As director of Minimally Invasive Surgical Research and Education, Dr. Ramirez oversees training of surgeons in the use of techniques such as laparoscopy and the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. These techniques not only enhance surgeons’ skills but also improve patients’ quality of life by decreasing pain and blood loss, reducing hospital stays and facilitating quicker returns to daily activities when compared with conventional open surgical techniques.

Dr. Ramirez has had a great deal of hands-on experience with such techniques. Specifically, he is known for his use of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and laparoscopic extraperitoneal lymph node dissection in patients with early and locally advanced cervical cancer, respectively. Furthermore, he has a great deal of experience in performing robotic radical hysterectomies, radical trachelectomies, radical parametrectomies and staging procedures. He is also recognized as one of the leading surgeons in this country in the field of fertility preservation in young women with early cervical cancer.

He has authored and co-authored over 80 scientific publications and has written numerous book chapters, monographs, and invited articles. He also has served on various committees and academic societies including President of the Houston Gynecologic and Obstetrical Society and Chair of the Gynecologic Oncology Special Interest Group of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists.

Dr. Ramirez is also committed to the education of physicians throughout the world. For example, he frequently speaks at international surgical conferences. In addition, Dr Ramirez serves as a mentor and host to numerable international surgeons who seek to expand their expertise and skills. He is a frequently invited lecturer for national and international conferences and meetings where he continues to foster international scientific collaboration.

During his time at MD Anderson, Dr. Ramirez has been the principal investigator for several grant-funded research projects. His areas of research interest include minimally invasive surgery, fertility preservation in women with gynecologic malignancies, and novel approaches to the surgical staging of patients with gynecologic cancers.