Elena Ratner

Elena Ratner, MD, MBA, is a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University School of Medicine and Co-Chief of the Section of Gynecologic Oncology. She is Board Certified in Gynecologic Oncology with special expertise in cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer, minimally invasive procedures including robotics, and fertility-sparing surgery for young cancer patients.

Dr. Ratner's research focuses on developing targeted drugs for ovarian cancer to provide personalized care and reversing chemotherapy resistance in ovarian and uterine cancers. Her laboratory work investigates novel antibody-drug conjugates targeting TROP2 and HER2, RAF/MEK inhibition combined with FAK inhibition for low-grade serous ovarian cancer, and immunotherapy approaches for endometrial cancers with microsatellite instability. Her recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on translational research with numerous preclinical studies moving toward clinical applications.

She has received multiple clinical and teaching awards, including the 2015 Yale Cancer Center Award for Clinical Excellence, and has been named among Yale Medicine's 'Top Doctors' in 2023 and 2024.

• Co-director of Discovery To Cure
• Director of Discovery to Cure Early Ovarian Cancer Detection program
• Founder and director of the Sexuality, Intimacy and Menopause cancer survivorship program (SIMS)
• Sub-investigator on multiple active clinical trials including studies on novel antibody-drug conjugates and surgical prevention strategies

Dr. Ratner is particularly known for her advocacy for cancer survivors and emphasis on quality of life issues. She facilitates one-on-one mentoring for patients and stresses the importance of social networks during cancer treatment, believing that 'it is so important for women who need to know that they are not alone in this fight.'