
Murugappan Ramanathan Jr., MD
Skull Base SurgeryRhinology, Sinus, and Skull Base SurgeryRhinology and Sinus SurgeryOtolaryngology
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Young Adult 18-25
- Adult 26-64
Languages
- Tamil
- English
In-Network Plans
View All Accepted Plans (12)Gender
MaleJohns Hopkins Affiliations:
- 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
Johns Hopkins Physician
Background
Murugappan “Murray” Ramanathan is an experienced sinus and skull base surgeon with a high-volume clinical presence at Johns Hopkins Health Care and Surgery Center in Bethesda and Suburban Hospital. He specializes in complex revision endoscopic sinus surgery, endoscopic approaches to the orbit, and the endoscopic management of sinonasal and skull base tumors, including inverted papilloma, esthesioneuroblastoma (also known as olfactory neuroblastoma) and pituitary tumors. He routinely collaborates with colleagues in neurosurgery, ophthalmology, head and neck oncology, and facial plastic surgery to deliver multidisciplinary, patient-centered care. Dr. Ramanathan has consistently been recognized for his patient-centered approach to care as a “Top Doctor” by Bethesda Magazine, Washingtonian, Northern Virginia Magazine and Castle Connolly.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University and medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Dr. Ramanathan completed an internship in general surgery and residency in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at Johns Hopkins, followed by fellowship training in advanced endoscopic sinus and minimally invasive skull base surgery at Johns Hopkins. He joined the Johns Hopkins faculty in 2010.
Dr. Ramanathan is the vice director of clinical operations for the Johns Hopkins Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, overseeing the delivery and integration of otolaryngologic care at nine ambulatory clinic sites and five hospitals within Johns Hopkins Medicine. He is passionate about continuously evaluating and improving care delivery processes across all clinical sites for the department.
As a surgeon-scientist, Dr. Ramanathan leads a National Institutes of Health-funded research program that was among the first to establish the link between air pollution and chronic rhinosinusitis from an epidemiologic and basic science perspective. He has received numerous prestigious research awards and grants; has published over 110 peer-reviewed articles, reviews and book chapters; and is frequently invited to speak about his research at national and international meetings. Dr. Ramanathan holds multiple national leadership roles, including chair of the CORE Grants General Section for the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.
Centers and Institutes
X Profile
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
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Is air pollution causing us to lose our sense of smell? bbc.com (02/20/2023)
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Region’s Top Doctors Share How to Stay Healthy, Northern Virginia magazine (2/15/23)
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Fall allergies will be in full force across parts of the US, Accuweather (8/31/2021)
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Fact check: No strong evidence alpha-lipoic acid helps COVID-19 loss of smell, taste, USA Today (8/31/2021)
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As more people ditch their masks, summer colds increase across DC area, WUSA-TV (7/23/21)
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Press release: Johns Hopkins Medicine Researchers Show How Air Pollution May Contribute to Loss of Smell (05/27/2021)
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Treatment Options for Sinus Relief Webinar
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Air Pollution May Directly Cause Those Year-Round Runny Noses, According to a Mouse Study Johns Hopkins Press Release April 18, 2017
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Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma Masquerading As Nasal Polyps Johns Hopkins Clinical Connection video
Additional Academic Titles
Professor of Neurological Surgery
Research Interests
- Role of air pollution and PM2.5 in chronic rhinosinusitis and sinonasal diseases
- Air pollution induced epigenomic changes in the sinonasal epithelium
- The role of Nrf2 antioxidant pathways in air pollution induced rhinosinusitis
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 and was one of the very first research groups internationally to make this connection now opening the doors to a vast number of investigators now in this research space. In collaboration with scientists at the Johns Hopkins 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 - Publications
PubMed - Publications
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
- Top Doctor 2022, 2023, 2024, Washingtonian Magazine
- Top Doctor Bethesda Magazine, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
- Top Doctor, Castle Connolly 2019-2025
- Top Doctor, Northern Virginia Magazine, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
- 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
- Guest Examiner, American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- Directors Award, National Institute of Deafness and Communication Disorders
Memberships
- American Rhinologic Society
- American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- Triological Society
- American College of Surgeons
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center — Bethesda
- 6420 Rockledge Drive, Suite 4920, Bethesda, MD 20817
- Get Directions
- phone: 443-997-6467
- fax: 301-530-2650
Expertise
Education
- Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Otolaryngology - Head/Neck Surgery, 2009
- Medical Education: University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, MD, 2004
Board Certifications
- Otolaryngology: American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 2010
Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.8 out of 5
204 ratings, 75 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 3/17/2026
Dr. Ramanathan is wonderful. He listens attentively, provides excellent understandable responces for the layman, and is very compassionate. I highly recommend his services, as he's a very talented surgeon and diligent & dedicated in his follow-up care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
Dr. Ramanathan is extremely knowledgeable in his field, I am very grateful for his services as my ENT Physician
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
Very impressed with the amount of time that he spends with me on each visit and the thoroughness of his explanations.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
He is the best
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/20/2026
Excellent doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2026
He is very knowledgeable and I trust him completely with my care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2026
Very friendly and polite. Highly skilled. Very knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2026
Very professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/13/2026
Dr. Ramanathan treated me very respectfully and I felt very comfortable in his care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/13/2026
Excellent doctor patient skills. Most importantly he listens and responses with answers a patient can understand.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/10/2026
This doctor is outstanding!! He is very knowledgeable about my autoimmune disease. I trust him and highly respect him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2026
Probably the finest Dr. Experience I have ever had.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/20/2026
Dr Ramanathan continues to amaze me, after approx. 12 years of treating my problematic sinuses. His skill, compassion, medical knowledge, skill and demeanor are all top notch. He spends as much time as is required to properly treat my sinus difficulties, and I consider him to be exceptional doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/20/2026
Dr Ramanathan is thorough, communicative, empathic and has a thorough command of my multi complex medical issues. He assures my sinus issues are handled properly and all meds are given properly and only as needed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/20/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
