Jelena Kao

MD

Hematologist-oncologist

Dr. Jelena Kao is a hematologist-oncologist who specializes in caring for patients with benign and cancerous blood diseases, lymphoma and breast cancer. She strives to provide care with compassion to customize the best available treatments to meet each patient's goals.

Kao's research has focused on understanding the basic science of cancer through studying blood samples from children being treated for leukemia. She has also worked on clinical trials evaluating promising new blood cancer treatments.

Kao earned her medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine, where she also completed a residency in internal medicine and a research fellowship in hematology and medical oncology.

Kao enjoys spending her free time with her two children and husband, as well as running and hiking.

  • Education

    Stanford University School of Medicine, 2002

  • Residencies

    Stanford University School of Medicine, Internal Medicine, 2005

  • Fellowships

    Stanford University School of Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology Research, 2008

I find it a privilege to partner with my patients in building a path toward hope and healing while they are living with cancer.

Conditions I specialize in

Where I see patients (2)

    My reviews

    5.0

    Overall Experience
    464 Ratings
    About our process
    Feb 28, 2023
    She is the best doctor on all accounts
    Feb 11, 2023
    Dr. Kao excels in patient care. It makes the journey so much less stressful. It's also why I return from 4 hours away. Her thorough science based yet compassionate approach gives me confidence.
    Feb 04, 2023
    I cannot say enough about the care and concern that I have received from Dr. Kao. She has always listened to my concerns and answered all of my questions.
    Feb 01, 2023
    Dr Kao is excellent
    Jan 30, 2023
    So through and kind.
    Jan 28, 2023
    Absolutely wonderful provider and perfect care
    Jan 19, 2023
    Dr Kao is an excellent communicator. She listens and responds and answers questions and considers subtle issues as they come up. Most doctors are in too big a rush and she is really all there and spends quality time with you as needed.
    Jan 18, 2023
    Dr. Kao is knowledgeable smart kind and caring. She is amazing and always puts me at ease.
    Jan 14, 2023
    Dr. Jelena Kao takes time to explain matters concerning my condition and answer my questions. She's terrific.
    Jan 13, 2023
    Dr. Kao has been very attentive to my needs questions etc from the very first time I have seen her.
    Jan 08, 2023
    Dr. Kao is thorough compassionate and definitely informative. I appreciate her greatly.
    Jan 07, 2023
    I return from a distance because of this care provider. She is science based collaborative and caring. This reduces my stress and gives me confidence which means a lot on this journey.
    Jan 02, 2023
    I would like to have a hard copy of the results of our visit
    Dec 28, 2022
    Dr Kao is very special person Listens to everything and very helpful
    Dec 16, 2022
    Doctor Kao is excellent professionally but same time kind compassion and very patient and understanding when I have so many questions! I'm so grateful that she's my doctor Thank you!
    Dec 13, 2022
    Upon arrival Dr. Kao had already fully reviewed previous test results and provided a detailed explanation of the various potential causes and findings.
    Dec 10, 2022
    Dr. Kao is everything you want your physician to be smart knowledgeable caring listens.
    Dec 05, 2022
    Dr. Kao is an excellent oncologist. She is great at listening to my questions/concerns and provides detailed and relevant answers. She takes a conservative action plan and thoroughly explains test results and explains future tests.
    Nov 29, 2022
    Dr Kao was very thorough and demonstrated she had done her research on my health history and labs. Very patient and courteous. Very pleased with care I received.
    Nov 11, 2022
    Dr Kao was very prepared for our visit. She had reviewed my case the night before and knew my history and test numbers. I appreciate the prep she did to see me. I have been her patient for many years and the continuation is reassuring.
    Nov 11, 2022
    DR. JELENA KAO IS OUTSTANDLINGLY EXCELLENT IN THE TREATMENT AND EXPLANATIONS RELATED TO MY CONDITION.
    Nov 10, 2022
    On a very busy day at the clinic Dr. Kao was patient kind courteous and professional. She discussed everything with me in a very thorough manner. I would definitely recommend her to others.
