Benjamin C. Li, MD, MBA

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Li
Benjamin C. Li, MD, MBA

Benjamin C. Li, MD, MBA

  • 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

Radiation Oncology

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“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.

Provider Background

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

I am a radiation oncologist who sees patients at the Sloan Clinic and Fred Hutch at UW Medicine - Northwest.

In my research, I focus on impact — things that can lead to immediate benefits for as many people as possible. I am experienced in building teams around this mission and vision.

I lead the development of curricula and the study of free radiation oncology training programs for all professionals in radiation oncology, helping clinics around the globe implement high-quality radiotherapy. These programs have focused on 3D-conformal (3D-CRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) techniques that are commonly used for the treatment of breast cancer and other solid tumors, as well as stereotactic radiotherapy (SRS/SBRT) for the treatment of tumors involving the central nervous system, bone, or other sites. I have been involved in collaborative studies looking at outcomes with novel uses of SRS in the treatment of brain metastases and continue to work on making this type of treatment more accessible, as well as understanding what and how specifically we need to teach to improve care in different parts of the world.

I was drawn to this profession by the patients and the connection we establish with them and their loved ones and the opportunity to help other clinicians globally who treat breast cancer and care for patients with all cancer types who have metastatic disease. 

Diseases Treated

Brain and Spinal Cord Cancers

Breast Cancer

Metastatic Cancers

Languages

English
Spanish

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Harvard University

Medical Degree
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Residency
University of California, San Francisco, Radiation Oncology

Other
MBA, Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University

Board Certification
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

Stories

All news
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

Clinical Trials

We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch physicians. 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.

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Publications

Many of our Fred Hutch physicians 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.

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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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