Kirthi Ramalingam was born and raised in India, where she completed medical school and her initial surgical training before relocating to the US. Her medical career in India gave her valuable exposure to academic and resource-limited settings, fueling a deep commitment to care for cancer patients.

Under the mentorship of Dr. Laura Esserman, Director of the Breast Care Center at UCSF and a leading authority in breast cancer treatment, Dr. Ramalingam undertook a two-year breast research fellowship. During this fellowship, she contributed to two major clinical trials: a phase I Immunotherapy trial for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) and a phase II breast cancer prevention trial. She also worked with Dr. Rita Mukhtar on lobular cancer outcomes research and with Dr. Jennifer Rosenbluth on DCIS organoid study. Additionally, guided by Dr. Esserman, she collaborated with her research team to analyze transcriptomics of DCIS and invasive breast cancer profiles, investigating biomarkers of progression from in situ to invasive cancer. This breadth of research experience cemented her enthusiasm for clinical research in breast cancer.

To advance her career in academic surgery, Dr. Ramalingam pursued a Master's degree in Clinical Research at UCSF. She intends to pursue a breast fellowship and continue her academic breast surgical oncology career, leveraging her clinical and research skills to make significant contributions to the field. Outside of her work, Dr. Ramalingam enjoys photography, traveling, listening to self-improvement and leadership books, and spending quality time with family and friends.