Yue Gao, MD

Yue Gao, MD, grew up hearing stories from his father, an orthopedic surgeon, of how he treated patients and helped to improve their health. Dr. Gao eventually experienced having that kind of impact on others when he volunteered in a burn unit during college.

"Witnessing the compassionate care that the nurses and physicians†provided and how they could improve the lives of patients in these really dire, horrific circumstances really solidified my interest in medicine," he said.

Dr. Gao, a vascular surgeon with Methodist Physicians Clinic, finds it especially rewarding when patients tell him how much better they feel after a procedure. He also believes it takes a team-based approach to deliver the best individualized care for the patient.

"Medicine is complex nowadays," he said. "The best care necessitates the expertise of a wide variety of specialists and subspecialties and their collaboration to provide the most up-to-date care. I think Methodist is especially strong in cultivating that collaborative ethos that defines many of the great institutions today."

Dr. Gao also believes there's one key component to the provider-patient relationship.

"Trust is the most important part," he said. "If there's trust, then the whole treatment journey and a patient's recovery is infinitely better."

Outside of work, Dr. Gao enjoys spending time with his wife and kids. He also enjoys playing soccer, hiking or "essentially anything outdoors."