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Li
Benjamin C. Li, MD, MBA

Benjamin C. Li, MD, MBA

Radiation Oncology

  • Physician, Fred Hutch
  • Assistant Professor, Radiation Oncology Division, Fred Hutch
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine
  • Physician Lead, Program in Global Oncology and Health Disparities for Radiation Oncology, University of Washington
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About

Dr. Benjamin C. Li is a board-certified radiation oncologist and researcher at Fred Hutch. He specializes in breast, brain and spinal cord cancers and leads research and global education efforts in radiation oncology.

Background

Dr. Li treats patients with cancers that can benefit from advanced radiation techniques such as Gamma Knife and stereotactic radiation. He delivers radiation therapy for both localized and metastatic disease and works closely with multidisciplinary care teams to support patients and their families throughout treatment.

In his research, Dr. Li focuses on impact-driven work that can deliver immediate benefits to as many patients as possible.  He is experienced in building teams around this mission and vision. He leads the development and evaluation of free radiation oncology training programs for professionals worldwide, helping clinics implement high-quality radiotherapy care. These efforts have included education on widely used techniques such as 3D-conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), commonly used in breast cancer and other solid tumors, as well as stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT) for tumors involving the central nervous system, bone and other sites.

Dr. Li has been involved in collaborative studies examining outcomes with novel uses of stereotactic radiation for brain metastases and continues to work on making these treatments more accessible globally. He is especially interested in understanding what needs to be taught, and how to improve radiation care delivery in different parts of the world. 

Area of Clinical Practice
Breast oncology, brain and spinal cord cancers, gamma knife

“My goal is to empower patients, make sure they understand the most important points of the conversation and help them feel prepared for their next steps. I am dedicated to countering health inequities and making sure everyone gets high-quality care.”

— Dr. Li

Have you been personally impacted by cancer?

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer just as I started medical school. She had spent most of her life caring for others as a family medicine doctor, but then she became the patient. This experience introduced me to oncology and shaped my path.

I appreciate not just the diagnosis that someone has, but who they are as a person and the narrative of their cancer experience.

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

I want to create a safe, supportive and productive atmosphere. I try to avoid medical jargon and focus on clear communication and answering questions with honesty, transparency and compassion. 

One patient learned I also like music and shared with me her favorite song. I would listen to it before each of our visits. I felt like it was a three-minute way to dive into the depths of someone's life. We formed a special connection, and I was so happy for her when she completed her treatment and was ready to move onto the next things in her life with courage and bravery.

Diseases Treated

Brain and Spinal Cord Cancers

Breast Cancer

Metastatic Cancers

My research spans all solid malignancies (e.g. how to technically deliver better radiotherapy to a patient with cancer).

Global health

Global oncology

Health equity

Implementation science

Languages

English
Spanish

Education and Experience

Residency, Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, 2023

MBA, Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University, 2018

MD, Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2018

BA, Chemistry and Physics, Harvard University, 2012

Board Certifications

Radiation Oncology, 2024, American Board of Radiology

Awards

ARRO Global Health Physician Faculty Award, American Society of Radiation Oncology, 2025

Chief Resident, University of California San Francisco, 2023

Health Professions Education Pathway, University of California San Francisco, 2023

Health Systems Science Impact Challenge, American Medical Association, 2021

Graduate Certificate in Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2018

Turner Family Center Fellowship, Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management, 2018

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. Li'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.

Meet Other Providers

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.

More About Insurance

Stories

All news
The Beam: Good news for head and neck cancer patients, updates on FLASH proton therapy, meet a passionate radiation oncologist
The Beam: Good news for head and neck cancer patients, updates on FLASH proton therapy, meet a passionate radiation oncologist Dr. Jay Liao explains results from promising studies in the head and neck cancer world, research continues into FLASH proton therapy, meet Ben Li, MD April 1, 2026
Surviving and thriving with metastatic breast cancer
Surviving and thriving with metastatic breast cancer From financial toxicity to sexual health, experts break down survival strategies for patients and caregivers dealing with ‘mets’ November 13, 2024