Patient Story of: Julia Acampora

There are doctors who treat you, and then there are doctors who change your life. For me, Amar S. Ranawat, MD, at HSS is that doctor.

I have known Dr. Ranawat for years, and I have tremendous respect, trust and confidence in him. Unfortunately, from 2022 through 2024, my insurance meant I could not continue seeing him. During that time, in March 2022, I had my hip replacement at another hospital – and spent more than three years living with excruciating pain, knowing in my heart that something was terribly wrong.

I searched for answers through countless appointments, tests, treatments, medications, physical therapy and alternative therapies, looking for an explanation for the constant pain that was consuming my life. I sought several opinions from surgeons at other New York City hospitals who accepted my insurance, and I also paid out of pocket to consult with Dr. Ranawat.

I learned that the implant from my original surgery was loose and had been moving inside my femur (thighbone) for years, putting the bone in serious jeopardy. Because removing the implant was so complex and carried the risk of fracturing my femur, the other surgeons I consulted did not offer to take on my case.

Thankfully, when my insurance changed in 2025, I was finally able to return to Dr. Ranawat – the surgeon I already trusted. What I didn't know was just how profoundly he would change the course of my life.

He looked at my situation and told me he would take my case. Those words meant more to me than I can express. At a time when I was physically exhausted, emotionally drained and truly at the end of my rope, Dr. Ranawat gave me something I desperately needed: hope.

He explained that repairing the damage would require two major surgeries. With complete confidence in him, I scheduled the first surgery without hesitation. In April 2025, he stabilized and strengthened my femur with a bone graft. After allowing time for it to heal, he performed the second surgery in October 2025, replacing the failed implant with an extra-long implant. Both surgeries were complex, and I will forever be grateful that Dr. Ranawat had the courage, expertise and determination to take them on.

What makes Dr. Ranawat so extraordinary goes beyond his surgical skill. He genuinely cared about me. He listened, understood how much I had been through and never made me feel like just another patient – or like I was less important or an inconvenience. His confidence gave me confidence and hope.

I once told Dr. Ranawat, "Some superheroes wear capes, but you wear scrubs." I meant every word.

Today, after three years of pain and more than a year of recovery from these two surgeries, I am finally getting my life back. In June 2026, for the first time in more than four years, I was able to walk without a walker or cane. That moment was incredibly emotional.

I am still rebuilding my strength and endurance after years of being sedentary and everything my body has been through, but I am getting stronger every day. I know I would not be where I am today without Dr. Ranawat and his extraordinary team, my incredible physical therapist and my own advocacy and determination.

I also want to recognize Dr. Ranawat's longtime physician assistant, Julie Pate. Her skill, patience, compassion and genuine concern for me have meant so much throughout this journey. She has been an invaluable part of my care.

Dr. Ranawat's entire office team deserves recognition as well. Roxanne and Paul have consistently treated me with kindness, respect and compassion, both in person and over the phone. They worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure scheduling and other details were handled properly.

I came back to Dr. Ranawat at one of the lowest points of my life, and he gave me the opportunity to move forward. He didn't just repair my hip and femur – he helped give me back my life. Dr. Ranawat, for taking on my case, for believing I could get better, for your extraordinary surgical skill and for the genuine care you have shown me, thank you will never be enough. You will always be my superhero in scrubs. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for helping me get my life back.