About
Gary H. Kato, MD brings a Stanford and University of Washington education to his family medicine practice in Renton, WA. He graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology in 1980, earning the distinction of Phi Beta Kappa as a junior. He went on to earn his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1984. He completed both his internship and his Family Medicine residency at Swedish Hospital Medical Center in Seattle, finishing in 1987.
Dr. Kato holds certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine. He joined the University of Washington School of Medicine faculty as a Clinical Instructor in 1987 and advanced to Clinical Assistant Professor in 1995, a role he continues today. His clinical interests include cardiovascular health, preventive medicine, and travel medicine. The American Academy of Family Physicians named him one of ten physicians nationwide to receive its Teacher Development Award in 1988. Seattle Met Magazine recognized him among its Best Doctors in 2014 and 2015, and Vitals ranked him among the top ten doctors in Washington State in 2014. He has also led medical mission trips to Papua New Guinea, Trinidad, and Thailand. He speaks English and conversational Japanese.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Stanford University, Bachelor of Arts, Human Biology, 1980 (Graduated with Distinction, Phi Beta Kappa)
Medical School
University of Washington School of Medicine, Doctorate of Medicine, 1984
Residency
Swedish Hospital Medical Center, Seattle, WA, Family Medicine, 1985-1987
Additional Training
Internship: Swedish Hospital Medical Center, Seattle, WA, 1984-1985; Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1995-present
Certifications
Languages
English, Japanese
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Kato right for?
Dr. Kato is a strong fit for adults who want a long-term relationship with a seasoned primary care physician. Patients focused on preventive care and cardiovascular health benefit most from his clinical emphasis. Frequent travelers appreciate his ability to connect them with local care resources while away from home. Anyone who values direct physician access, including after-hours phone contact, will find his practice well-suited to their needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Kato focuses on cardiovascular health, preventive medicine, and travel medicine alongside comprehensive primary care. He helps patients manage chronic conditions, reduce health risks through lifestyle changes, and stay healthy while traveling. His whole-person approach means he considers prevention a core part of every patient relationship.
Yes, Dr. Kato holds certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine. He has maintained this certification throughout his career as both a practicing physician and a clinical faculty member at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
Dr. Kato earned his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1984. He completed both his internship and his Family Medicine residency at Swedish Hospital Medical Center in Seattle, finishing in 1987. Before medical school, he graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Human Biology.
Yes, Dr. Kato serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, a role he has held since 1995. He joined the faculty as a Clinical Instructor in 1987, one year after finishing his residency. The American Academy of Family Physicians recognized his teaching with its Teacher Development Award in 1988.
Yes, Dr. Kato has earned recognition from several sources. Seattle Met Magazine named him among its Best Doctors in 2014 and 2015. Vitals ranked him among the top ten doctors in Washington State in 2014. The American Academy of Family Physicians also selected him as one of ten physicians nationwide to receive its Teacher Development Award in 1988.
Yes, Dr. Kato supports traveling patients as part of his practice. He connects members with local hospitals, pharmacies, and physicians when they need care away from home. This service is particularly valuable for frequent international travelers or those with ongoing health conditions.
Yes, Dr. Kato speaks English and conversational Japanese. Patients who communicate in Japanese may find this helpful during appointments.
Dr. Kato sees adults across the Puget Sound region who want relationship-driven primary care. His panel includes patients managing cardiovascular risk, those focused on preventive health, and frequent travelers who need consistent care coordination. He sees every patient personally rather than delegating visits to other providers.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026