Prof. Dr. B. Narasimha Rao

G Raghu Rama Rao

 Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, GSL Medical College, Rajanagaram, Rajahmundry - 533 296, Andhra Pradesh, India

Correspondence Address:
G Raghu Rama Rao
Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, GSL Medical College, Rajanagaram, Rajahmundry - 533 296, Andhra Pradesh
India

With a deep sense of loss, the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists mourn the sudden and sad demise of Prof. Dr. B. Narasimha Rao, former president of IADVL (1991-1992) and a reputed dermatologist. He had been actively associated with IADVL for 4 decades in various capacities. He conducted a national conference of IADVL way back in 1991 in Visakhapatnam. For the first time in the history of IADVL, he conducted a workshop on cutaneous surgery as part of the conference. He had the honour of delivering the Glaxo oration during the conference. He also addressed scholarly audiences in various national and international fora.

Dr. B. Narasimha Rao started his medical career in 1966 as Leprosy Medical Officer at Tanuku. His relentless service for the cause of leprosy detection, management and control drew the attention of the public, the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Government of India. He received many awards in recognition of his valuable services in this field. His keen interest in dermatology and leprology prompted him to complete his postgraduation (MD) in dermatology in 1975, after which he continued his services as Assistant Professor in the Department of Dermatology at Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam. His professional enthusiasm and commitment to work helped inspire generations of postgraduates in the department. He remained the centre and source of motivation for everyone in the department and inculcated the spirit of research in the younger generation.

He chose Lions Club as a platform for his social service activities. He rose to the position of District Governor of Lions District 324-C1. As Chairman and Managing Trustee, Lions District 324-C1 Cancer Treatment and Research Centre, Visakhapatnam, he took up various research projects on skin cancer and delivered lectures across the country. He published about 75 scientific papers in national and international journals and presented around 80 scholarly papers in national and international conferences. He was a member and fellow of practically all dermatology-related professional bodies. He successfully completed a good number of research projects and authored books on dermatology and leprosy.

Dr. Rao created an unrivalled record by conducting more than 5000 free skin camps across the country, benefiting 25 lakh patients. He was not complacent with all his professional accomplishments. His lifetime mission was to start a centre for excellence in dermatology of global standards and established the BNR Global Trust and Research Foundation to realise his dream. A professional to the core, he spent his entire life for the cause of dermatology, leprology and venereology. He continues to inspire us.