
Murugappan Ramanathan Jr., MD
Skull Base Surgery
Rhinology, Sinus, and Skull Base Surgery
Rhinology and Sinus Surgery
Otolaryngology
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Murugappan Ramanathan Jr.
Professional Titles
- Vice Director of Clinical Operations
Primary Academic Title
Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Background
Dr. Murugappan (Murray) Ramanathan was born and raised in Dallas, TX, and received a bachelor's degree in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University. He subsequently received his M.D. from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston where he graduated with highest honors and completed his internship in general surgery and residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Johns Hopkins. Upon completion of his residency, he received additional fellowship training in advanced endoscopic sinus and minimally invasive skull base surgery at Johns Hopkins.
Dr. Ramanathan serves as Director of the Greater Washington area practices for Johns Hopkins Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and Chief of Otolaryngology for Suburban Hospital/Johns Hopkins Medicine. He evaluates patients primarily at the Johns Hopkins Healthcare and Surgery Center in Bethesda, Maryland. If indicated, he can also perform surgery at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda or at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.
He maintains a very busy clinical practice primarily focused on complex revision endoscopic sinus surgery, endoscopic approaches to the orbit (DCR), and the endoscopic management of sinonasal and skull base tumors including inverted papilloma, esthesioneuroblastoma, and pituitary tumors. Dr. Ramanathan is also the consultant rhinologist/skull base surgeon for complex sinusitis and sinonasal/skull base tumor patients at the Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda. His commitment to highly specialized patient care has been recognized by numerous awards.
As a surgeon-scientist, Dr. Ramanathan also directs an National Institutes of Health R01 funded laboratory to study the role of air pollution in causing chronic rhinosinusitis. He is the recipient of numerous prestigious research awards and grants. He has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles, reviews, and book chapters and is frequently invited to speak about his research at national and international meetings.
Centers and Institutes
X (Twitter)
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
Is air pollution causing us to lose our sense of smell? bbc.com (02/20/2023)
Region’s Top Doctors Share How to Stay Healthy, Northern Virginia magazine (2/15/23)
Fall allergies will be in full force across parts of the US, Accuweather (8/31/2021)
Fact check: No strong evidence alpha-lipoic acid helps COVID-19 loss of smell, taste, USA Today (8/31/2021)
As more people ditch their masks, summer colds increase across DC area, WUSA-TV (7/23/21)
Press release: Johns Hopkins Medicine Researchers Show How Air Pollution May Contribute to Loss of Smell (05/27/2021)
Treatment Options for Sinus Relief Webinar
Air Pollution May Directly Cause Those Year-Round Runny Noses, According to a Mouse Study Johns Hopkins Press Release April 18, 2017
Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma Masquerading As Nasal Polyps Johns Hopkins Clinical Connection video
Additional Academic Titles
Professor of Neurological Surgery
Research Interests
Molecular and immunologic (innate and adaptive) mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, Role of Allergy and Environmental pollutants in propagating sinonasal inflammation
Lab Website
The Ramanathan Lab
- Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a leading cause of morbidity globally and is the single most common self-reported chronic health condition and accounts for billions of dollars in health care costs and lost work days annually. Exposure to air pollutants is thought to be a critical modifier of CRS susceptibility. Despite marked reductions in air pollution levels in the United States, the fine particulate component of air pollution (PM2.5) and ultrafine pollutants secondary to traffic continue to remain a recalcitrant issue globally and in the United States. The Ramanathan Lab focuses on studying the role of air pollution (PM2.5) in CRS. In collaboration with scientists at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, we have utilized a state of the art air pollution exposure system to develop a novel mouse model of air pollution induced rhinosinusitis that mimics many of the features of CRS in humans. Our lab uses transgenic mouse models and novel immunologic/genomic techniques to study the mechanisms by which PM2.5 causes eosinophilic inflammation and sinonasal epithelial barrier dysfunction. We are also interested in the role of the antioxidant transcription factor, Nrf2, which has shown to stabilize the epithelial barrier and reduce eosinophilia in PM induced rhinosinusitis as a potential therapeutic target.
