Fei Cao, MD

Dr. Fei Cao was drawn to science and medicine from an early age, fascinated by complex systems and how to fix them. Watching patients deal with pain, loss of function and uncertainty showed him that reducing suffering and restoring quality of life was how he wanted to spend his career.

Dr. Cao specializes in pain medicine and treats adult patients with a wide range of chronic and complex pain conditions. His work includes spine-related problems such as degenerative disc disease, sciatica and spinal stenosis, as well as nerve pain and complex regional pain syndrome. He also treats patients with long-term pain after surgery, headaches and pain linked to conditions like, sickle cell disease and opioid dependence. His special interests include neuromodulation, minimally invasive lumbar decompression and buprenorphine-based therapies that help patients reduce or eliminate opioid use.

After finishing his residency in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine from Tongji Medical College at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, Dr. Cao completed his psychiatry residency and served as chief resident at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, followed by a pain medicine fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine. He is board certified in both pain medicine and psychiatry and holds memberships in the American Academy of Pain Medicine, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine and the Pacific Spine and Pain Society.

Dr. Cao approaches each patient's pain as a puzzle worth solving. He takes time to understand not just where pain is and why, but how it affects daily life, sleep, mood, work, and relationships. Patients can expect a thorough evaluation, honest communication and a personalized treatment plan that may include medications, physical rehabilitation, procedures, or behavioral strategies. He welcomes questions, encourages family members to attend visits and works to make sure every patient leaves feeling clear and confident about their care.

Believing no two patients experience pain the same way, Dr. Cao’s goal is not only to reduce pain but to help patients get back to the things that matter most to them. The greatest rewards of his work are seeing a patient get back to a favorite activity, sleep through the night or simply enjoy time with family.

Outside the office, Dr. Cao enjoys cheering on his children at sporting events and spending time with his family. He also loves to travel, read and mentor trainees, and he continues to research better ways to connect mental and physical health in patient care.

Physician Practice Organization

NorthBay Health Medical Network