Erin D. Shade, PA-C, MS
Erin D. Shade, PA-C, MS
- Physician Assistant, Fred Hutch
- Teaching Associate, University of Washington School of Medicine
“Helping people face the challenge of a serious illness is truly rewarding.”
— Erin
Why is oncology your focus?
As long as I can remember, I’ve been interested in physiology and in helping others. Prior to physician assistant school, I was a dietitian working with patients who had cancer and were undergoing bone marrow transplants. It was very fulfilling to support patients and families during an exceedingly difficult time in their lives. Later, when I was considering my first job after physician assistant school, a friend suggested I apply to the oncology clinic where she worked. I got the job and continue to love working in oncology. I love oncology not only because I am privileged to help others in such a time of need but also because of the opportunity to continually learn in oncology, with new treatments and new discoveries in cancer biology all the time.
How do you help patients?
My approach is based on collaboration, helping you make decisions that best fit your life. I aim to provide you with the information you need to take an active role in your care. Feel free to ask me questions and discuss your concerns. Part of what I do is care for people with sarcoma who participate in clinical trials. In this role, I help manage your needs and assess whether it’s safe for you to continue with therapy, just as I do for patients who receive standard treatment regimens.
Provider Background
Sarcoma
I am a board-certified physician assistant who specializes in treating patients with sarcoma, cancer that affects bone and connective tissues, such as tendons, muscles or cartilage. Sarcomas can also appear in the nerves, blood vessels or fat. In addition to being a physician assistant, I have a Master of Science degree in nutrition from the University of Washington. My expertise includes caring for those enrolled in clinical trials.
Diseases Treated
Languages
English
Education, Experience and Certifications
Undergraduate Degree
University of California, San Diego
Medical Degree
University of Washington School of Medicine
Board Certification
Physician Assistant, 2008, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Other
MS, University of Washington
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