Published January 2013

Dr. Rao Musunuru, a nationally recognized practicing cardiologist, was honored as the “2012 Philanthropist of the Year” on Nov. 13, by the Nature Coast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay.

In appreciation of his exemplary educational contributions to the medical community as well as the public at local, state and national levels for 30 years, as of Dec. 5, the Regional conference center in Hudson has been named as “Rao Musunuru, M.D. Conference Center.”

He is the recipient of the “National Physician of the Year” award from the American Heart Association in 2005. He also served as a member of the advisory council for the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute at N.I.H. He serves on the national leadership committee of the clinical cardiology council of the American Heart Association, along with his son, Kiran Musunuru, an internationally recognized cardiologist, based at Harvard.

Also, on Dec. 12, the art gallery at Pasco-Hernando Community College was dedicated as “Rao Musunuru, M.D. Art Gallery” for his committed support of public college education, having served on the board of trustees since 1999; three times as its chairman.

Also, in 2012, he was recognized by the education commissioner of Florida for his volunteer work to support the school system, especially the homeless students.

In 2011, in recognition of his extraordinary humanitarian efforts, the West Pasco Historical Society named its museum “Rao Musunuru, M.D. Museum and Library.”

Several years ago, in recognition of his extensive community service, ‘CARES’ honored him by naming their activity center “Rao Musunuru, M.D. Enrichment Center.”

Also, he volunteers for Lighthouse for the Blind and Good Samaritan free health clinic serving the indigent.

Dr. Musunuru is a regular guest columnist for the Tampa Bay Times and the Tampa Tribune.

This article was originally published in the Tampa Bay Newswire: