James J. ChaoDr

James J. Chao, MD, FASC, is an expert plastic surgeon with extensive experience as a practicing physician as well as in academia. Today, he is proud to work with the rest of the OasisMD team to deliver the best care to his patients at OasisMD in Encinitas, San Diego, and Temecula, California. 

A native of California, Dr. Chao completed his undergraduate education at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. After graduating with honors, he went to New York City, where he received his medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine in Kips Bay, Manhattan. 

Dr. Chao then completed his general surgery and plastic surgery training at the world-renowned Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery at NYU Medical Center. Following his residency, he completed a hand surgery fellowship at NYU Medical Center/Bellevue Hospital Center in Kips Bay, Manhattan.

Dr. Chao is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery. Recognized for his clinical excellence, he serves as the plastic and hand surgeon for the National Football Leagues’ Chargers and ESPN’s X Games. During games, you can often see him on the sidelines tending to the players' injuries.

Dr. Chao also holds multiple research grants and patents with several biotech companies. The ultimate goal of Dr. Chao's research efforts is to pioneer new state-of-the-art technologies for plastic surgery patients. When not assisting patients, Dr. Chao also trains residents and teaches medical students. Prior to joining the OasisMD team, Dr. Chao was the Professor of Surgery in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of California, San Diego. He is proud to help the next generation of medical students master the principles of plastic surgery.