Dr. Larry Zhao, MD

Media Releases

Get to know Dermatopathologist Dr. Larry Zhao, who serves patients in Pikeville, Kentucky.

A top dermatopathologist, Dr. Zhao is affiliated with Pikeville Medical Center. He has been rated as one of the top dermatopathologists in the world, and is considered an expert in melanoma, skin cancer diagnosis, skin cancer treatment, and MOHS procedure.

Pikeville Medical Center commits to a culture that provides quality healthcare services through dedicated professionals who continually strive for excellence. Their mission is to advance the health and well-being of the region through comprehensive care in a Christian environment.

With a broad educational background, Dr. Zhao graduated with his medical degree from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He then went on to complete his residency in dermatology at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, and his residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at the University of Massachusetts. Finally, he completed his fellowships in dermatopathology at the University of California San Francisco, and later at Vanderbilt University.

An expert in his field, the doctor is board-certified in anatomic & clinical pathology, and dermatopathology by the American Board of Pathology (ABPath). The mission of the ABPath is to promote the health of the public and advance the practice and science of pathology by establishing voluntary certification standards and assessing the qualifications of those seeking to practice the specialty of pathology.

To boot, he is board-certified in dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology (ABD). The ABD is a voluntary, non-profit, private, autonomous organization formed for the primary purpose of protecting the public interest by establishing and maintaining high standards of training, education, and qualifications of physicians rendering care in dermatology.

Continuously advancing his efforts, Dr. Zhao is an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Dermatopathology, the American Society of Dermatology, and the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

Active in the community, he volunteers with several charities and philanthropic organizations, including the Skin Cancer Foundation, the March of Dimes, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Dermatopathology is a joint subspecialty of dermatology and pathology or surgical pathology that focuses on the study of cutaneous diseases at a microscopic and molecular level. It also encompasses analyses of the potential causes of skin diseases at a basic level. A dermatopathologist is a highly trained physician who specializes in diagnosing disorders of the skin under a microscope. 

Among his various accolades, Dr. Zhao has been the recipient of the America’s Best Doctor Award (2021), America’s Best Dermatologist Award (2021), and Top Doctor Award by Castle Connolly Magazine (2020).

Recommended Articles

• What is Acral Lentiginous Melanoma?

  Acral lentiginous melanoma is a type of melanoma arising on the palms or soles of the feet. Acral lentiginous melanoma is not just a fancy name for melanoma on the fingers, toes, palm, soles of the feet, and under the nails, but it is also a type of melanoma that is the rarest among melanomas,...

• Signs and Symptoms of Jock Itch

  It is treatable and definitely curable. It is a condition that primarily affects men, but it can occur in women as well. It is an uncomfortable and deeply irritating itch in your groin that refuses to go away. Caused by a fungus, it leaves a painful wavy rash in its wake. These are the signs and...

• What are the Stages of Melanoma?

  Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which affects the melanocytes of the skin, which give skin its color. It is a malignant tumor and may develop from an existing mole or as a new mole. It being malignant means that it is a dangerous condition and can lead to death. The common sites they affect are...

• What are the Causes and Symptoms of Eczema?

  Eczema refers to the chronic condition caused by the inflammation of the skin. There are different types of eczema, and the most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. This condition is characterized by red, dry itchy skin, which often becomes cracked and can be found in different parts of the...

• Understanding Acne and Its Causes

  Acne can appear on the skin as tender red bumps also known as pimples, pustules (bumps containing pus), and occasionally as cysts. Acne can be found on almost any part of your body, but most commonly it develops on your face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. ...

• What are the Benefits of a Facial Serum?

  We have heard of adding facial serum to our daily routine to make skin glowing and to keep aging at bay.What are face serums and what are their benefits? Facial serums are fast-absorbing liquids meant to provide nutrients deeper into the skin than normal creams and lotions. It is used either in...