Leon Kao, MD

Accepts New Patients

Offers Virtual Visits

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Location

Germantown Office

19851 Observation Drive
Suite 375
Germantown, MD 20876

Accepts New Patients

Offers Virtual Visits

Occupation

PHYSICIAN

“I strive to provide the highest quality care for all my patients by taking the time to listen and address all of their concerns, educating them about their conditions, and delivering evidence-based care.”

Board Certification

Allergy & Immunology
Internal Medicine

Areas of Expertise

Allergic Rhinitis
Asthma
Drug Allergy
Eczema
Food Allergy

Education

Fellowship

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Allergy and Immunology
Dallas, TX
2012

Residency

Virginia Commonwealth University
Internal Medicine
Richmond, VA
2009

Internship

Northwestern University
Internal Medicine
Chicago, IL
2007

Medical School

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine
Richmond, VA
2006

Undergraduate School

Duke University
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
Durham, NC
2001

Affiliated Hospitals

Holy Cross Germantown Hospital
Shady Grove Adventist Hospital

Professional Associations

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
2010 – Present

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
2010 – Present

Greater Washington Asthma, Allergy & Immunology Society
2013 – Present

Montgomery County Medical Society
2012 – Present

Publications

“Identification of peanuts, and tree nuts: are allergists smarter than their patients?” Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, (2013); 111(4):282-5.

“Misdiagnosed food allergy resulting in severe malnutrition in an infant” Pediatrics, (2013); 132(1):e229-32.

“Adverse reactions during drug challenges: a single US institution’s experience” Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, (2013); 110(2):86-91.e1.

Personal Interests

Dr. Kao lives in Gaithersburg and is an accomplished pianist. He also enjoys running, hiking, playing tennis, and traveling.

Awards and Honors

Washingtonian Top Doctor 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Travel Grant Recipient 2012
Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society (AΩA)

Biography

Leon Kao, MD is board certified in both Allergy and Immunology and Internal Medicine. He graduated Cum Laude from Duke University with a B.A. degree in chemistry. He graduated with an M.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Dr. Kao completed his Internal Medicine internship at Northwestern University in Chicago and went on to complete his residency at Virginia Commonwealth University. After working as a hospitalist for a year in Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Kao completed his Allergy and Immunology fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas. During his allergy and immunology fellowship, Dr. Kao presented his research at national allergy meetings. His research on drug allergies is published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and he has co-authored a case report on food allergies in Pediatrics.