About

Lee C. Zhao, MD, MS is a reconstructive urological surgeon, and Professor of Urology and Plastic Surgery at NYU Langone Health.  Prior to medical school, he pursued graduate training in biomedical engineering and served with the Peace Corps. These experiences shaped his interest in problem-solving and service, leading him to the field of urologic reconstructive surgery.  He has pioneered the use of robotic surgery for urologic reconstruction, including repair of ureteral strictures using oral mucosa, posterior urethroplasty, and peritoneal flap vaginoplasty.  As a component of his reconstructive urology practice, Dr. Zhao is co-director for the gender affirming surgery program at NYU Langone.  He performs both primary and revision gender affirming surgery as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

In addition to clinical care, Dr. Zhao has authored numerous articles on trauma, urologic reconstruction, and surgical outcomes. As a member of the Trauma and Urologic Reconstructive Network of Surgeons (TURNS), and the Collaborative of Reconstructive Robotic Ureteral Surgery (CORRUS), he is actively involved in studying improvements in surgical outcomes and patient safety by participating in collaborative research. He is also actively involved in urologic education.  He was a co-author of the American Urologic Association core curriculum on Gender Affirming Surgery and guidelines on  Urethral Stricture.