Steven Zhao, MD

Steven Zhao, MD, is a pulmonologist and critical care specialist at Scripps Clinic. His clinical interests include asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease, pulmonary embolism, lung cancer, pleural disease and bronchoscopy. In the intensive care unit, Dr. Zhao also treats life-threatening conditions such as respiratory failure and sepsis.  

Dr. Zhao has been practicing medicine since 2014. He believes that the key to a successful doctor-patient relationship is trust and clear communication. He centers his practice around employing tenets of evidence-based medicine while tailoring treatment plans to each individual patient. A passionate teacher who has been involved in medical education, Dr. Zhao also utilizes his clinic visits to educate patients and families about their treatment plan.  

Dr. Zhao is a member of the American College of Chest Physicians and the American Thoracic Society. He has conducted research and published on the topic of treatment of pulmonary embolisms. In his free time, he enjoys attending Broadway musicals, watching football and hiking.