Penn Medicine Provider
Otorhinolaryngology
Karthik Rajasekaran, MD, FACS
4.9
(948)
Accepting new patients
Sees patients age 12 and up
Penn Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Washington Square

About me

  • Head and Neck Oncologic & Microvascular Reconstructive Surgeon
  • Co-Director, Head and Neck Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction Fellowship
  • Director, Facial Trauma
  • Director, Quality Improvement
  • Associate Professor of Otorhinolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
  • Associate Professor of Dermatology

Dr. Karthik Rajasekaran is a renowned head and neck oncologic and reconstructive surgeon who has dedicated his career to providing personalized treatment plans for patients with benign and malignant tumors. With his unwavering commitment to ensuring the best possible care, Dr. Raj brings unparalleled expertise to the treatment of a wide range of head and neck cancers.

Dr. Raj's impressive skill set covers everything from endoscopic to minimally invasive and traditional surgical techniques, making him a sought-after surgeon in the field. He has a particular proficiency in transoral robotic surgery (TORS), endoscopic approaches for skull base and nasal tumors, advanced oncologic surgery, and state-of-the-art reconstructive options following cancer surgery, injury from radiation therapy, and trauma.

Dr. Raj believes in treating his patients with the same level of care and attention that he would offer to his own family. This philosophy is reflected in his accessibility to his patients, as he provides them with the support they need to navigate their treatment with confidence.

In addition to his dedication to patient care, Dr. Raj is also a highly respected researcher, with over 150 scientific publications and textbook chapters to his name. His research interests include areas such as outcomes for patients treated with advanced head and neck cancer, reducing opioid use in head and neck cancer patients, and optimizing perioperative care. His work has earned him numerous national awards, research grants, and invitations to speak at national and international conferences, highlighting his unwavering commitment to advancing the field of head and neck cancer treatment.

Dr. Raj's compassionate, patient-centric approach is at the heart of his practice, as he centers on understanding and meeting the goals and values of his patients and their caregivers. If you're looking for a highly skilled and compassionate head and neck surgeon, Dr. Karthik Rajasekaran is the right choice for you.

Education and training

  • Medical School: Rosalind Franklin University
  • Residency: Cleveland Clinic Foundation
  • Fellowship: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

What my patients think about me

Average Rating
4.9

948 reviews

Comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Penn Medicine.

May 2025
5.0
5.0
excellent, caring doctor
May 2025
5.0
5.0
Very understanding
April 2025
5.0
5.0
great doctor
April 2025
5.0
5.0
knowledge of procedure and side effects

Insurance accepted

My Locations

Penn Medicine hospital privileges

  • Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania: Has privileges to treat patients in the hospital.
  • Pennsylvania Hospital: Has privileges to treat patients in the hospital.
  • Penn Presbyterian Medical Center: Has privileges to treat patients in the hospital.
Dr. Rajasekaran is a Penn Medicine physician.

Qualifications and experience

Treatments and Conditions

My research

Veerabagu SA, Nugent ST, Geng Z, Yanes AF, Fischer JP, Kovell R, Kuntz AF, Rajasekaran K, VanderBeek BL, Miller CJ, Etzkorn JR, Sobanko JF, Higgins HW 2nd, Walker J, Zhang J, Giordano CN National opioid prescription decline across outpatient specialty surgeries: a claims database study , J Am Acad Dermatol: 2025


Deleon A, Murala A, Decker I, Rajasekaran K, Moreira A Machine learning-based prediction of mortality in pediatric trauma patients , Front Pediatr: 2025


Kaki PC, Patel AM, Brant JA, Cannady SB, Rajasekaran K, Brody RM, Carey RM Hypoalbuminemia and Postoperative Outcomes Following Major Salivary Gland Resection , Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol: 2025


Mastrolonardo EV, Sussman S, Llerena P, Amin DR, Nunes K, Bridgham K, De Ravin E, Campbell DJ, Agarwal A, Philips R, Rind F, Ivancic R, McIlwain W, Kang SY, Ducic Y, Sweeny L, Moreno MA, Meyers RP, Thomas CM, Rajasekaran K, Wax M, Curry JM, Hanasono MM Flow-Through Flaps as a Robust Method for Advanced Free Flap Reconstruction in the Head and Neck: A Multi-Institutional Experience , Head Neck: 2025


Fritz C, Wei K, Ng J, Lakshmipathy D, Rajasekaran K Adverse Events Associated with Surgically Implanted Temporomandibular Joint Devices , ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec: 2025,1-9


Kaki PC, Patel AM, Brant JA, Cannady SB, Rajasekaran K, Brody RM, Carey RM Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index and Postoperative Outcomes Following Head and Neck Cancer Surgery , Head Neck: 2024


Monos S, Fritz C, Go B, Rajasekaran K Facial Filler Injections: Questions Patients Ask and Where They Find Answers , ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec.: 2024


Rizvi F, Rizvi A, Chorath K, Suresh NV, Ng J, Harris J, Lakshmipathy D, Xavier-Barrette L, Rajasekaran K AGREE II Evaluation of Clinical Practice Guidelines on Generalized Cancer Pain Management , Pain Manag Nurs: 2024


Haugen T, Prichardo P, Hellums R, Anil J, Rajasekaran K Transoral Robotic Surgery-Assisted Removal of Upper Aerodigestive Tract Foreign Bodies with Intraoperative Localization , Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol, 133(10): 2024,867-872


Treatment and Management of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: Appraisal of Clinical Practice Guidelines Treatment and Management of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: Appraisal of Clinical Practice Guidelines , J Laryngol Otol: 2024


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