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Cha
Elaine Cha, MD

Elaine Cha, MD

Radiation Oncology

  • Physician, Fred Hutch
  • Assistant Professor, Radiation Oncology Division, Fred Hutch
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine
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About

Dr. Elaine Cha is a radiation oncologist and researcher at Fred Hutch who cares for patients with genitourinary cancers.

Area of Clinical Practice
Genitourinary cancers

“It is a privilege to care for patients during such a vulnerable and disorienting time. My goal is to help each person feel informed, supported and confident in the decisions we make together.”

— Dr. Cha

What do you hope it’s like for a patient to work with you?

I believe that excellent patient care begins with understanding each individual's needs, priorities and goals. My approach is to provide clear, evidence-based recommendations while adapting how I communicate to what is most helpful for each patient. Some patients appreciate detailed discussions of clinical data and treatment options, while others value additional time to ask questions, discuss concerns and receive reassurance. I strive to create an environment where patients feel comfortable expressing their preferences and participating in decisions about their care. Ultimately, my goal is to be a trusted resource and partner, providing thoughtful guidance and compassionate care throughout the treatment process.

What drew you to radiation oncology?

I was drawn to medicine by a desire to make a meaningful difference in people's lives and to radiation oncology by its unique combination of patient-centered care, scientific innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration. I appreciate the intellectual challenge and creativity involved in developing individualized treatment plans, where each patient's circumstances require thoughtful consideration. Equally meaningful are the relationships we build with patients and their families. Radiation oncology allows us to spend time understanding each person's priorities, provide guidance through complex treatment decisions and develop meaningful relationships over the course of their care.

Diseases Treated

Bladder Cancer

Kidney Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Testicular Cancer

Languages

English

Education and Experience

Residency, Radiation Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center

MD, University of Illinois College of Medicine

BS, Human Communication Sciences, Northwestern University

Awards

Mary Fletcher Memorial Award for Clinical Excellence and Compassionate Patient Care, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2025

KASTRO-KOSRO Research Award, 2025

ACRO Luther Brady Educational Research Grant, 2024

Clinical Trials

We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch physicians and researchers. Many of these trials at Fred Hutch have led to FDA-approved treatments and have improved standards of care globally. Together, you and your physician can decide if a study is right for you.

View Clinical Trials

Publications

Many of our Fred Hutch physicians and researchers conduct ongoing research to improve standards of patient care. Their work is evaluated by other physicians and selected for publication to the United States National Library of Medicine, the largest medical library in the world. See scientific papers this Fred Hutch physician has written.

View Dr. Cha's Publications

Your Care Team

At Fred Hutch, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes physicians, a patient care coordinator, a registered nurse, an advanced practice provider and others, based on your needs. You also have access to experts like registered dietitians, social workers, acupuncturists, psychiatrists and more who specialize in supporting people with cancer or blood disorders.

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Insurance

Fred Hutch accepts most national private health insurance plans as well as Medicare. We also accept Medicaid for people from Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. We are working to ensure that everyone, no matter what their financial situation, has access to the care they need.

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