Dr. Zhao knew early on that she wanted to be a doctor. She was inspired by her aunt, who is a pediatric hematologist/oncologist. As a young girl, she didn't really understand what her aunt did for work, but could tell that being a doctor was a very important job. As Dr. Zhao got older and became more and more interested in science, biology and anatomy, she knew that she would follow in her aunt's footsteps.

During medical school, Dr. Zhao was drawn to pediatrics. She found kids to be fun, and she recognized that unlike many adult conditions that are related to lifestyle choices (like smoking) kids don't do things that cause their illnesses. Whether as a general pediatrician or a pediatric subspecialist, Dr. Zhao felt there is nothing more rewarding than knowing that she could make a difference in a child's life.

Early in her medical training, Dr. Zhao thought she wanted to pursue a career in neonatology or pediatric intensive care. But during her first-year pediatric residency she cared for a young boy with high-risk neuroblastoma. That experience changed everything and consolidated her decision in oncology. Later on, during fellowship, following her desire to help those most in need, neuro-oncology became her specialty of choice, and she's never looked back.

As a neuro-oncologist, Dr. Zhao specializes in brain and spinal cord tumors and retinoblastoma. In addition, she's interested in clinical pharmacology and developmental therapeutics. And, in a constantly changing field, is always learning so she can not only keep current on the newest treatments and research, but also to look ahead toward future advancements to help the kids she cares for.

And care she does. Being a doctor is more than treatment to Dr. Zhao. She also enjoys building relationships. She takes time to really get to know her patients and families and build a strong foundation of trust.

"I get to know them well. Take time to listen. Walk each journey with them. I will laugh and cry with my families and be by their sides during good times and hard times."

Dr. Zhao is driven by a philosophy of three principles:

• Every child deserves to receive the best care
• Empowering the families with knowledge and shared-decision making process is important
• Research is at the forefront of everything we do in pediatric neuro-oncology

In fact, it is her philosophy that led her to join the Cook Children's family.

"I was literally blown away when I came here for the interview. Coming from the largest pediatric hospital in the U.S. and an academic institution, I found the Cook Children's culture and its philosophy very refreshing and fit my personal beliefs and needs."

Dr. Zhao moved to the U.S. when she was 15 and finished "growing up" in Texas. She lived in all of the major cities in Texas before calling Fort Worth her home. She lives with her husband, two children, dogs, a bird and fish. They used to have turtles as well. She's also been known to stop and rescue stray dogs, and says, "My family can be a zoo sometimes." She also enjoys gardening and tending to her indoor plants. According to her, "you can never have too many plants."

She loves her work, kids, people, plants and animals … about the only thing she doesn't like, is popcorn.