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Shih
Lauren C. Shih, MD

Lauren C. Shih, MD

Medical Oncology

  • Physician, Fred Hutch
  • Assistant Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine
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About

Dr. Lauren C. Shih is a board-certified medical oncologist and clinical researcher who treats head and neck and lung cancers at Fred Hutch. She studies ways to improve access, quality and equity in cancer care. 

Background

Dr. Shih focuses on caring for patients with head and neck cancers, with an emphasis on thoughtful symptom management, preserving function and supporting quality of life for patients and their families. She is deeply committed to helping patients make informed decisions that reflect their individual priorities and circumstances.

Dr. Shih is also involved in clinical research, including interventional clinical trials for people with head and neck cancers. As a health services researcher, she studies how to improve access to and quality of cancer care, with a particular focus on reducing disparities. A key area of her work is improving cancer care for older adults, who often have unique treatment goals and needs. Her research aims to improve outcomes while ensuring care is equitable, personalized and patient centered.

Area of Clinical Practice
Medical oncology, head and neck cancer, lung cancer

“I am passionate about making cancer care accessible to all patients regardless of their background. I believe everyone deserves access to high-quality treatment, including the latest therapies and clinical trials.”

— Dr. Shih

What brought you to oncology and what do you value about your work?

I was initially drawn to oncology because it combines science with the privilege of caring for patients during pivotal and challenging moments of their lives. My interest in head and neck cancers stems from a desire to address disparities in care and outcomes. Many patients face not only complex treatments, but also profound challenges to their quality of life.

Through research, I aim to reduce disparities and improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with head and neck cancers. I’m inspired by the resilience of my patients and motivated by the potential to drive meaningful improvements in their cancer experience.

What do you hope it’s like for a patient to work with you? How have you been personally impacted by cancer?

My approach to care is centered on partnership. I believe in collaborating with patients to design a treatment plan that aligns with their goals and priorities and clearly explaining recommendations so we have a shared understanding of the path forward. Listening to patients is at the heart of my practice. I want to understand each person’s concerns, preferences and needs to provide the best care possible.

During my medical training, my grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer. Her experience of being supported by a compassionate oncology team and the love of her family taught me the importance of honoring a patient’s preferences and wishes. This experience reinforced my belief in the value of listening to patients and their families and making sure care is not only effective but also aligned with what matters most to them. My grandmother’s story continues to guide my work as I strive to provide empathetic, patient-centered care.

Diseases Treated

Head and Neck Cancers

Lung Cancer

Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Oral Cancer

Salivary Gland Cancer

Thyroid Cancer

Research Interests

Clinical trials, health services research, head and neck cancers, lung cancer, oral cancer, salivary gland cancer, thyroid cancer

Languages

English

Education and Experience

Fellowship, Hematology and Oncology, Fred Hutch/University of Washington

Residency, Internal Medicine, University of Washington

MD, University of Utah School of Medicine

BA, Human Biology, Stanford University

Board Certifications

Medical Oncology, 2024; Hematology, 2024; Internal Medicine, 2020; American Board of Internal Medicine

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. Shih'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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Stories

All news
American Society of Clinical Oncology honors Fred Hutch and UW hematology-oncology fellows
American Society of Clinical Oncology honors Fred Hutch and UW hematology-oncology fellows Five early-career researchers to each receive $50,000 toward innovative cancer research projects June 4, 2025