"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

H. Katherine Kim, MD

Provider

H. Katherine Kim, MD

Physician, Fred Hutch
Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Radiation Oncology

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“I’m a true believer in the power of forming deep relationships with patients and families; our trust in each other is a fundamental key to success.”

— Dr. Kim

What drew you to radiation oncology?

Initially, I was interested in radiology as well as nuclear medicine, a field which involves using small amounts of radioactive materials to help diagnose and treat diseases. While I found them both fascinating, I wanted to practice a specialty where I could develop more long-term relationships with patients. As a radiation oncologist, I tend to monitor my patients for several years —even after active treatment is over —so I get to know them quite well. Working in this field gives me the chance to make a big difference in people’s lives using advanced technology while also forming strong bonds with patients and families over time.

What do you want patients to know about working with you?

I’m a true believer in the power of forming deep relationships with patients and families; our trust in each other is a fundamental key to success. My priority has always been to combine state-of-the art treatment with compassionate attention to the needs of every patient. I think it’s important to remember that cancer care is not just about “winning,” in the sense of achieving a cure or putting a disease into remission. Cancer care is also about understanding a person’s emotional or spiritual path, offering hope and support and helping patients through every stage of this experience, whether that means working toward a cure or helping people prepare for end of life.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Genitourinary cancers, breast cancer, colorectal cancer

I am a board-certified radiation oncologist with more than 30 years of experience in cancer care. I specialize in treating patients with prostate, breast, and colorectal cancers, among other diseases. My expertise includes a variety of radiation techniques, such as brachytherapy (radiation administered from inside the body). In addition to caring for patients, I have conducted research on intraoperative radiation therapy — radiation administered during surgery — for locally advanced rectal cancer and cervical carcinomas.

Diseases Treated

Gynecologic Cancer

Hodgkin Lymphoma

Multiple Myeloma

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Pancreatic Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Testicular Cancer

Languages

English
Korean

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Chung-Ang University

Medical Degree
Chung-Ang University

Residency
University of Chicago Medical Center; University of Michigan Medical Center, Radiation Oncology

Fellowship
Harvard Medical School, Radiation Oncology

Board Certification
Radiation Oncology, 1994, American Board of Radiology; Nuclear Medicine, 1991, American Board of Nuclear Medicine

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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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. Kim'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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