About Me
As a specialist of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center, I perform the full spectrum of procedures in this specialty, including those related to cancer, trauma and congenital conditions.
I’m part of a multidisciplinary team at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Care Center that focuses on all cancer patients, such as those undergoing treatment for breast cancer, skin cancer or sarcomas. I have received fellowship training in the technique of microsurgery (free flap reconstruction), which involves using a patient’s own tissues to reconstruct defects and deformities. Examples of microsurgical reconstruction include the transfer of tissue (such as from the abdomen, thigh or buttocks) to recreate the breast after mastectomy without the need for implants or in the treatment of lymphedema.
My research interests include clinical investigations that can have an immediate impact on patient care as well as non-clinical inquiries into factors that impact the development and success of reconstructive surgery programs, such as systems of care delivery and financial infrastructure. I have published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles.
As program director for the fellowship in reconstructive microsurgery at Ohio State, I remain active in medical education by teaching fellows and residents.
I strongly believe in the importance of service and am involved in charitable work to treat patients and train local surgeons in underserved communities, including in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
I’m board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a peer reviewer for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, on the Editorial Board for Microsurgery and have ranked in the top 10 percent nationally in patient satisfaction based on measures from the U.S. Government for four consecutive years.
The most rewarding part of my work is to see my patients after all of their treatments and to see that they are disease-free and living a normal life again with their prior form and function.
Highlights
- Rated in the top 10 percent of physicians in the nation for patient satisfaction, 2018, 2019
Procedures and Conditions I Treat
- Osteosarcoma
- Sarcoma, Kaposi
- Spine Sarcoma
- Surgery, Plastic
- Sarcoma
- Soft Tissue Cancers
- Reconstructive Surgical Procedures
- Microsurgery
- Breast Cancer
- Mammaplasty
- Breast Implants
- Male Breast Cancer
- Lymphedema
- Skin Cancers
Locations Where I Practice
915 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, OH 43212
915 Olentangy River Road
2nd Floor Suite 2140 Columbus, OH 43212
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location. Please call the “Schedule an appointment” number shown above for scheduling assistance.
Education and Training
Education History
Medical School
University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
MD
9/24/2001 - 6/10/2005
Internship
Barnes-Jewish Hospital / Washington University, St. Louis, MO
7/1/2005 - 6/30/2006
Residency
Barnes-Jewish Hospital / Washington University, St. Louis, MO
7/1/2006 - 6/30/2008
Residency
Barnes-Jewish Hospital / Washington University, St. Louis, MO
7/1/2008 - 6/30/2010
Fellowship
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
7/1/2010 - 6/30/2011
Board Certification
American Board of Plastic Surgery
11/10/2012
Academic Information
My Department
Plastic Surgery
My Division
Plastic Surgery
Reviews
The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the six doctor communication related questions shown below from the Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our Patient Satisfaction Survey page.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
81 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
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Overall
4.9 out of 5
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Explains Things Clearly
4.8 out of 5
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Listens Carefully
5 out of 5
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Gives Understandable Instructions
4.8 out of 5
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Knows My Medical History
4.7 out of 5
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Shows Respect
4.9 out of 5
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Time Spent Together
4.9 out of 5
Consulting and Related Relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/01/2020, Dr. Chao has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
Very friendly & ask question.
all good
Dr. Albert Chao was very friendly and informative.
I would never hesitate Dr. Chao to anyone. He is very intelligent and up-to-date about his field, explains what he is going to do, answers any & all questions/concerns that I have and is very personable.
The dr. was, was respectful caring and answered all questions and explain everything.
All good.
I love Dr. Chao, He's very respectful & kind.
Dr. Chao is a favorite. He is always smiling, answers questions & explains procedures very well. I have complete confidence in his preparation & skill. I would give him the highest possible rating.
Direct sincere. Honest.
Dr. Chao MD was excellent at everything.