Catherine Zaw, MD

From an early age, the power of stories captivated me—a passion that ultimately guided me to a career in medicine. Each patient encounter begins with a narrative, and I see the history and physical exam not merely as diagnostic tools but as windows into people’s lives, experiences, and identities. These stories continue to shape my practice, inspiring clinical decisions, guiding meaningful changes, and reminding me that every diagnosis is just one chapter in a larger life story. It is my privilege to help patients write their next chapters, whether by caring for their individual needs or by contributing to broader public health improvements.

I’ve always been drawn to pulmonary medicine because of the intricate physiology of the respiratory system and its undeniable connection to the body as a whole. My background in public health further deepens this interest, especially given how environmental and social factors profoundly influence lung health. My time working in the intensive care unit has strengthened my passion for critical care, as I’ve supported patients and families during profoundly vulnerable moments. Whether delivering tough news or providing comfort and guidance, these experiences continue to remind me why I chose this specialty. Pulmonary and critical care medicine allows me to embrace the complexity of both the medical challenges and the personal stories of the people I care for, while offering opportunities to mentor future physicians and engage in research that fosters collaboration and enhances care.

As a physician, I prioritize trust and connection. I deeply value listening to my patients and taking their concerns seriously. I recognize the mistrust that can exist between individuals and the healthcare system—it’s my goal to help bridge that gap. From explaining why we’re pursuing certain treatments to ensuring patients feel heard and understood, I strive to create a partnership grounded in mutual respect. In the end, health is one of the most important contributors to quality of life, and everyone deserves to feel their best.

My clinical practice encompasses most lung conditions, with a particular emphasis on obstructive airway diseases such as asthma and COPD, as well as environmental- or exposure-related lung conditions. My niche interests include the effects of climate change on respiratory health. During fellowship, I developed a curriculum to help providers better understand how climate change impacts patient health and how our healthcare system contributes to these effects. This work has also informed how I counsel patients during extreme weather events like wildfires, hurricanes, and severe heat—events that have already shaped daily life in New York City and will only grow more prevalent.

Research is another cornerstone of my career. During medical school, as part of my public health capstone project, I studied the reproductive health needs of transgender men in the context of their gender identity. Through focus groups and interviews, I learned firsthand about the barriers these men face in accessing inclusive care. Their quotes—not just the statistics—helped illustrate the impact of bias and exclusion, providing actionable recommendations that I was able to share through peer-reviewed publications and conferences. Later, during fellowship, I focused on climate change research and developed strategies to help healthcare providers counsel patients during climate-related events, aiming to translate systemic challenges into practical solutions that could benefit individuals and communities alike.

Throughout my career, I’ve received several awards that reflect my dedication to education and communication. As an undergraduate, I earned a notation in science communication, preparing me to translate complex information for diverse audiences—an invaluable skill I now use in patient care. While completing my MD and MPH degrees, I gained insight into how medicine and public health intersect and aim to bridge these two worlds in my practice. I’ve been recognized with multiple teaching award nominations during residency and served as academic chief during fellowship, furthering my commitment to education and mentorship. These honors underscore my broader mission: to provide care that helps individuals and populations thrive, always with respect for the stories each patient brings.