Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Zhao.
Dr Zhao, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My mother and I moved to the Dallas metroplex from Beijing, China, when I was 14. We started at a humble beginning. As a single parent, my mother worked hard to give me the opportunity to further along my academics. I have learned the first hand in the value of hard work superceeds any previledges at early age.
After high school, I attended and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin on scholarship in biology. I always set my mind in medicine ever since I was in high school. Therefore, without any doubt I applied to medical school and was accepted to the North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. During the training, I found my calling in orthopedic surgery.
I completed my orthopedic surgery training at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and pursued post-residency training in fellowship to sub-specialize in reconstructive surgery for shoulder and upper extremities with the world-renowned surgeons, Tom Norris, MD, James Kelly, MD, and Relton McCarroll, MD at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, CA.
In 2010, I returned to my home town, Dallas, TX after I learned that east Dallas area was under served with upper extremity orthopedic surgeons. In October 2010, I found my practice, Dallas Orthopedic & Shoulder Institute and had been in practice since then.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like any other solo practitioner, I was on call for my patients 24/7. That was relatively the easy part and I truly enjoy doing what I love. Afterall, I was well trained for it. However, the administrative duties was a steep learning curve. Medical schools and all the post graduate training can only prepare one to be the best possible clinician.
Luckily with help, we were able to keep our standards high and continue to provide satisfactory services the surrounding communities were seeking.
Today, my days are filled with patients from near and far. Every day, I am grateful!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Dallas Orthopedic & Shoulder Institute – what should we know?
My passion is in shoulder and elbow reconstructive surgery as I was specifically trained for. During my training at the California Pacific Medical Center, we took care of patients nationwide and from overseas because of the complexity of their prior surgical history. I truly believe in individualized treatment for each patient.
Moreover, I particularly emphysize on the importance of non-surgical treatment if the risks of a surgical intervention outweigh its. I truly believe surgery should do no harm, and in most of cases, a surgery should be the last resort.
As a surgeon, I often ask my patients to reconsider and delay surgical treatment until we have exhausted other options. I take time to listen and understand my patients and offer diagnosis and treatment plans in “plain English” so it is easy to understand. Imagine you’ve been injured and in pain, trying to decipher all medical terminology thrown at you? It is not an easy task being a patient.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My families who have supported me regardless of what I do, especially my wife. I now have 3 daughters who I adore. I enjoy spending quality time with them. And of course, there is not enough time in the day to do that. However, they just understand me.
My mentors that led me to find my passion.
My loyal staff who continues to work with me, for better or worse, to serve our patients at the highest standard.
My colleagues who believe in me.
Finally, my patients. Without them, I cannot be a physician that I want to be.
Contact Info:
- Address: 222 S Collins Rd., Suite 101,
Sunnyvale, TX 75182 - Website: www.TheShoulderMotion.com
- Phone: 214-256-3778
- Email: info@theshouldermotion.com
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