Dr. Rao Musunuru, a cardiologist practicing in Hudson, Florida received the prestigious “Point of Light Award” from Governor Crist, in recognition of his outstanding volunteerism and community service for the State of Florida. The governor’s Point of Light Program was established in February 2000 recognizing Florida residents or organizations that demonstrate exemplary volunteer services in their community. He also received a special recognition in 2007 for “Excellence in Caring and Sharing” from Governor Crist. “Your actions display selflessness and deep consideration for the welfare of others,” Governor Crist wrote. “You are a shining example to citizens throughout the sunshine state and have impacted countless individuals.” "A tireless supporter in his community, Dr. Musunuru has been a major contributor to the improvement of cardiovascular health of Floridians for many years,” said State Representative Tom Anderson. He was instrumental in the orchestration and passage of many bills in the Florida legislature, by providing encouragement, advice, and counsel to the legislators including the Emergency Medical Dispatch Bill in 2003, Florida Stroke Act in 2004, Student Health Promotion Act in 2006, Tobacco Prevention Program in 2006, and automatic external defibrillators in senior centers and state parks of Florida, etc. He worked tirelessly reaching out to the public through teaching and preaching of proper prevention and prompt intervention of cardiovascular disease, the number one killer of both men and women. He received three national awards in the past five years from the American Heart Association, 2003 National Chairman’s Award, 2005 National Physician of the Year Award, and 2007 National Volunteer Advocate of the Year Award, for his outstanding and long-lasting service through advocacy, education, and charity. In addition to clinical cardiology practice in West Central Florida since 1981, being instrumental in transforming a fifty-bed rural hospital into a nationally recognized, world class heart institute (top fifty in the nation, U.S. News and World Report), Dr. Musunuru is also actively involved in academic medicine serving as a member of the National Leadership Committee of the Clinical Cardiology Council of American Heart Association. He is a current member of advisory council for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) at NIH. He also serves as a member of the board of trustees for Pasco-Hernando Community College in west central Florida and he was recognized with the 2008 Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award by West Pasco Chamber of Commerce. He writes regularly in popular newspapers, promoting cardiovascular health to reduce death and disability and also educating the public about living longer and stronger. He received “Media Award for Excellence in Cardiovascular Communication” from the American Heart Association in 1999, 2004, and 2006. He served as president of the Florida Affiliate for the American Heart Association. He has received numerous other local, state, and national recognitions and awards from many organizations, institutions, and societies for his humanitarian charity work and philanthropy, in addition to educational and advocacy activities. “Recognition by the peers and the public is very flattering,” said Dr. Rao Musunuru, “but the real return is the pure unmeasurable pleasure of giving.” His most favorite quote is from Sir Winston Churchill “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” Dr. Rao Musunuru moved to Florida in 1981 to practice cardiology, after postgraduate training in New York City.  He credits his success to the DNA from his parents and grandparents, to the discipline from his teachers and mentors, to the dedication from his sweet and strong wife of 33 years, and also the support from his longtime friends and partners. Dr. Musunuru is a dedicated "CARES" volunteer, past Board Chair and current Honorary Board member.