Rahel Nardos, MD, MS
Associate Professor
Director, Global Women's Health
Administrative Contact
Brenda Olson
Administrative Phone: 612-626-3111
Administrative Email: [email protected]
Additional Links
Brenda Olson
Administrative Phone: 612-626-3111
Administrative Email: [email protected]
Rahel Nardos, MD, MS was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She received a scholarship to attend Franklin and Marshall college where she earned her BS in Biopsychology. A Yale School of Medicine graduate, she completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Washington University in St. Louis. Following her residency, Dr. Nardos spent one year as staff surgeon at the Addis Ababa Hamlin Fistula Hospital and its multiple satellite medical centers in Ethiopia where served women with childbirth injuries. She then returned to the United States and completed her fellowship training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, as well as her master's degree in clinical research at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).
Dr. Nardos joined the University of Minnesota in August 2020 as associate professor in the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) and also as the Director of Global Women's Health within the Center of Global Health and Social Responsibility. In her new role, Dr. Nardos hopes to support global and local partnerships that elevate the health of women in underserved communities through interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaborations that strengthen health systems through education, research, clinical care and community outreach. The meaningful difference she aspires to make is to leverage her unique worldview and life experience as an immigrant to serve as a human bridge, and to harness the collective wisdom and passion of our community so that quality and affordable healthcare is accessible to every woman, irrespective of the lottery of her birthplace.
Masters in Clinical Research, Oregon Health & Science University
Dr Nardos is involved in local and global interdisciplinary research projects primarily focused on prevalence, pathophysiology and impact of pelvic floor conditions such as obstetric fistula, overactive bladder and prolapse. Her research also looks at predictors of treatment outcomes particularly in low resourced settings.
Top Doctors, annual recognition on Minnesota Monthly 2021 – 2025
Mpls. St. Paul Magazine's Top Doctors, Mpls-St. Paul Magazine 2024
Clinical Excellence Honors Program, "Clinical Excellence" University of Minnesota Physicians 2024
Top Doctors, "Cover page highlight in 2023", Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine 2023
Bush Fellowship, Bush Foundation 2023
WomenLift Health Leadership, Gates Foundation 2023
David A. Rothenberger Leadership Academy 2021
Honorary Doctor of Science, "Honoris Causa", Franklin & Marshall College 2019
Distinguished Physician Award, Kaiser Permanente Northwest 2018
Hero Award: Mama: Motherhood Around the Globe, International Museum of Women 2012
Provides medical and surgical care (including minimally invasive surgery) for women with urinary and fecal incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse, and other pelvic floor conditions related to childbirth and menopause.
Clinical Service Sites:
Minneapolis - M Health Fairview Women's Clinic (Riverside), Appointments: 612-273-7111
Minneapolis - M Health Fairview Clinics & Surgery Center, Appointments: 612-676-4200
Minneapolis - Community University Health Care Center, Appointments: 612-301-3433
Dr Nardos is involved in various innovation projects focused on simulation based healthcare professional education for safe surgery, Digital Patient support tools for integrative mind-body pelvic floor care and surgical tool innovation for low resourced settings. Learn more about her global health leadership work.