From an early age, Dr. Namrata Khadka has been driven by a determination to challenge stereotypes and pursue ambitious goals. As a child, she dreamed of becoming an airline pilot—a path her family gently discouraged due to Nepal’s challenging terrain and history of aviation risks. Inspired by her uncle, a neurosurgeon, she soon found a new calling in neurosurgery, recognizing it as a field that demanded courage, precision, and unwavering commitment.

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Born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal, Dr. Khadka has always been a scholar. She completed her medical education from National Medical College and Teaching Hospital and pursued her Master in General Surgery from Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. She then undertook intensive neurosurgical training (MCh Neurosurgery) under the mentorship of Professor Rajiv Jha at National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital. Through dedication and perseverance, she became one of the pioneering female neurosurgeons in Nepal, helping to pave the way for women in a traditionally male-dominated specialty. She is the first female graduate of the program and only female Consultant Neurosurgeon in Government service. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at Bir Hospital, one of Nepal’s leading tertiary care centers.

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Dr. Khadka’s clinical work is rooted in compassion and service. She regularly treats patients from remote and underserved regions of Nepal, many of whom travel long distances with limited financial resources, seeking care as their final hope. She strongly believes that access to neurosurgical care should never be denied based on financial hardship, and her department strives to provide care to all who need it.

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Her approach to patient care extends beyond surgical treatment alone. In Nepal, neurosurgeons often play multiple roles—not only as clinicians but also as counselors, advocates, and support systems for families navigating complex medical and financial challenges. Dr. Khadka has often assisted families with logistics and financial support, ensuring that patients are able to return safely to their homes after treatment.

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One particularly memorable case involved a young child diagnosed with a brain tumor. The child’s family remained at the hospital throughout treatment, making profound sacrifices—including selling land and personal belongings—to afford care. Recognizing their struggle, Dr. Khadka collaborated with a local journalist to share the family’s story, which ultimately generated community support and raised funds to sustain the child’s treatment journey. Experiences such as these have strengthened her commitment to patient-centered and socially responsible care.

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Looking toward the future, Dr. Khadka remains dedicated to advancing neurosurgical care in Nepal, particularly for underserved populations. She has developed a keen interest in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery and is currently collaborating with Dr. Mark Witcher to continue the service. She had a short-term fellowship under Dr. Witcher at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medical Sciences, USA. She aspires to undertake a formal fellowship in Functional Neurosurgery and contribute to expanding specialized neurosurgical services in Nepal.

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For Dr. Khadka, neurosurgery is more than a profession—it is a lifelong commitment to service, compassion, and the pursuit of excellence in caring for the people of Nepal.