical and scholarly work spans regional anesthesia, acute pain medicine, and perioperative care. Dr. Rao earned his medical degree at New York University School of Medicine before completing his anesthesiology residency at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. He then completed a fellowship in regional anesthesia and acute pain medicine at Hospital for Special Surgery in 2023, where he received the Attending Anesthesiologists’ Award for Clinical Excellence.

Dr. Rao's publications have explored topics including neuropathic pain treatments, chronic opioid monitoring, and airway anesthesia for awake intubation. He has also presented on peripheral neuromodulation for acute pain, regional anesthesia in ambulatory spine surgery, and point-of-care ultrasound.

Dr. Rao’s involvement with ASRA Pain Medicine began during residency. He has shared research and clinical cases at the society’s meetings, including a study of structured stretching for myofascial pain and opioid use that received a “Best of Meeting” nomination in 2020. His subsequent presentations have examined peripheral nerve blocks for patients with complex medical needs and the use of ultrasound to guide intraoperative care. Through his clinical practice, research, and educational presentations, Dr. Rao contributes to knowledge exchange that supports regional anesthesia and pain medicine.