Great Dr. Very clear in communication and empathetic
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Excellent experience. Dr Ramanathan is a superb doctor-knowledgable and has advanced people skills. I feel lucky to have him guiding my care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
He was pleasant and fairly efficient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2026
Excellent bedside manners.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2026
My husband and I were in shock when we left at the amount of care I received, he listened and we got a follow up plan and he has done more in the 15/20 minutes I spent with him than any doctors seem to have done in the last year I've been going through this health problem. 1000% recommend and so happy to be referred to him!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/29/2025
I love Dr. Ramanathan
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Both the Dr and his assistant were very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/5/2025
Dr. Ramanathan is exceptional; I cannot recommend highly enough.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/5/2025
Excellent!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Dr. Ramanathan is a caring & kind doctor. He's up on the latest in field & is will8ng to take time needed to make sure my questions are answered. He has a lovely way of making me feel I am respected, heard and that he will take care of my problem. He also has a good sense of humor & is a talented surgeon. I have the utmost respect for him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/25/2025
Friendly, knowledgeable, interested in me as a patient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/21/2025
Dr. Ramanathan's a way of making the patient very comfortable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/21/2025
This was my first visit with Dr. Ramanathan he is a very impressive Physician and hope he will take good care of me for my surgery like he promised.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
He is very knowledgeable, professional and helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
The doctor was fantastic. Addressed an issue I have been dealing with, rather unsuccessfully, for many years. He identified the problem with confidence, provided options for how to address it, listened to my feedback, and encouraged a reasonable, potential resolution. He has my trust and respect to handle this issue where others have not.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
Dr Ramanathan is a rare gem. He provides outstanding medical care with concern and compassion. He remembers me and my medical issues in a most impressive manner especially considering his patient load and other medical duties.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
The staffs and doctors at JH are very professional and helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/14/2025
Dr Ramanathan is OUTSTANDING in every phase of treatment- He is the definition of Excellence!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/11/2025
Excellent Dr. R. He is compassionate, friendly, well knowledgeable and takes time needed to help you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/11/2025
Professional and courteous. Quick diagnoses.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/28/2025
Dr. Ramanathan is fantastic. Always personable and knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/28/2025
The doctor was helpful, considerate and knowledgeable.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
He seems to busy
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
Fantastic provider
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
He is very good!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Dr. Ramanathan is the best ENT doctor I have had to treat my chronic sinusitis.
- 3 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
I waited about 50 minutes after my appointment time to see the doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
Very caring, listens, very meticulous, has good humor, keeps patient comfortable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
Great physician.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2025
The doctor was excellent- thorough, attentive and clearl.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2025
Very courteous and knowledgeable. I felt confident in his expertise and will continue to see this provider and others he might recommend.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2025
I would like to thank Dr. Murugappan Ramanathan Jr. and other Doctors ; thanks to nurses who helped me on my surgery day of my nose .
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/5/2025
Dr. Ramanathan is very knowledgeable. Simply excellent! I used ChatGPT to describe the symptom, and ChatGPT recommended Dr. Ramanathan. It worked perfectly. The fellow who followed Dr. Ramanathan was also excellent.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/5/2025
He wished to discuss ophthalmological issue that I was not prepared to discuss. I was informed by more than ophthalmologist that my sinus issue had nothing to do with my eyes
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/5/2025
Doctor was great.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/2/2025
Excellent care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/22/2025
Thank you for saving lives
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/19/2025
I was referred to the provided by a prior provider for a second opinion regarding an issue and when the provider retired he recommended that I continued with the current provider. I found him to be very thorough.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/7/2025
Dr Ramanathan has caredFor my condition for years and has provided excellent care. He listens toMy concerns regarding medication side effects ant treatment options and is open to new methods
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/1/2025
Excellent communication, Make sure I understood what the doctor had found and the course of action for treatment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2025
Excellent as always!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/11/2025
Dr. Ramanathan took his time explaining everything and I appreciated his knowledge and how thoughtfully he explained the treatment that is needed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2025
Very nice
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2025
Wonderful doctor. Very easy to speak with.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2025
Great surgeon. Pain free recovery and very attentive
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/13/2025
Exceptional services
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/13/2025
I felt he was very experienced in.hos specialty and confident. Most Important he did not rush to recoend surgery unless It would be a last resort.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
He friendly
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
Excellent compassionate provider
- 3 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/23/2025
Appointment started 10/15 minutes late and felt rushed. I would have appreciated to have more time, explanations were rushed. I wanted a referral for an MRI/Xray of my sinus cavities to see if they were congested, instead I got a prescription for a (lifelong?) decongestant.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/9/2025
Very good doctor in many ways
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/6/2025
Dr. Ramanathan is terrific
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2025
Dr. Ramanathan is superbly professional and kind I appreciate all that he does to help me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2025
Good listener and explained everything thoroughly
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2025
My.provider is excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2025
He knew the background for my visit and considered my information prior to making a recommendation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/22/2025
Very knowledgeable and listened carefully to my story.