I am a pediatric general surgeon at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. It is an honor and a privilege to perform operations on children to address issues in the chest, abdomen, pelvis and soft tissues.

I was inspired to pursue a career in medicine by my mother, who is a retired physician. I am blessed to be a pediatric surgeon because it allows me to use my knowledge, education and skills to help children and families through a difficult time in their lives.

My goal as a pediatric surgeon is to partner with children and their families to understand what's going on, provide information, answer questions and help make an informed decision about the next steps. There are always questions that arise when discussing a particular condition and my goal is to take the time necessary to ensure all those questions are answered.

When I do recommend a procedure, I prefer to use minimally invasive techniques (either laparoscopic or thoracoscopic), if possible, which usually allows for faster healing and recovery. I strive to let children and their families know what to expect both pre- and post-operatively. In all instances, I treat the children I see as if they were my own.

In addition to providing patient care, I am involved in clinical research and teaching the next generation of physicians. I was instrumental in creating a surgical residency rotation in Tacoma, Washington, at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and I look forward to mentoring residents and medical students in South Florida. Teaching the next generation is my way of touching many more lives than I would otherwise be able to do on my own. 

Related Medical Services

• Pediatric General Surgery

Hospital Affiliations

• Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
• Memorial Hospital Miramar
• Memorial Hospital West
• Memorial Regional Hospital

Gender

• Male

Education

Vanderbilt University Hospital, 2004

Internships

University Of Washington School Of Medicine, Surgery

Residency

University Of Washington School Of Medicine, 2011, Surgery

Fellowships

University Of Nebraska Medical Center, 2013, Pediatric Surgery

Certifications

American Board of Surgery-Pediatric Surgery
American Board of Surgery-Surgery

Publications

View Dr. Oliver Lao's publications on PubMed.

Book Chapters:

• Lao OB, Azarow KS
  Pediatric Chest 
  Surgery: Core Principles and Practice 2nd Edition 2017
  Editors- Corson & Williamson 
• Lao OB, Raynor SC
  Circumcision 
  Ashcraft’s Pediatric Surgery 6th Edition 2014

Research

My clinical research in clinical outcomes and quality improvement allows me to influence care for children locally, nationally and internationally. During conversations with families, I love answering the question of ‘why?’. Answering those questions and providing that information to families is just as important as the procedures I perform. When there are questions for which there are no answers available, I enjoy taking them on through clinical research.  

• Dr. Robert A. Cusick, Dr. Kenneth S. Azarow & Dr. Howard W. Needelman Children’s Omaha, 2011-13
  Analyzing morbidity, mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes in patients with gastroschisis, intestinal failure and necrotizing enterocolitis. Reviewing management of pediatric, infant and neonatal infant hernias, undescended testicles and management of chest pathology.
• Dr. Adam B. Goldin 
  Seattle Children’s Hospital & University of Washington, 2007-10
  Analyzing predictors and outcomes in pediatric surgery conditions of gastroschisis and biliary atresia using national administrative and clinical databases.
• Dr. James D. Perkins
  University of Washington 2007-10
  Analyzing outcomes of pediatric liver and intestinal transplant using both a hospital and national clinical database.
• Dr. Raymond S. Yeung
  University of Washington, 2007-08
  Analyzed adverse events associated with the use of radiofrequency ablation in hepatic tumors and the factors associated with those events. Developed a liver tumor database including both clinical, hematologic and tissue samples for active surveillance of patients.
• Dr. Davis C. Drinkwater Laboratory
  Vanderbilt University, 2001-04
  Worked with Dr. Drinkwater on a several studies dealing with endothelial in jury during congenital cardiac surgery and the effectiveness of current protocols in cardiac surgery. 

Professional Organizations

Honorary Professional Societies

• American College of Surgeons, Fellowship 2015-Current (FACS)
• American Academy of Pediatrics, Fellowship 2015-Current (FAAP)
• American Pediatric Surgical Association, Membership 2015-Current