Elizabeth Chao, MD, FACMG

Elizabeth Chao, MD, FACMG, is an accomplished Associate Professor in the Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine at the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine). She has a robust background in clinical genetics and molecular genetics, with over a decade of experience in both clinical and laboratory settings.

Education and Training

• Medical Degree: University of California, Irvine
• Postdoctoral Fellowship: Clinical Molecular Genetics Residency Program at the University of Pennsylvania
• Undergraduate Degree: B.S. in Microbiology & Molecular Genetics and Mathematics from UCLA

Professional Experience

• Current Positions:
  • Associate Professor at UC Irvine since 2011
  • Chief Medical Officer at Ambry Genetics since 2011
• Previous Roles:
  • Associate Laboratory Director at the University of Pennsylvania Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory (2007-2010)
  • Clinical Fellow at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (2007-2009)

Research and Contributions

Dr. Chao's research focuses on clinical genomics, particularly in cancer genetics and variant classification. She has contributed significantly to the development of genomic technologies, such as array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), which have applications in cancer risk assessment and prognosis. She has also been involved with professional organizations like the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) and ClinGen, working on standards for clinical laboratory testing and variant assessment.

Teaching and Clinical Roles

At UC Irvine, Dr. Chao teaches molecular genetics to medical students and supervises the hereditary cancer genetics service. She also provides clinical genetic consultations primarily for pediatric patients with congenital anomalies or heritable disorders.

Publications and Impact

Dr. Chao has authored numerous publications on genetic testing outcomes and variant classification, contributing to advancements in understanding genetic disorders and their management.

Her expertise is recognized within the field, as evidenced by her board certification from the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG) in Clinical Genetics and Genomics as well as Clinical Molecular Genetics.

In summary, Elizabeth Chao is a leading figure in genetic medicine, bridging research, education, and clinical practice to advance the understanding and treatment of genetic disorders.