Dr. Ambati: Cutting-Edge Rheumatological Care in Northwest Ohio

Amala Ambati, MD, MPH, is a rheumatologist with ProMedica Physicians Rheumatology. Dr. Ambati is proud to work for an organization that provides cutting-edge expertise for patients right here close to home in northwest Ohio.

Dr. Ambati has a true passion for rheumatology, and every day she performs her best work so her patients can live their best lives.

When did you know you wanted to go into medicine?

I knew I was interested in science during high school. I studied microbiology in undergrad, and then pursued a master’s in public health in epidemiology. I didn’t really decide I wanted to pursue medicine full time until I was nearing the end of college and my master’s program.  If I hadn’t decided to go into medicine, I would’ve likely continued into a career as an epidemiologist in the state health department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or in a specific hospital system.

What drew you to rheumatology?

Rheumatology is such an interesting specialty; there is a great mix of learning from lab results, imaging and clinical symptoms to make a diagnosis. Many rheumatologic conditions are also chronic lifelong conditions, which allows me to get to know patients well and continue caring for them throughout their life. I see and treat a variety of diseases including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, gout, and osteoarthritis. Our specialty focuses a lot on arthritis as well as systemic autoimmune diseases that can affect the whole body.

What part of your job motivates you most to come to work every day?

We often take care of debilitating or life-altering diseases. When I can make a difference in a patient’s quality of life by treating their disease, it’s incredibly rewarding.

What occupational accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of graduating from Rheumatology Fellowship while participating in translational research. As a fellow, I researched an autoimmune condition called antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). It is a condition that can lead to an increased risk for blood clots and pregnancy complications. I was even able to publish two review articles before I graduated. The articles detailed the pathophysiology of APS and updated information for current treatment/management recommendations.

In what ways do your personal and professional lives collide?

My husband is a physician at ProMedica, too, at ProMedica Physicians Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at ProMedica Wildwood Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital. His group provides care for several different musculoskeletal issues, so we get to collaborate on several patients. His specialty provides patients with procedural interventions to manage pain, often back pain or other joint pain. This is particularly useful when I have a patient who has osteoarthritis or degenerative back arthritis as it can help improve their symptoms of pain. We also often talk about new developments in our respective fields even when we’re not at work.

Why did you choose ProMedica as your place of work?

I chose ProMedica as my place of work because of my experience during my residency training. As an internal medicine resident at University of Toledo, I worked closely with many ProMedica physicians. They were exemplary physicians and seemed to truly enjoy their work.

What makes ProMedica unique when it comes to rheumatological care?

ProMedica is unique in that it provides cutting-edge expertise and medical care close to where people live. We have a great wealth of providers who have trained at very prestigious universities or training programs who choose to practice at ProMedica. We have amazing specialists from all major fields that are often not available outside of large academic medical centers. 

It’s often not feasible for many of our patients to travel to places further away for care, but we are providing patients with many of the same resources close to home.