"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Erik L. Kimble, MD

Provider

Erik L. Kimble, MD

Physician, Fred Hutch
Research Associate, Fred Hutch
Acting Instructor of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Hematology

Sloan Clinic

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“I've always been fascinated by the biology of how the immune system interacts with different cancers — particularly in blood cancers, and especially leukemia. I'm interested in understanding the mechanisms behind these interactions so that we can help develop more effective, targeted treatments for patients.”

— Dr. Kimble

How would you describe your approach to care?

There are two aspects to my interaction with a patient: the part they see and the part they don’t see. The part they see begins with how I connect with them. I work to break down the barriers between myself and the patient so that we can move forward as a team. I greet them by their first name as I would a friend, because I want them to know I see them as a person, not just a patient. I help them understand and be involved in their care decisions as we work toward shared goals.

The second aspect is the work that happens behind the scenes. For every 20-minute visit, there may be hours of effort — by me and by the incredible team supporting their care. One of the best things about working at the Hutch is how the oncology team and other specialties collaborate seamlessly, all with the aim of creating the best possible outcomes for our patients while respecting their values.

Has cancer affected you or a loved one?

Yes, I am a cancer survivor, and that personal experience helps me better understand my patients and what it takes to get through treatment. It can be frightening, frustrating, and overwhelming — especially without an adequate support system or a clear understanding of their disease.

It’s our responsibility to guide our patients and help ease that fear. As a provider, it’s incredibly rewarding to support my patients through these challenges. I learn from my patients every day, and those experiences continue to inspire me — both personally and in the research I pursue.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Cellular immunotherapy, acute leukemia

I am a physician and researcher who sees patients at the Sloan Clinic. I completed my training in hematology and oncology through the Fred Hutch Cancer Center and University of Washington School of Medicine Fellowship Program. I specialize in caring for patients receiving cellular immunotherapies for blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. In addition, our research lab at Fred Hutch is focused on optimizing CAR T-cell therapies for acute myeloid leukemia and other diseases.

Diseases Treated

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Languages

English
Spanish

Education, Experience and Certifications

Medical Degree
Universidad de Guadalajara

Residency
University of Miami/Jackson Health System, Internal Medicine

Chief Residency
University of Miami/Jackson Health System, Internal Medicine

Fellowship
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Hematology and Oncology

Board Certifications
Internal Medicine, 2017; Hematology, 2021; Medical Oncology, 2021; American Board of Internal Medicine

Awards

ASGCT Underrepresented Minority Fellowship in Gene and Cell Therapy for Oncology, 2024
The one-year award is intended to address disparities related to representation of minorities within the oncology scientific community.

Eddie Méndez Scholar Award
The award recognizes outstanding postdoctoral fellows from any discipline who are conducting cancer, infectious disease, or basic science research.

ASTCT New Investigator Award
The awards are designed to encourage clinical and/or laboratory research by young investigators in the field of hematopoietic cell transplantation, cellular therapy and/or gene therapy.

Stories

All news

Boosting the effectiveness of CAR T-cell therapies against AML

Boosting the effectiveness of CAR T-cell therapies against AML Dr. Erik Kimble wins award from the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy February 7, 2024

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. Kimble'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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