Anitha Rayani, MD

Dr. Anitha Rayani is a palliative care physician who focuses on supporting adults and families facing serious and complex medical conditions. She cares for adult patients and their families, helping guide thoughtful discussions so medical treatments align with what matters most to each patient. She sees patients throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Dr. Rayani provides care for individuals living with serious illnesses, including people with cancer and others experiencing complex medical or psychosocial challenges. Her work centers on symptom management, easing stress related to illness, and leading goals-of-care conversations that help patients and families make informed decisions that reflect their values.

She uses a comprehensive, multimodal approach to care, combining different medical and supportive strategies to treat the whole person rather than focusing only on disease. This approach allows her to address physical symptoms while also supporting emotional and family needs.

Dr. Rayani believes in making palliative care a routine part of medical care rather than something reserved for the end of life. She is passionate about integrating palliative care into everyday medical settings and into nursing and medical school education, so patients and families can always make decisions in their best interests.

She is an assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Palliative Medicine, at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Rayani enjoys cooking and experimenting with different Indian dishes. She also practices yoga regularly and loves going on hikes.