Aparna

Ramanathan

MD

Biography

Aparna Ramanathan, MD MPH, is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and fellowship trained in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) as well as in global health leadership and innovation. Dr. Ramanathan completed her residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Parkland Health and Hospital System in Dallas, Texas. From there, she completed her global health fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts and her MIGS fellowship at the MedStar Health National Center for Advanced Pelvic Surgery in Washington, DC.

Dr. Ramanathan strives to make sure that her patients feel seen and heard in their gynecologic care. Research in gynecologic conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and intrauterine adhesions have long been underfunded at the national level with the result being that patients often struggle to get accurately and compassionately diagnosed and treated. Dr. Ramanathan believes in a team approach to medical decision making so that patients can make informed decisions about treatment including surgery that meets their overall goals and helps them return to a rich and fulfilling life.

Dr. Ramanathan specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic, robotic, and hysteroscopic surgeries including fertility-sparing myomectomy, excision of endometriosis, complex pelvic laparoscopy, and minimally invasive hysterectomy. She can perform many operative hysteroscopic procedures including the treatment of intrauterine adhesions (Ashermans syndrome) in the office itself, saving patients a trip to the operating room.

What are some of your favorite activities outside of work?

I enjoy meditation, growing things (especially peppers), cooking for others, and exploring America's national parks with my goofball puppy, Felix. I dabble in fermentation, tap dancing, creative writing, and musical theater. I am an avid reader, a proud Gryffindor, and a triathlete.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in academic medicine at UW?

I chose to work in academic medicine because I love the opportunities to contribute to gynecology as a researcher and patient advocate in addition to clinical practice. As an academician, you can bring your imagination and creativity to the forefront and make a lasting impact on your field as a whole.

What is one professional or academic accomplishment of which you are most proud and why?

Receiving my first patent was a proud moment for me. I love using my creative energy to design new technology that improves healthcare quality for women around the world.

What is the best advice you've ever received?

Take time every week to practice gratitude. It sounds pretty cheesy but this simple practice has had a profoundly positive impact on my worldview and relationships.

What is one thing that brings you joy, either inside or outside of work?

When my dog, Felix, requests a tummy rub.

What inspires you?

I continue to be inspired by my parents, who are pillars of integrity in the community and who have always lived a life centered around the service of others.

Clinical Interests: 

Dr. Ramanathan's clinical interests include endometriosis, abnormal uterine bleeding, uterine fibroids, chronic pelvic pain, intrauterine adhesions (Ashermans syndrome), intrauterine septum, in-office hysteroscopy, and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

Research Interests: 

Dr. Ramanathan's primary research focus is in developing and implementing innovative technologies to improve women's health care outcomes at home and abroad. She has invented several award-winning novel medical devices and has received several grants and patents. Dr. Ramanathan's other research interests include intrauterine adhesions (Ashermans syndrome), endometriosis, and the advancement of health equity around the world.

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Clinical Interests: 

Dr. R

Clinical Interests: 

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Board Certification: 
Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2018

Licensure: 
Washington State, 2015

Education & Training: 
Undergraduate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Medical School, University of Texas Southwestern
Graduate, Harvard School of Public Health
Residency in OB/GYN, Parkland Health and Hospital System
Fellowship in Global Health Leadership & Innovation, Massachusetts General Hospital
Fellowship in MIGS, MedStar Health National Center of Advanced Pelvic Surgery

Honors:
TU Delft Mekel Prize to Chloe SED®, 2023
Albert Schweitzer Audience Award to Chloe SED®, 2023
Best Project in Clinical Medical Devices, 2021
Best Poster UIC Annual Engineering Expo, 2019
Best Poster UIC Bioengineering Research Symposium, 2019
CUGH Refections Contest Essay Winner, 2018
IDEA2 Global IMES Award, 2016
Global Cancer Innovation Post-Hack-a-Thon Award, 2016
Alpha Core Award, 2016

Membership:
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG)
American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL)
Society of Gynecologic Surgeons (SGS)
Wilderness Medical Society (WMS)

NCBI Bibliography