Ryan Westergaard, MD, MPH

  • Infectious Diseases
Ryan Westergaard, MD, MPH

About

Ryan Westergaard, MD, MPH, is a UW Health infectious disease doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). He is also an associate professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

Although HIV cannot be cured, Dr. Westergaard helps people manage it with minimal impact on their lives. He enjoys building trusting relationships with his patients and listens to their concerns and goals. Dr. Westergaard educates them about their condition, how it can be treated and what they can expect long term. He uses his vast experience to guide care and empower patients to make informed health care decisions.

Dr. Westergaard appreciates the collaborative, team-based approach of the UW Health multidisciplinary team, and feels that it results in the best outcomes for patients.

In addition to his role at UW Health, Dr. Westergaard serves as the Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist for Communicable Diseases for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. He also conducts community-based research that works to reduce suffering from HIV, viral hepatitis and substance-use disorders.

Outside of work, Dr. Westergaard enjoys spending time with his family, hiking and cross-country skiing.

I want HIV patients to understand that with proper treatment, they can live long, healthy lives.

Languages spoken
  • English
University affiliation

Education & credentials

Board certifications
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Internal Medicine
Medical School
  • Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
Fellowships
  • The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD
Residencies
  • University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO

Specialties

Conditions