The daughter of two physicians, Dr. Ratajczak saw firsthand how patients benefit from healthcare and knew as a young girl that she wanted to be a doctor. During medical school, she was drawn to heart disease patients and accepted extra rotations in cardiology, one of the more difficult specializations to pursue. Her desire to provide non-invasive options for diagnosing and investigating chest pain led to her acceptance to an additional fellowship program for advanced cardiac imaging at the University of Kentucky.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Teresa Ratajczak to The Christ Hospital, as she is a fantastic addition to our team of nationally renowned cardiologists,” said Dean Kereiakes, MD, FACC, FSCAI, President of The Heart & Vascular Institute, and Medical Director, The Christ Hospital Research Institute. "Her extended studies in advanced cardiac imaging along with her skill and desire to investigate non-invasive ways to diagnose and treat chest pain will be of great benefit to our patients.”

Dr. Ratajczak appreciates her new team members. “I really admire their dedication to compassionate care and how they encourage deep connections with patients,” she said. “I knew right away that I wanted to join this group.” Her specialization is precision cardiology test imaging that helps diagnose the most complex heart problems and create life-saving treatment plans customized for each patient. “There are a lot of opportunities to diagnose with non-invasive testing as a way to evaluate the condition with painless diagnostic studies.”

Welcoming the opportunity to work with Odayme Quesada, MD, Medical Director of the Women’s Heart Center, Dr. Ratajczak sees patients at the Women’s Heart Center one day a week. “These patients express such gratitude to be treated at this specialized center and receive a diagnosis,” said Dr. Ratajczak. “Women do have chest pain due to heart disease. But often, women are tested in the same manner as men and told their results look normal—yet they know something is wrong. I’m so grateful to work with Dr. Quesada and use my investigative imaging skills to help give them a diagnosis and an answer to their symptoms.”

Thomas M. O’Brien, MD, Medical Director, Heart & Vascular Service Line, joins in offering a warm reception to this talented physician. “Dr. Ratajczak is an outstanding cardiologist who is enthusiastically welcomed by our entire cardiology team,” said Dr. O’Brien. “Her additional training in advanced cardiac imaging will help us provide exceptional heart care and expand our cardiology services in Liberty and at the Women’s Heart Center.”

In addition to her cardiology patient care and work in advanced cardiac imaging, Dr. Ratajczak will participate in the upcoming cardiology fellowship program. She enjoyed teaching as a chief resident, a fellow, and a chief fellow, and appreciates the opportunity to participate and support this new venture. “I am so excited to work at The Christ Hospital because, other than the University of Cincinnati, no other hospital system has taken the steps necessary to teach fellows,” she said. “There is an extensive amount of work required to create a fellowship program, and I am elated to assist with something I am so passionate about.”

Dr. Ratajczak is available for patients who desire a cardiology evaluation or a second opinion at The Christ Hospital Health Network locations in Liberty, at the Women’s Heart Center, and in Adams County.

The Christ Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute, often the first choice for a second opinion, offers non-invasive and minimally invasive options for diagnosing chest pain with advanced cardiac imaging expertise not found at other regional hospitals. This team of cardiology experts includes specialists, like Dr. Ratajczak, who hone their skills by completing advanced fellowship programs. For thousands of patients from Cincinnati and beyond, the Heart & Vascular Institute is the difference between simply being treated and receiving the best care.

About The Christ Hospital Health Network  

The Christ Hospital Health Network is an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn, with a remote hospital location in Liberty Township, five ambulatory outpatient centers, and dozens of offices conveniently located throughout the region. More than 1,300 talented physicians and more than 6,000 dedicated team members support the Network. Its mission is to improve the health of the community and to create patient value by providing exceptional outcomes and the finest experiences, all in an affordable way. The Network has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report—for the seventh consecutive year as the #1 hospital in Greater Cincinnati for cardiology and heart surgery—and awarded Healthgrades “America’s 50 Best Hospitals” for being in the top 1% in the nation for providing the highest clinical quality year after year. It is also a Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award recipient, which recognizes top-performing healthcare organizations that achieve the 95th percentile or above for performance in patient experience. The Christ Hospital is among a select number of hospitals in the nation to be awarded Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence. For more than 130 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves.