Dr. Thomas Tze Jen Lai, MD

My Specialty and Why I Chose It

Throughout my training in medical school, one area combined my fascination with new research and technology and my joy of working with children, neonatology. I take care of newborn and premature babies who are not ready to go home yet.

My Practice Philosophy

Communication is key in caring for children. I encourage all of my families to ask questions and voice concerns. In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) we work as a team: parents, doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, nutritionists, secretaries, and social workers. Everyone plays an integral role in caring for our sick babies.

My Tenure with Kaiser Permanente

I joined the Kaiser family in 2009 and I look forward to many wonderful years of caring for patients in the greater Sacramento area.

I chose to work at Kaiser due to the collegial atmosphere, attention to quality, and focus on prevention that I found here.

Professional Interests & Affiliations

I attended medical school at Boston …University in Boston, MA. After medical school I completed a pediatric internship and residency at Children's Hospital and Research Institute of Oakland in Oakland, CA. I then traveled east to Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, OH for my fellowship in neonatology. I am currently board certified in pediatrics and board eligible in neonatology by the American Board of Pediatrics.

On a Personal Note

I grew up in the Midwest in Wisconsin, but since coming to California for residency training, I have decided to make Northern California my new home. My wife and I enjoy spending our time in the outdoors: taking walks with our dog, playing golf, snowboarding in the mountains, rock climbing, and any other activity where we can enjoy the sun.

Please use my homepage as a way to communicate with me. We all have busy schedules, parents and caregivers, and we cannot always coordinate. Use this site to send me an email, and I will email or call you back.