A Legacy of Healing

Dr. Lakshmi Rao celebrated her retirement after 35 years as a pediatrician in Portland, Oregon, leaving behind a legacy of care for thousands of children. Her last day at the clinic was marked by a surprise party thrown by her staff and patients, complete with handmade cards from little hands she’d once held. A former patient, now a teenager, read a poem thanking her for ‘making boo-boos better.’ Lakshmi, who immigrated from Bangalore in her 20s, often said her greatest reward was seeing her patients grow up healthy and strong. Retirement won’t slow her down—she plans to volunteer at free clinics and finally perfect her grandmother’s biryani recipe. Her husband, Anil, joked at the party that he’s ready for her to ‘doctor’ their garden next.