Google Scholar
Selected Publications
Ramanathan M Jr., London, NR Jr., Tharakan A, Surya, N., Sussan, TE, Rao, X, Lin, SY, Toskala E, Rajagopalan S, Biswal, S. Airborne particulate matter induces non-allergic eosinophilic sinonasal inflammation in mice. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2017 Feb 28. doi: 10.1165/rcmb.2016-0351OC
London NR Jr, Tharakan A, Mendiola M, Sussan TE, Chen M, Dobzanski A, Lane AP, Sidhaye V, Biswal S, Ramanathan M Jr. Deletion of Nrf2 enhances susceptibility to eosinophilic sinonasal inflammation in a murine model of rhinosinusitis. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2018 Oct 3. doi: 10.1002/alr.22222. PMID: 30281933
London NR, Tharakan A, Lane AP, Biswal S, Ramanathan M Jr. Nrf2 activation restores house dust mite induced sinonasal epithelial cell barrier dysfunction, International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology, 2017 May;7(5):536-541. doi: 10.1002/alr.21916
London NR, Tharakan A, Rule A, Lane AP, Biswal S, and Ramanathan M Jr. Air pollutant mediated disruption of sinonasal epithelial cell barrier function is reversed by activation of the Nrf2 pathway. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2016), doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.06.027
Mendiola M, Tharakan A, Chen M, Asempa T, Lane AP, Ramanathan M Jr. Characterization of a High Dose Ovalbumin Model of Allergic Sinonasal Inflammation. International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology, 2016 Apr 5. doi: 10.1002/alr.21768
Tharakan A, Halderman A, Lane AP, Biswal S, Ramanathan M Jr.Reversal of Cigarette Smoke Extract Induced Sinonasal Epithelial Cell Barrier Dysfunction Through Nrf2 Activation. International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology, 2016 Aug 31. doi: 10.1002/alr.21827
Honors
- Prince Edmund Fowler Award for Outstanding Basic Science Thesis, Triological Society
- Johns Hopkins Clinician Scientist Award
- American Rhinologic Society Basic Science Research Award
- Alpha Omega Alpha
- Triological Society Fellow
- Top Doctor 2023, Bethesda Magazine, 6/1/23
- Top Doctor 2022 & 2023, Washingtonian Magazine, 11/1/22
- Top Doctor Bethesda Magazine, Bethesda Magazine, 7/1/19
- Top Doctor, Castle Connolly, 7/1/19
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center — Bethesda
- 6420 Rockledge Drive, Suite 4920, Bethesda, MD 20817
- phone: 443-997-6467
- fax: 301-530-2650
Expertise
Education
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Residency, Otolaryngology - Head/Neck Surgery, 2009University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston
Medical Education, MD, 2004Board Certifications
Plastic Surgery Within the Head and Neck
American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 2010Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Humana
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- UnitedHealthcare
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.8 out of 5
163 ratings, 42 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/17/2025
Dr Ramanathan is the best. He is patient when explaining things and thorough in his approach. He is kind and approachable with a good sense of humor. He exhibits a clear interest in the problem and solving it.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2025
Excellent all around
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2025
Excellent doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2025
Dr. R is a 'Rockstar' I his field, which is exactly who I needed for this treatment
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2025
Exceptional service and great bedside manner
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2025
Excellent ENT physician.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/20/2024
Attentive, careful, understanding and patient
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/17/2024
Dr. Ramanathan is THE best ENT doctor in the region that you can trust. He Is knoladgeble, friendly, possionate for your health and care. Very professional!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/10/2024
Very well versed
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/22/2024
He us the best
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/19/2024
I am amazed I got an appointment 24 hours after my call. It was much needed given my illness. I got access to the best doctor possible for my condition,
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/12/2024
Dr. R took care of all concerns
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/5/2024
Dr. Ramanathan was excellent at identifying my issue , informing me about it and treating it. I will continue to use him for additional ENT issues
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/15/2024
Dr. Ramanathan has been proactive in providing the best care for me. He is caring and very professional. He listens to my concerns and gives me guidance and excellent advice and information during follow up visits.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/11/2024
Dr. Ramanathan is an excellent doctor and professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/11/2024
Dr Ramanathan is a great surgeon a doctor who shows passion for his career and a great human being. Shows empathy and patience to his patients. He is a top notch surgeon who still cares for people
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/8/2024
Dr. M. Ramanathan is Top Notch ENT Specialist. He is very knowledgeable, professional, empathetic and best listener and very helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/20/2024
Dr R was excellent!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/6/2024
Absolutely fantastic. Great physician. .
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/6/2024
The best!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/30/2024
Dr. Ramanathan is professional and knowledgable. He is genuinely concerned for my well being. He listens attentively, addresses my questions and concerns, and ensures I am an active participant in my plan of care. I look forward to every visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2024
Dr. Ramanathan is the most professional and kind doctor I have ever had
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/12/2024
Dr. Ramanathan is an excellent physician and very pleasant.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/5/2024
Kind. Professional. Wise. Candid. Caring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/2/2024
Dr. Ramanathan is extremely personable and easy to speak to about my medical concerns. He takes a genuine interest in me and I have witnessed the same types of interactions with fellow family members, who see him too.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/25/2024
Provider was very good, no issues
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/11/2024
The doctor went up and beyond to accommodate my medical needs.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/4/2024
Very Good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/17/2024
Dr. Ramanathan is wonderful, and has improved my overall health dramatically.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/14/2024
Very professional, clear and competent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/10/2024
Excellent practitioner.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/10/2024
Excellent provider. Very approachable, sensitive and efficient. Explained everything clearly and set up follow-up schedule.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/3/2024
He was highly recommended by my ENT for his skulls and experience
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/23/2024
My only issue was scheduling. I needed to see the Doctor in the fall and the earliestp appointment I could get as a returning patient was in late April the long 6 month wait was not good for my sinus condition
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/19/2024
Murray is excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/16/2024
Dr Ramanthan is the best doctor. Excellent surgeon. Very compassionate. Great bedside manner.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/9/2024
Dr Ramanathan is an excellent doctor. His knowledge and care are top notch.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/9/2024
Simply the best at what the does. He addresses all questions and concerns regarding my medical issues. He also provided options moving forward as opposed to just surgical interventions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/22/2024
Professional and personable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/15/2024
Excellent provider. Very good first visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/8/2024
The best dr for my problemgood
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/23/2024
He is wonderful and very knowledgeable