“The best part of my job is dealing with discreet problems, and over a period of time finding solutions,” says Wayne Lau MD, a general surgeon.
“The Emergency Department is different,” adds Dr. Lau. “The Emergency Department is challenging.” This from a man that has spent the past 20 years as a surgeon. “When it’s readily apparent that we’ve helped someone, it’s very humbling.”
Dr. Lau graduated cum laude from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology with Honors. He attended Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston and graduated in 1991. He subsequently completed his General Surgery residency in Portland, Oregon at the Legacy Emanuel/Kaiser Integrated Program. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
In private practice in Renton since 1996, Dr. Lau transitioned to Southlake Clinic in 2013. He is board-certified in General Surgery and has a special interest in minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Lau’s practice also encompasses hernia, gastrointestinal, endocrine and thoracic procedures.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Lau has also been very active in medical staff affairs at Valley Medical Center. He has served in various capacities, including Director of Trauma Services, Chief of Surgery and Medical Staff Chief. Dr. Lau’s focus is compassionate, quality, surgical care at the patient level, as well as at the organizational level.
Dr. Lau and his wife consider it a blessing to raise their grade school-aged twins in the beautiful Northwest. In his free time, Dr. Lau enjoys running, cycling, church ministry and cheering on Seattle’s sports teams.
* The 2016 Seattle Met Top Doctors survey polled doctors, nurses and physician assistants across King, Snohomish, Kitsap and Pierce counties, asking “If you or a loved one needed medical care, whom would you choose?” Voters nominated their peers based on the provider’s level of experience and competency within their specialty, rapport with patients – including patient satisfaction and compliance with care recommendations – and ability to work effectively with colleagues across specialties to deliver the best care for patients.
