The Peggy Lillis Foundation (PLF) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. A. Krishna Rao, MD, MS, as Chair of its Scientific Advisory Council (SAC). A nationally recognized expert in Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection, Dr. Rao’s elevation to Chair marks an exciting new chapter in PLF’s mission to combat C. diff through education and advocacy. 

About Dr. Krishna Rao

Dr. Rao is an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of Michigan and Director of Research for U-M’s Division of Infectious Diseases. One of the nation’s leading experts on Clostridioides difficile infection, he co-founded the University of Michigan’s Fecal Microbiota Transplantation program for recurrent CDI.

His research aims to use biomarkers and statistical modeling to better understand disease processes and predict clinical outcomes. His funding sources have included the NIH, CDC, industry, and non-profit foundations. Through interdisciplinary team science, he studies C. difficile, multidrug-resistant organisms such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the gut microbiome’s role in health and disease.

Dr. Rao has been a member of PLF’s Scientific Advisory Council since 2025. His appointment as Chair recognizes the depth of his expertise and his commitment to advancing patient-centered C. diff research and treatment.

Why C. diff Expert Leadership Matters

C. diff infection affects nearly half a million Americans each year and is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths. Despite being one of the most common and costly healthcare-associated infections in the United States, C. diff remains widely misunderstood by the public — and dangerously under-resourced. Having scientists of Dr. Rao’s caliber guiding PLF’s scientific strategy directly strengthens the Foundation’s ability to provide accurate, up-to-date information to patients, caregivers, and policymakers.

What the SAC Chair Role Means for PLF’s Mission

As SAC Chair, Dr. Rao will serve as an ex officio member of PLF’s Board of Directors, helping ensure that PLF’s education, advocacy, and policy work is grounded in the latest C. diff science. He will play a role in shaping PLF’s public communications, informing its policy priorities, and planning its National C. diff Advocates Summit and Scientific Symposium.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Rao step into this leadership role,” said Christian John Lillis, Chief Executive Officer of the Peggy Lillis Foundation. “His expertise — from the laboratory to the bedside — will be invaluable as we work to educate the public, empower advocates, and shape policy to combat C. diff infection.”

Join the C. diff Awareness Movement

Peggy Lillis Foundation was founded in 2010 following the death of Peggy Lillis, a 56-year-old Brooklyn kindergarten teacher who died of C. diff after a routine dental procedure. Today, PLF is the leading patient advocacy organization for C. diff infection, growing a patient-powered movement by educating the public, empowering advocates, and shaping policy.

Want to get involved? Learn how you can support our work, share your C. diff story, or become a Volunteer.