Hong Zhao, MD

About the provider

With over 25 years of clinical and research experience, Hong Zhao, MD, specializes in hematology, oncology, and internal medicine. She is driven by a commitment not only to providing exceptional care but also to discovering new and improved treatments for her patients.

Cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and the path through treatment is often challenging. As a medical oncologist, Dr. Zhao's primary goal is to provide the highest standard of care, supporting her in achieving the best possible outcomes. She is dedicated to helping patients and their families navigate their diagnosis, understand their prognosis, and explore treatment options. Dr. Zhao is committed to guiding her patients in making well-informed decisions and selecting personalized treatments tailored to their specific needs.

Dr. Zhao treats patients with all types of cancers and hematologic disorders, with a focus on:

• Breast cancer
• Genitourinary (GU) cancers, including kidney, prostate, bladder, and testicular cancer
• Gynecologic (GYN) cancers, including ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer

Throughout her career, Dr. Zhao has been a strong advocate for cancer research. She serves as a principal investigator at the Cancer Clinical Research Program at Salinas Valley Health, where her leadership supports a diverse portfolio of clinical trials that align with the cancer types prevalent in the local patient population, including breast, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal cancers. Dr. Zhao finds fulfillment in providing oncology patients with access to cutting-edge clinical trials and treatments, allowing them to remain close to home while benefiting from the advanced care typically offered at larger academic institutions.

Dr. Zhao earned her medical degree and later a Master of Science in oncology in China. In 2000, she moved to San Francisco, where she spent seven years conducting laboratory research at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), focusing on the molecular aspects of prostate cancer development. She then relocated to Pennsylvania, completing her internship and residency in internal medicine at York Hospital. Dr. Zhao subsequently pursued a fellowship at the University of California, San Diego, specializing in hematology and oncology with a focus on breast cancer care. She joined Salinas Valley Health Cancer Care in August 2015 after completing her fellowship training.