Dr Cathy Zhao completed her medical degree and a Masters of Science by research (with Scholarship in Atopic Dermatitis) from the University of New South Wales, in addition to a Masters of Medicine from the University of Sydney.  She completed her four-year dermatology specialty training at Westmead Hospital, The Skin Hospital, Concord Repatriation General Hospital and Royal North Shore Hospital. She was also chosen to complete a part of her dermatology training at the National Skin Centre, Singapore.

Her areas of expertise and interest include acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancers and melanoma, blistering diseases, connective tissue diseases, biologics and pigmentary disorders. She holds an academic appointment as a Clinical Lecturer at The University of Sydney.

Dr Zhao has over 40 publications in both Australian and international journals and is a reviewer for multiple international journals. She has also been an invited guest speaker at international conferences and a contributory author for international dermatology textbooks in blistering diseases and atopic dermatitis. 

Dr Zhao is a native speaker in Mandarin and, in her spare time, enjoys watercolour painting and gardening.