Rainy Zhang, M.D., is a compassionate pulmonologist and critical care physician whose path to medicine began with an early interest in psychology and a desire to understand people’s stories. Encouraged by her family—particularly her mother, a nurse—Dr. Zhang discovered that connecting deeply with patients aligned naturally with her strengths and values. During her medical training, she found profound meaning in the intensive care unit, where she learned the importance of guiding patients and families through both recovery and end‑of‑life experiences with dignity, empathy, and clarity.
Dr. Zhang’s interest in cancer care was ignited during fellowship, where she developed hands‑on experience with lung cancer patients through diagnostic procedures, clinical evaluations, and interdisciplinary tumor board discussions. She finds it especially rewarding to support patients facing cancer‑related complications in the ICU, recognizing the vulnerability of these moments and the trust patients place in their care team.
Drawn to City of Hope for its unparalleled focus on cancer patients, Dr. Zhang values the depth of care made possible in a cancer‑only environment. She believes strongly in personalized, culturally sensitive communication and in involving loved ones as part of the care journey. Outside of work, Dr. Zhang enjoys hiking, cycling, camping, reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband and baby boy.
She speaks Mandarin (Chongqing dialect).
