Karl C. Podratz, MD, PhD
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Dr. Karl C. Podratz is a consultant in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic Rochester. Dr. Podratz was awarded the honor of the named professorship, Joseph I. and Barbara Ashkins Professor of Surgery, in 1990.
Dr. Podratz obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and completed post-graduate training at St. Louis University where he received his medical degree and a PhD. in biochemistry. He completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Chicago and a Fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at the Mayo Clinic.
He has combined a high-volume gynecologic surgery/oncology practice with complementary clinical and translational investigations over the past 30 years at the Mayo Clinic. His chief research interest is endometrial cancer, focusing on the pathogenesis and treatment-related outcomes, and is the author of more than 200 peer-reviewed publications. He has also served in numerous administrative capacities at the Mayo Cllnic, including the Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for 14 years and Director of the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program for 20 years.
Concurrent with his clinical and investigative pursuits at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Podratz serves as Chair of the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, member of the Board of Regents of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Council of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society. He has served as past president of the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons, Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, Western Association of Gynecologic Oncologists and the Central Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In addition, Dr. Podratz served as editor of Gynecologic Oncology and associate editor of Evidence-Based Obstetrics and Gynecology.