Sheetal Khedkar Rao

**Professional Biography Summary**

This accomplished physician–scientist and academic leader at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) integrates clinical medicine, environmental health, and climate-focused health systems research to advance equity, prevention, and population health outcomes. Serving as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine in Internal Medicine and Women’s Health, she combines patient care, teaching, and translational research to address complex health challenges through both clinical and systems-based approaches.

In addition to her academic appointment, she is a Co-Founder and Chief Health and Engagement Officer of the Nordson Green Earth Foundation, where she leads community-driven initiatives focused on environmental justice, tree canopy equity, and the health impacts of urban greenspace. Her work bridges public health, climate resilience, and community engagement to improve physical, mental, and social well-being in underserved populations.

She is actively involved in national and regional leadership on climate and health, including serving as a Steering Committee Member and Policy Cluster Co-Lead for the National Academy of Medicine’s Climate Communities Network. In this role, she contributes to national strategy development aimed at transforming health systems in response to climate change while promoting equity and sustainability. She also serves as Regional Lead for the Midwest Learning Collaborative Series, supporting interdisciplinary education and stakeholder engagement across health professions.

At the institutional level, she is a Co-Investigator with UIC’s Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences NIH Center for Extreme Conditions & Health Excellence, where she advances research and curriculum development focused on climate resilience and health system preparedness. Additionally, she serves as Vice Chair of Coalition and Collaborations for Illinois Clinicians for Climate Action, helping to mobilize clinicians around advocacy, education, and policy engagement.

Overall, her career reflects a strong commitment to clinical excellence, environmental health innovation, and climate-responsive healthcare systems, positioning her as a leading voice at the intersection of medicine, public health, and climate equity.