Ashoo M. Rao, MD

"Because I come from a different country and culture, it helps me understand people of different backgrounds," says Dr. Rao. Her exposure to medicine and a career of service came early; her mother was an OB/GYN physician and her father was a family practitioner.

"Especially now that I am in neighborhood clinics, working with an under-served population, makes me feel good," she says. "My greatest desire is that more health care is available to everyone in the world. Many people in remote areas of all countries don't have anything."

Being a parent of two children, she understands parenting, and equally important, understands how completely different two children can be. "I know what parents go through. It helps me listen and have empathy," she adds.

Mother Teresa, a woman she deeply reveres, spoke at her medical school graduation which she was unable to attend because she was already in America. Dr. Rao has to stop and count, but she speaks not only impeccable English, but three Indian dialects and understands another two. She loves Indian music and is involved in her Indian Temple.