"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Bobbie (BJ) Rimel, MD

Provider

Bobbie (BJ) Rimel, MD

Clinical Director, Gynecologic Oncology, Fred Hutch
Division Chief, Gynecologic Oncology, UW Medicine
Professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Gynecologic Oncology

“What motivates me is to be a real part of the experience for patients and being able to help in a meaningful way. I appreciate being there for you from the time of your diagnosis and throughout your treatment process.”

— Dr. Rimel

What brought you to gynecologic oncology?

When I was a resident, the patients needing gynecologic oncology care were clearly to me the most vulnerable patients. I felt they really needed me in a special way, and being of service to patients is important to me. I wanted to be doing something where I can bring my expertise and my unique self to tackle the problem.

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

I hope patients feel seen and heard, and I hope they feel they’re getting an accurate and clear representation of the science that I have learned to help them.

It's an incredible privilege to work with people who are willing to share the parts of themselves that are vulnerable as they're confronting a diagnosis. The patients who have stuck out to me have been those who let me listen to their thoughts and considerations on deciding between one treatment versus another. It’s very helpful to hear what people are thinking about so we can figure out strategies to diminish or mitigate side effects, including financial concerns, to the best of our ability. It has made me a better doctor and scientist.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Gynecologic oncology, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, other gynecologic tumors

I am a board-certified gynecologic oncologist who sees patients at the Sloan Clinic and Fred Hutch at UW Mecical Center - Montlake.

Gynecologic oncology is a specialty where we take pride in holistic care. We're trained in surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy treatment. We're able to help you from the time of diagnosis and throughout your treatment.

Diseases Treated

Cervical Cancer

Endometrial Cancer

Gynecologic Cancer

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
University of Rochester

Medical Degree
Duke University School of Medicine

Residency
Prentice Women's Hospital, Northwestern University, OB/GYN

Fellowship
Washington University St. Louis, Gynecologic Oncology

Board Certification
Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2013; Gynecologic Oncology, 2015; American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

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.

View Clinical Trials

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. Rimel'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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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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