Dr. V. Upender Rao, MD, FACP

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Get to know Oncologist Dr. V. Upender Rao, who serves patients in Lecanto, Florida.

A trusted oncologist, Dr. Rao is in practice at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute – Lecanto.

Founded in 1984, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) has built a national reputation for excellence that is reflected in exceptional and compassionate patient care, driven by innovative clinical research, cutting-edge technologies, and advanced treatments, including targeted therapies, genomic-based treatment and immunotherapy. With over 250 physicians, 220 nurse practitioners and physician assistants and nearly 100 locations in their network, they are committed to providing world-class cancer care in community-based settings close to home.

A native of India, Dr. Rao received his medical degree from the Gulbarga University M. Rampure Medical College in 1973. Upon relocating to the United States, he completed his residency in internal medicine at the Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1979, and his fellowship in medical oncology at the University of Connecticut in 1981.

Recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP), the doctor is board-certified in medical oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). The ABIM is a physician-led, non-profit, independent evaluation organization driven by doctors who want to achieve higher standards for better care in a rapidly changing world.

Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. A medical professional who practices oncology is an oncologist. An oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer and provides medical care for a person diagnosed with cancer. They lead a cancer treatment team of various healthcare professionals, treat patients with radiation therapy, coordinate treatment plans and prescribe various types of treatment, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, as well as assist patients with pain management.

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