Dr. Saras Ramanathan – Cataract Specialist

Cataract Specialist
Dr. Saras Ramanathan

Cataract specialist Saras Ramanathan, MD, has a passion for teaching complex cataract surgery and for mentoring young ophthalmologists in training. Her focus and commitment to both endeavors have brought her recognition for outstanding teaching at the University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins University’s Wilmer Eye Institute, California Pacific Medical Center, and now at UCSF.

“I define my success in a patient’s smile, a family’s appreciation, and a resident’s pride in achievement.”
– Dr. Saras Ramanathan

Dr. Ramanathan provides surgical care for cataract and lens implantation patients at the Parnassus campus. At San Francisco General Hospital she also serves as attending operating room surgeon while teaching residents to perform cataract surgery. Her publications on surgical simulation and cataract surgery teaching methodology have influenced the way surgical ophthalmology is taught.

 

Training in Humanity

Dr. Ramanathan believes in teaching residents to be excellent communicators, too. “It’s time to train residents to connect with their patients on a more powerful and personal level,” says Dr. Ramanathan. She is developing a formal curriculum to achieve just that.

“Our words, our tone, our quality of presence all help shape meaningful interactions and contribute to patient well-being,” says Dr. Ramanathan.

Attuned to Gratitude

“Truly it is in the many small moments of gratitude – a patient’s smile, a family’s appreciation, or a resident’s pride in achievement – by which I define my success,” says the master teacher. She tells residents that reward comes hundreds of time each week, if only they can be sensitive to it.