    Nov 05, 2022
    I've been Dr Kao's patient for 10 years and I wouldn't want to have anyone else
    Nov 01, 2022
    I actually propositioned Dr. Kao to be my Primary Care Physician; but she IS an oncologist and there is even a shortage in said specialty to also be a PCP!
    Oct 25, 2022
    Dr. Kao is excellent professionally but also wonderful human being. I'm so thankful that she's my doctor. Very very satisfied patient! Thank you!
    Oct 08, 2022
    Dr Kao is very dedicated and generous with her time. During our interactions she has displayed compassion focus and attention to details.
    Oct 08, 2022
    Always a great experience!
    Sep 28, 2022
    I really like Dr. Kao. She is very kind and caring. She always takes her time with me.
    Sep 14, 2022
    Dr Kao is an excellent doctor with great bedside manner
    Sep 12, 2022
    Dr. Kao is an excellent provider! She is easy to talk to and she explains everything. I always look forward to seeing Dr. Kao. She eases any concerns I may have.
    Sep 11, 2022
    Dr. Kao is the best possible doctor in every way.
    Sep 10, 2022
    Excellent thank you for the great care
    Sep 09, 2022
    Dr Kao went above and beyond to explain my condition
    Aug 19, 2022
    I am extremely pleased with the care I am receiving from my doctor.
    Aug 08, 2022
    Dr Kao is one of the best physicians I've ever had. She's not just extremely knowledgeable she has the patience of a saint and creates a comfort level that invites me to talk honestly and openly about any of my concerns. She is amazing.
    Jul 22, 2022
    Excellent Doctor. Dr Kao
    Jul 15, 2022
    Dr. Kao is caring detailed and studied my file thoroughly before seeing me. She made me feel very comfortable talking about my concerns and conditions. Wish every provider can be more like her!!
    Jul 13, 2022
    Dr. Kao has been one of my physicians for quite a few years and I regard her as one of the finest physicians I have ever been treated by.
    Jul 12, 2022
    Dr Kao is excellent. Doesn't rush the appointment explains & listens. Very thorough!
    Jun 11, 2022
    Dr Kao is an excellent and caring physician
    Jun 10, 2022
    Awesome visit - very helpful and were very informative - felt well informed when I left !
    May 20, 2022
    I'm so grateful for Dr. Kao I don't know how I would have made it through my battle with breast cancer with out her.
    May 20, 2022
    Dr. Kao was thorough in her detailed explanation to ensure a good understanding.
    May 18, 2022
    All went smoothly well!
    May 02, 2022
    Dr Kao thoroughly analyzed my symptoms and test results and was able to finally put together the pieces into a complete diagnosis.
    Apr 27, 2022
    Doctor Kao is excellent professionally but also wonderful human being. Always going extra miles to explaining that I can understand. So appreciated Dr. Kao care . If someone complains ima something wrong with this patient not with Doctor who is so helpful and kind. So thankful for Doctor Kao!
    Apr 27, 2022
    Dr Kao has always made me feel like I'm the most important patient she has.
    Apr 15, 2022
    Very concerned caring and thoughtful provider
    Mar 30, 2022
    Good
    Mar 19, 2022
    Dr Kao Is very caring and spends a lot of time on each patient. She is very thorough and thoughtful in her follow ups two questions that were sent in on the app myUCSF
    Mar 17, 2022
    Good
    Mar 16, 2022
    Dr. Kao put in writing in the after visit summary everything I needed to remember. She printed it and gave it to me when I left.
    Mar 15, 2022
    I enjoy talking to dr. Kao. Everything that I needed are answered by Dr. Kao. Excellent!
    Mar 05, 2022
    Very very grateful
    Mar 03, 2022
    Dr. Kao simply fantastic!
    Feb 21, 2022
    She is a very caring doctor who carefully explains any questions
    Feb 15, 2022
    This was an extremely good visit by far my best at UCSF.
    Feb 08, 2022
    Dr. Kao is the BEST! 11 outta 10!!
    Jan 21, 2022
    No one has phoned me with results
    Jan 21, 2022
    Ghreat understanding
    Jan 18, 2022
    Dr. Kao is very good at going over blood work details and explaining results.She is very thorough and makes sure that everything is covered during our appointment
    Jan 17, 2022
    Doctor Kao understood my conditions and concerns completely. She was able to answer specific questions without jumping to conclusions. Her knowledge of kidney problems was excellent and showed she really understood problems associated with both Hematology and Nephrology.
