Tamara

Chao

MD

FACOG

Biography

Tamara Chao, MD is a board certified maternal- fetal medicine physician who provides specialized care for high-risk pregnancies, partnering with families to optimize the health of both mother and baby.

Dr. Chao’s approach to care is rooted in compassion, clear communication, and evidence-based medicine. She believes in partnering with patients and their families, empowering them with knowledge, and providing individualized care that supports the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby.

Dr. Chao’s clinical expertise includes the care of women with high-risk pregnancies, prenatal diagnosis, advanced obstetric ultrasound, fetal growth disorders, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, diabetes and other maternal medical conditions, multifetal gestations, preterm birth prevention, fetal anomalies, alloimmunization, and other complex obstetric conditions. She collaborates closely with referring providers and multidisciplinary specialists to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based, patient-centered care throughout pregnancy.

Q&A

What do you like to do in your free-time?

Dr. Chao enjoys spending time with her family, her two dogs and cat, baking, playing piano, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in academic medicine at UW?

I chose Seattle Children’s and UW Medicine because of their commitment to clinical excellence, collaboration, and innovation. After nearly 15 years in community practice, I was looking for an environment where I could continue to grow professionally, work alongside outstanding colleagues, and make an even greater impact on the care of women with high-risk pregnancies and their families.

What is one professional or academic accomplishment of which you are most proud and why?

As Maternal-Fetal Medicine Physician Lead for nearly 10 years in her previous practice, Dr. Chao provided strategic and clinical leadership for the practice while maintaining a full clinical workload. She championed evidence-based practice, quality improvement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and operational excellence.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Success isn’t defined by the result—it’s defined by having the courage to give your best.

What is one thing that brings you joy, either inside or outside of work?

My two Labrador retrievers and ragdoll cat who always greet me with love and joy.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by serving others, building meaningful relationships with patients and colleagues, and helping families navigate complex pregnancies with knowledge, compassion, and hope.

When do you feel the most impactful?

I feel the most impactful when patients return to visit me after they have a successful pregnancy along with their newborn babies.

License & Certifications

License:

Doctor of Medicine, 2004

Certifications:

Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2011

Maternal-Fetal Medicine, 2014

Education & Training

Undergraduate studies: University of California at Berkeley
Medical school: University of California at Davis
Residency: University of Texas Southwestern at Dallas
Fellowship: University of Texas Southwestern at Dallas

Interests & Memberships

Clinical Interests:

Fetal diagnosis and treatment, management of complex maternal conditions in pregnancy, multifetal gestations, chronic hypertension, diabetes, fetal growth disorders

Research Interests:

Clinical outcomes and quality improvement initiatives

Professional Organization Memberships:

Alpha Omega Alpha

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

WA State Medical Association