Yin-Kai Chao is professor and chief of the department of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery in Chang Gung memorial hospital-Linkou, Taiwan. Dr Chao acquired his MD degree from Chang Gung University in 2001 and completed specialist training as thoracic surgeon in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in 2006. In 2010, he received his PhD degree in Medical sciences at the Chang Gung University. Dr Chao is a board-certified surgeon pioneering in minimal invasive Thoracic Surgery. He is a very strong patient advocate and very dedicated to his specialty, his talent in minimal invasive surgery is outstanding, exemplary and of the highest quality. In addition to his work, Dr Chao is also a well-known researcher. His areas of scientific investigation include the esophageal cancer research, development of biodegradable medical devices, fluorescence-guided Thoracic Surgery in hybrid OR and robotic surgery. Being a recipient of numerous research awards since 2006, he has authored over 180 papers in peer-reviewed international journals. Dr Yin-Kai Chao is a well-respected doctor in the thoracic surgery field. His innovative surgical methods as well as his experienced techniques have gained him recognition and praise around the world.