New York University Langone Medical Center Assistant Professor
Dr. Zhao received his medical degree from the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He stayed at Northwestern to complete his Urology residency training.
Prior to becoming a physician, Dr. Zhao completed graduate work in biomedical engineering and volunteered in the Peace Corps. Thus, it was natural for him to combine his interest in fixing problems as an engineer, and his desire to help people in the field of urologic reconstructive surgery—a field that focuses on restoring a patient’s quality of life.
His interest in reconstructive surgery led Dr. Zhao to fellowship at the University of Texas, Southwestern School of Medicine in Dallas. There, Dr. Zhao trained with Dr. Allen Morey, one of the premier experts in reconstructive Urology.
Dr. Zhao now practices at New York University Langone Medical Center, where he has performed hundreds of reconstructive procedures: repair of urethral strictures, urinary tract fistulas, ureteral injuries, genital deformities, complications of sex reassignment surgery, and procedures to restore erectile function and urinary continence. At NYU, he pioneered the use of buccal mucosa graft in robotic surgery for ureteral injury. In addition, he directs Urologic reconstruction at Bellevue hospital, the flagship public hospital of New York City. Besides his clinical practice, he has authored numerous articles in trauma, urologic reconstruction, and surgical outcomes. Dr. Zhao is actively involved in studying improvement in surgical outcomes and patient safety.