Andrew L. Ko, MD
Andrew L. Ko, MD
- Physician, University of Washington Medical Center
- Physician, Fred Hutch
- Associate Professor, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine
Surgery
“I believe in a team-based approach to medicine where we treat the whole person, not just a particular disease process.”
— Dr. Ko
What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?
Both of my parents are physicians. When I was growing up, I didn’t intend to follow in their footsteps. In fact, I was a philosophy major in college. But then my brother experienced a life-altering injury to his spinal cord. I took some time off from school to help take care of him, and it was then that I started to consider going into medicine. There were many influences along the way that led me to specialize in neurosurgery, but that experience emphasized for me how much there is still to learn about the brain and other parts of the nervous system. Neurosurgery felt like an area where I could make a big difference in the lives of patients through both direct care and research.
How do you help patients?
Collaboration is the foundation of my practice. I work with a variety of multidisciplinary specialists to develop surgical treatment plans that safely maximize your neurological health and functionality without causing deficits. We prioritize your individual goals as well as your quality of life. I believe in a team-based approach to medicine where we treat the whole person, not just a particular disease process.
Provider Background
Specialty: Surgery
Brain, spinal, peripheral nervous system tumors, other neurological conditions
I specialize in functional neurosurgery, which focuses on restoring or preserving functionality in the nervous system, from the brain and spine to nerves throughout the body. The goal is to improve a person’s quality of life or correct a problem caused by a neurological condition, such as brain tumors or Parkinson’s disease. At SCCA, I provide care for patients with cancers affecting the brain, spine or peripheral nervous system. I also treat patients at the UW Medicine Regional Epilepsy Center at Harborview.
My research is focused on using advanced imaging techniques and electrical activity in the brain to better understand and treat neurological conditions. One area of interest is using electrical stimulation in the brain to more effectively address symptoms, such as tremors, that are associated with Parkinson’s disease and similar disorders.
Diseases Treated
Languages
English
Education, Experience and Certifications
Medical Degree
University of Illinois College of Medicine
Residency
University of Washington Medical Center, Neurological Surgery
Fellowship
Oregon Health & Science University, Neurological Surgery
Board Certification
Neurological Surgery, 2018, American Board of Neurological Surgery
Other
Internship, University of Washington Medical Center
Your Care Team
At Fred Hutch, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes doctors, a patient care coordinator, a registered nurse, an advanced practice provider and others, based on your needs. You also have access to experts like nutritionists, social workers, acupuncturists, psychiatrists and more who specialize in supporting people with cancer or blood disorders.
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.
For the Media
The Media Relations team at Fred Hutch is available to assist members of the news media who would like to arrange interviews with providers.
Email media@fredhutch.org or call 206.667.2210