Meena Rao, MD - Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute-Bolivia

A NHRMC Physician Group practice providing high quality, comprehensive cardiac care ranging from preventative health management services to cutting edge diagnostic and treatment services.

The complexity of the human body, particularly the heart, has always fascinated me. As a cardiologist, I have the privilege of diagnosing and treating a wide range of heart conditions. This allows me to directly improve a patient's quality of life, or even save a patient's life at a critical moment. Cardiology is a rapidly evolving field that offers continuous opportunities for innovation. That combination of constantly learning and making such profound impacts on the lives of my patients makes cardiology the perfect field for me. \n Providing personalized, compassionate, evidenced-based care is at the center of everything I do. My patient-centered approach involves active listening and clear communication; I hear your concerns and questions, and then present your treatment options along with all the information you need to make decisions about your care. I believe that trust and open dialogue are keys to any doctor-patient relationship, and I believe that when we work together the result is superior care for you. \n One of my passions within the field of cardiology is cardiac imaging. Technologies such as cardiac computer tomography (CT), echocardiography and nuclear cardiology allow me to provide comprehensive and precise diagnoses for patients with heart conditions. I have earned special board certifications in these specific imaging areas, allowing me to provide my patients a higher level of expertise, and ensuring patients receive the most accurate and tailored care possible. \n I was born in Greenville, North Carolina, and knew I wanted to return to the coast of North Carolina after finishing my education. I am so happy to have made the Wilmington area home. I spend most of my free time with my wife or outdoors, exploring nature through hiking, skiing, running and cycling. Sometimes my exploration takes me to the sky; I am passionate about aviation and proud to have a pilot's license, allowing me to appreciate the world from a unique perspective.

I'm a native of Columbus, Georgia and a Yale University alumnus. I went to Duke University for medical school and remained in Durham for my internal medicine residency, cardiology fellowship and interventional cardiology fellowship. I finished my training in 2005. \n In my spare time, I enjoy hunting, fishing, boating and spending time outdoors with my wife and two children. Living in Wilmington gives us so many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, and we take full advantage of our location on the beautiful coast.