About Dr. Handa
Rahul R. Handa, MD is the founder and CEO of WhiteGloveMD and a world-class cardiac surgeon who has dedicated his career to providing exceptional patient care and advancing the field of heart surgery. He graduated with top honors from Wake Forest University, completed general surgery residency at Washington University in St. Louis / Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and trained in cardiac surgery at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. His practice focuses on heart and vascular surgery — including minimally invasive and robotic approaches — and his contributions to surgical education and innovation have been recognized by both the AATS and STS. He founded WhiteGloveMD to bring AI-augmented dual-physician second opinions to cardiac surgery patients, a service he saw repeatedly missing during his own training. Outside the OR, he recharges by playing guitar, traveling, and spending time with his wife, Karissa.
The Ed Bernstein Show
Training
- MD — University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (2016)
- Residency, General Surgery — Washington University in St. Louis / Barnes-Jewish Hospital (2016–2021)
- Fellowship, Cardiac Surgery — UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine (2021–2023)
- BA, Economics (Summa Cum Laude) — Wake Forest University (2008–2012)
