Bhuvaneswari Ramaswamy, MD, a breast medical oncologist who specialized in clinical and translational research and patient care, passed away in July 2024 after a long fight with the disease she worked so hard to understand and eradicate.
Dr. Ramaswamy made great strides in expanding our understanding of the causes and potential treatments for breast cancer, including the possible preventive benefits of breastfeeding.
Her initial breast cancer diagnosis, in 2016, did not prompt Dr. Ramaswamy to withdraw from her work. Instead, she redoubled her commitment, establishing the Living Well with Advanced Breast Cancer Clinic in 2017 to help patients understand and manage palliative care, symptoms and nutrition. In addition, she was a fierce advocate for professionals early in their careers, supporting emerging cancer researchers and clinicians.
Beloved by her patients for her compassion, she was known among colleagues for pushing them to look past the limits of typical standards of care and leverage every team member and technology available to invent a better future.
“Dr. Ramaswamy was the epitome of the passion to drive things forward, to never be satisfied with the status quo,” said Roman J. Skoracki, MD, medical director at the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center and division director, Oncologic Plastic Surgery, OSUCCC – James. “She was a force, like Stefanie Spielman, and we were all fortunate to work with her.”
A lactation room at the OSUCCC – James has been dedicated to honor Dr. Ramaswamy, recognizing her dedication to her patients, her colleagues and her research. This room is one meaningful way to remember the care and compassion that Dr. Ramaswamy brought to every aspect of her career and personal life.