About
Dr. Kathy Zelken grew up with medicine as a constant presence. Born in China and raised in the US after her family arrived in 1992, she decided to become a physician at age two and never wavered. She graduated with honors from UC Berkeley in Molecular and Cell Biology and Art History, earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, then moved to Orange County in 2012 to complete her pediatrics residency at UC Irvine and Children's Hospital of Orange County.
She brings ten years of clinical experience practicing primarily in Newport Beach, with particular interests in pediatric dermatological conditions, breastmilk medicine, and infant care. She also co-founded Zelken Plastic Surgery with her husband in 2016, where she practices aesthetic medicine. Outside of medicine, Dr. Zelken paints, visits art museums, dances, and figure skates.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of California, Berkeley - Molecular and Cell Biology and Art History (graduated with honors)
Medical School
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Residency
Pediatrics Residency, University of California, Irvine and Children's Hospital of Orange County
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Zelken right for?
Dr. Zelken is a strong fit for families with newborns and infants who want a clinician with deep experience in early infant care and breastmilk medicine. Parents concerned about pediatric skin conditions will find her specialized interest valuable. Her decade of Newport Beach experience makes her a familiar and trusted presence in the community. Families who appreciate a physician with a broad, creative background will connect well with her approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Zelken has particular clinical interests in pediatric dermatological conditions, breastmilk medicine, and infant care. She manages the full spectrum of general pediatric needs alongside these focused areas. Her background in Molecular and Cell Biology informs her scientific approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Yes, Dr. Zelken holds board certification in pediatrics. She completed her residency training at UC Irvine and Children's Hospital of Orange County before beginning her clinical career in Newport Beach.
Dr. Zelken earned her undergraduate degree with honors from UC Berkeley in Molecular and Cell Biology and Art History. She completed her medical degree at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She then finished her pediatrics residency at UC Irvine and Children's Hospital of Orange County in 2012.
Dr. Zelken has over ten years of clinical experience practicing pediatrics, primarily in Newport Beach. She has built a deep familiarity with the families and community she serves throughout that time.
Yes, Dr. Zelken sees patients from birth through adolescence. Her clinical interests in infant care and breastmilk medicine make her especially well-suited to support families during the newborn period.
Dr. Zelken grew up with medicine as a constant presence and decided to become a physician at a very young age. She graduated with honors from UC Berkeley, where she studied both Molecular and Cell Biology and Art History. That combination reflects the analytical and observational strengths she brings to patient care.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026