    Jan 15, 2022
    My doctor is excellent and I'm so appreciated her cate and for going extra miles. She's not only excellent doctor but wonderful human being. I'm so blessed and lucky she is my doctor . Thank you!
    Jan 14, 2022
    Dr. Kao is an exceptional physician. She's always caring and concerned and gentle of manner. I know she follows through with several of my other doctors about concerns of recommendations she has for me. She's very trustworthy.
    Jan 13, 2022
    Dr Kao is very courteous and gracious. Very professional !!
    Jan 12, 2022
    This was my first appointment with Dr. Kao and I was very satisfied with all aspects of this zoom appointment. Dr. Kao was very thorough and showed sincere concern for my situation. She explained all information in detail and answered all my questions. She did not try to rush through our conversation as many other providers tend to do and I appreciated her consultation very much.
    Dec 18, 2021
    Dr. Kao always shows caring and interest in my health. She is so easy to talk to and is the best doctor that provides the best care for me. Thank you for Dr. Kao
    Dec 06, 2021
    See other comments - Dr Kao is one of the best physicians I've ever been to I feel lucky to have her as my hematologist. She is PHENOMENAL!
    Nov 20, 2021
    Excellent
    Nov 05, 2021
    Dr. Kao is an excellent doctor. I did not feel rushed at all. She explained things so clearly and thoroughly and she was warm and kind. I came away with all of my questions answered and she even brought up things that I hadn't thought to ask. I'm very grateful I have her on my medical team.
    Nov 05, 2021
    Advised on re-taking an endoscopy
    Nov 03, 2021
    Great doctor. Spent plenty of time with me. I am impressed.
    Oct 22, 2021
    Incredible Doctor !!
    Sep 26, 2021
    Dr. Jelena Kao is an asset to your organization.
    Sep 22, 2021
    Excellent !
    Sep 18, 2021
    Exceptional physician
    Sep 15, 2021
    Excellent experience. I trust her completely. She always makes sure that I understand what she tells me.
    Sep 10, 2021
    Dr Kao is an incredibly good oncologist
    Aug 28, 2021
    Dr Kao is the best care provider in my memory - very dependable very caring answers all questions in the light they are asked
    Jul 31, 2021
    Dr. Kao was thorough and clearly well versed on many variables related to my case. At any attempt in my part to interject she immediately paused to allow my input.
    Jul 20, 2021
    Doctor Kao was keenly aware of the steps I need to follow and that I understood her recommendations
    Jul 16, 2021
    She's excellent doctor and wonderful human being who cares for her patients and going extra miles to help you and understanding your concerns and questions. I I will always recommend this doctor and feeling so lucky and blessed that she's my doctor. If someone complains is something wrong with them not doctor. Thank you! Very appreciated and thankful!
    Jul 10, 2021
    Dr. Kao was very patient and thorough during the checkup. I was the last appointment for the day and she stayed to completely answer all my questions and reviewed past and current blood results and recent CT scan. Very professional and knowledgeable doctor who has great listening skills and provided complete answers to all my questions.
    Jul 07, 2021
    Dr Kao is a wonderful doctor. Complete satisfaction explains everything and is just the best.
    Jul 02, 2021
    All good
    Jul 01, 2021
    Dr Kao always treats me with respect and thoroughness. She's excellent!
    Jun 25, 2021
    Both the care provider and ALL of the staff: nurses and admin were professional high-toned courteous and were competitent in their job ! They were not sloppy. No one acted like a "know-it-all"; if they didn't know how to answer a question they offered to find out and let me know. They did that faithfully.
    Jun 11, 2021
    Each experience was very good. No problems.
    Jun 03, 2021
    No other physician who attends to me spends as much time explaining and discussing my health issues as Dr. Kao.
    May 03, 2021
    Dr Kao Explains everything very well and involves other family members who call in to the meeting and she listens to what I have to say. She is professional efficient sensitive and caring.
    Apr 29, 2021
    Dr. Kao is an excellent physician with my utmost respect for her in every regard!
    Apr 26, 2021
    Great experience with Dr. Kao.

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