Susan Xiuqing Zhao MD

Dr. Susan Zhao graduated from China’s Beijing Normal University with a BS degree in Biology in 1995. She subsequently came to the United States to pursue post-graduate training including an MS degree from Drexel University in 1997, followed by basic research at Rockefeller University. Following her passion for research, she went on to graduate magna cum laude with an MD degree from Harvard Medical School in 2005. Dr. Zhao completed her Internal Medicine Internship and Residency from Massachusetts General Hospital in 2008 and Cardiology fellowship from the University of California, San Francisco in 2011.

Since joining the faculty at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in 2011, Dr. Zhao has been highly regarded for her passion for teaching and mentorship and received the ‘Excellence in Teaching’ faculty award in 2013. She is actively involved with clinical research in multiple areas including functional tricuspid valve dysfunction due to chronic atrial fibrillation; the relationship between occult atrial fibrillation and cryptogenic stroke; cardiac manifestations of methamphetamine abuse, among others. Her work has resulted in peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences.