Abbie Hecker, PA-C

“I want patients to feel understood and to have their questions answered. I try to be very approachable so patients can be candid with me. ”

— Abbie Hecker, PA-C

What brought you to oncology?

I have always been very interested in the role providers can have in the lives of their patients during such a vulnerable time. I’ve had several family members who have had cancer and undergone treatment, so I know the value of having a compassionate guide.

What do you think it’s like to work with you, from a patient’s perspective?

I strive to provide very thorough and understandable education. I never want a patient to walk away feeling like they didn’t have a grasp of their disease or treatment. I want them to feel like they are in the loop and meet them at their level.

I think everyone here is personally invested in patients’ lives. I have not met a single person who was not kind, compassionate and empathetic toward patients in every way, and that really sets us apart.

Provider Background

Area of clinical practice

Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Immunotherapy

I am a physician assistant-certified who sees patients at the South Lake Union Clinic and UW Medical Center – Montlake. I work with patients who have leukemias, lymphomas, myelomas and other forms of blood and bone marrow cancers during the very specific process of undergoing a bone marrow or blood stem cell transplant.

Interestingly, I've been on the national bone marrow registry since I was an undergraduate student, when I signed up at an on-campus event for a fellow student who was looking for a match. I wasn’t one then, but I recently learned that I matched with someone, so I’m starting the process of getting ready to make a donation. Soon, I’ll be able to speak with patients about the process and its challenges from my personal experience.