Ruth Oratz, MD

I’ve been practicing at NYU Langone since I completed my residency in internal medicine and fellowship in medical oncology here, and I feel very much part of the community. As a medical oncologist, I specialize in treating people who have all stages of breast cancer, as well as those who have an increased risk of developing cancer.

I recognize how profoundly the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer impacts every individual, so I work to provide the most positive experience possible for my patients. I am especially committed to helping each person who is facing cancer continue to live actively and fully. I place significant focus on flexible treatment programs and addressing concerns about family life, career, relationships, and sexuality. I emphasize overall wellness in my approach to treating people who have cancer, including diet, exercise, and lifestyle. I also encourage people to work with complementary and integrative practitioners, such as acupuncturists and nutritionists. All of my patients have access to our full set of services at Perlmutter Cancer Center.

I am actively involved as a co-investigator in our robust breast cancer clinical trials program. I have a particular interest and background in caring for individuals and their families who may be susceptible to developing breast cancer because of a genetic mutation, such as BRCA. Currently, I am leading a study that focuses on PARP inhibitors—substances often used to target cancer cells—and their role in treating BRCA mutation-associated metastatic breast cancer.

I also spend a great deal of time and effort at NYU School of Medicine as a professor of clinical medicine. I work closely with and mentor students at all stages of their professional development, guiding them in their clinical experiences, clerkships, and the residency application process.

As a member of several local and national advocacy organizations, I am able to further support my patients and their families as they cope with breast cancer. I serve as the medical advisor to Cancer and Careers, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Sharsheret, and CancerCare. I was the chair of the medical advisory board of Susan G. Komen Greater NYC and also served on the national board of YWCA USA. I lecture frequently and have appeared on national and local television and radio broadcasts, discussing all aspects of cancer awareness, screening, and treatment options with a focus on wellness.