David X. Zhao, M.D., FSCAI, FACC, has been named Chief of Cardiology and Director of the Heart and Vascular Center of Excellence at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, effective July 1.
“Dr. Zhao is a highly regarded interventional cardiologist, teacher, mentor and researcher,” said John D. McConnell, M.D., chief executive officer at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. “He is internationally recognized for his pioneer work in hybrid coronary revascularization.”
Currently Zhao is a professor of Medicine and Cardiac Surgery, the Shelly and Harry Page Professor in Interventional Cardiology, Director of Interventional Cardiology and Director of Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
In his new role at Wake Forest Baptist, Zhao will oversee the development and growth of the Heart and Vascular Center of Excellence, building on the existing strengths of the Heart Center, which is internationally known for pioneering cardiovascular diagnostic technologies, treatment innovations and comprehensive services. Zhao will be responsible for the overall direction, operation and management of the Cardiology Section within the Department of Internal Medicine and the Heart and Vascular Center of Excellence including clinical, educational, research and innovation programs.
Zhao earned his medical degree from Shanghai Medical University in 1985 and his doctorate study in Immunology from Queensland University in Brisbane, Australia, in 1992. He received postgraduate training at Brigham & Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. His board certifications include interventional cardiology, cardiovascular medicine and internal medicine.
Zhao’s research interests include stem cell therapy in acute myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure, trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), trans-catheter mitral valve repair, appendage closure for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, inflammation in coronary artery disease, transplant vasculopathy, and management of acute coronary syndrome.
“Dr. Zhao is a highly regarded interventional cardiologist, teacher, mentor and researcher,” said John D. McConnell, M.D., chief executive officer at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. “He is internationally recognized for his pioneer work in hybrid coronary revascularization.”
Currently Zhao is a professor of Medicine and Cardiac Surgery, the Shelly and Harry Page Professor in Interventional Cardiology, Director of Interventional Cardiology and Director of Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
In his new role at Wake Forest Baptist, Zhao will oversee the development and growth of the Heart and Vascular Center of Excellence, building on the existing strengths of the Heart Center, which is internationally known for pioneering cardiovascular diagnostic technologies, treatment innovations and comprehensive services. Zhao will be responsible for the overall direction, operation and management of the Cardiology Section within the Department of Internal Medicine and the Heart and Vascular Center of Excellence including clinical, educational, research and innovation programs.
Zhao earned his medical degree from Shanghai Medical University in 1985 and his doctorate study in Immunology from Queensland University in Brisbane, Australia, in 1992. He received postgraduate training at Brigham & Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. His board certifications include interventional cardiology, cardiovascular medicine and internal medicine.
Zhao’s research interests include stem cell therapy in acute myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure, trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), trans-catheter mitral valve repair, appendage closure for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, inflammation in coronary artery disease, transplant vasculopathy, and management of acute coronary syndrome.
Media Relations
Chad Campbell: news@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-4587
Mac Ingraham: mingraha@wakehealth.edu, 336-716-3487