About
Dr. Chris G. Rao earned his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of New Orleans in 1987. He went on to complete his Doctorate of Medicine at Louisiana State University in New Orleans in 1992. His internship and Family Medicine residency both took place at Florida Hospital in Orlando, where faculty named him Medical Resident of the Year in 1995.
Dr. Rao holds board certification from the American Board of Family Medicine and a fellowship in the American Academy of Family Practice. He has practiced primary care for over 25 years, building particular expertise in women's health, men's health, nutrition, weight management, hypertension, and hormonal therapies. He serves as CEO and Chief Medical Officer at Unison Pro-Youth Institute, a role he has held since 2002. He also authored two books, "The Midlife Health Guide for Women" and "The Midlife Health Guide for Men," both recently re-edited in 2024. Dr. Rao believes wellness extends well beyond treating illness. He maintains an active lifestyle and balanced nutrition in his own life, reflecting the proactive approach he brings to every patient relationship. He sees patients in both English and Spanish.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA — Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences, 1987
Medical School
Louisiana State University, New Orleans, LA — Doctorate of Medicine, 1992
Residency
Family Medicine, Florida Hospital, Orlando, FL, 1993-1995
Additional Training
Internship: Florida Hospital, Orlando, FL, 1992-1993
Certifications
Languages
English, Spanish
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Rao right for?
Dr. Rao works well with adults seeking proactive, prevention-focused primary care. Patients managing hypertension, obesity, hormonal disorders, or chronic conditions benefit from his depth of experience. He is a strong fit for women and men navigating midlife health changes. Patients who prefer communicating in Spanish will find Dr. Rao equally comfortable in both languages.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Rao focuses on hypertension, obesity, hormonal disorders, and chronic condition management. He also carries deep expertise in women's health and men's health. His preventive care approach means he works with patients before conditions become serious, not only after problems arise.
Yes. Dr. Rao holds board certification from the American Board of Family Medicine. He also holds a fellowship in the American Academy of Family Practice. He has maintained these credentials throughout his 25-plus years in primary care.
Dr. Rao earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University in New Orleans. He completed both his internship and Family Medicine residency at Florida Hospital in Orlando. Florida Hospital recognized him as Medical Resident of the Year in 1995.
Yes. Dr. Rao provides care in both English and Spanish. Patients who prefer to communicate in Spanish can do so comfortably throughout their appointments and after-hours calls.
Dr. Rao believes wellness means empowering patients to take charge of their own health. He integrates personalized medical care with holistic strategies, focusing on nutrition, weight management, and early detection. He personally practices the active, health-conscious lifestyle he recommends to his patients.
Dr. Rao authored two books on midlife health. He published "The Midlife Health Guide for Women" in 2010 and "The Midlife Health Guide for Men" in 2007. He re-edited both books in 2024 to reflect current clinical thinking.
Yes. Hormonal therapies represent one of Dr. Rao's core clinical interests. He works with both men and women on hormone-related concerns as part of a broader preventive and wellness-focused care plan.
Dr. Rao has served as CEO and Chief Medical Officer at Unison Pro-Youth Institute since 2002. He previously served as Medical Director at WellMed/Optum Health from 2012 to 2021. He also participated in a think tank for Disney Institute and Celebration Health in Orlando.
Dr. Rao earned the Family Physician of the Year award from the Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians in 1992, along with the Gerald H. Gehringer Award that same year. Florida Hospital named him Medical Resident of the Year in 1995.
Doctor profile last updated June 6, 2026