“If you are meeting me in the emergency department, chances are you aren’t having the greatest day of your life. However, you can count on me to help you understand your condition and provide you with the best, evidence-based care possible.”

Dr. Lao specializes in acute care and trauma surgery, with a special focus on abdominal, gastrointestinal, laparoscopic and emergency surgery, as well as surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) and surgical critical care.

He believes it is his duty and privilege to provide excellent and compassionate care to all patients, regardless of background, disability, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation.

Dr. Lao’s research interests include point-of-care critical care ultrasonography, massive transfusion protocols in trauma, malnutrition in emergency general surgery and medical education.

He was the recipient of the Trauma Resident Achievement Award from the University of Ottawa as well as the research award and scholarship from the NC Committee on Trauma Resident Research Competition. During his previous position at Duke University, he was recognized for his excellence in patient care as evidenced by an outstanding patient satisfaction score.

Dr. Lao received his medical degree at McGill University and completed residency in general surgery at the University of Ottawa. He subsequently completed his surgical critical care and trauma surgery fellowships at Duke University and Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center.

In his free time, he enjoys learning languages, cooking and scuba diving.