August 26, 2025

Meet Ravi Agrawal, MD, PGY-5 

2025 Chief Resident 

Where are you from? 

I grew up in Edison, NJ. The town was the home of Thomas Edison's main laboratory a couple miles from my house. 

What made you choose orthopedics as a specialty? 

I chose a career orthopedic surgery because I find fulfillment in solving problems to help patients get back to their lives. Also, the surgeries are fun. 

Do you plan on pursuing a subspecialty area of focus? 

I plan on specializing in spine surgery. I will be staying at WashU for my fellowship. My interests are in pediatric and adult spinal deformities, trauma, and tumor. 

Why WashU?

My wife and I wanted to come to WashU for our surgical residencies because of the unlimited clinical and research opportunities. We feel blessed that we have spent the last 4 years training here in St. Louis amongst the best nurses, co-residents, and faculty we could have wanted.

Is there a patient who had a lasting impact on you?

I decided I wanted to go into spine after caring for a young man who presented after a steep fall with a thoracolumbar fracture and neurologic deficits. We operated throughout the night  to decompress and stabilize his spine. When he awoke after surgery, his deficits had resolved. Not every case is going to have that immediate gratification, but his situation reminds me of the profound impact we can have on our patients with spinal disorders.

What's the best advice you've ever received? 

There's so many tidbits from so many different people. One that always stuck out to me was "Listen to your patient." It seems so simple, but most answers can be found by focusing on getting to know our patients. 

What's your favorite thing to do outside of work? 

My favorite thing to do outside of work is going on a walk with my wife and 6-month old daughter around Francis Park near our house after a long day. 

If you weren't a physician, what would you like to be doing? 

If I wasn't an orthopedic surgeon, I'd open a sub shop and make sandwiches for people (and myself). I might still do that if this doesn't work out. 

Learn why patients choose WashU Medicine Orthopedics, request an appointment online or call (314) 514-3500.