Heather A. Parsons, MD, MPH

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Parsons
Heather A. Parsons, MD, MPH

Heather A. Parsons, MD, MPH

  • Program Head, Breast Oncology Program, Fred Hutch
  • Associate Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch
  • Maudslien Endowed Chair in Breast Cancer Oncology Research, Fred Hutch
  • Associate Professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Medical Oncology

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“Caring for patients with breast cancer provides an opportunity to get to know people well. I want to have a specialty where I can be with each patient for a period of time and then watch them move on with their lives.”

— Dr. Parsons

What brought you to oncology and breast cancer specifically? 

My younger sister was diagnosed at a very young age with lymphoma. She is thriving now, but it had an enormous impact on my life and the life of our family. Seeing her go through that and going through that with her made me want to understand cancer better, and to also make things better for people with cancer. 

I find breast cancer incredibly interesting from a scientific and public health perspective because it affects so many people. I want to advance the care of breast cancer patients, understand the disease better and treat it better.

What would you like a patient to know about you? 

I am here with you through your experience with breast cancer, whether it’s a short or long one. We are in this together. I am somebody who wants to see you as a person and as somebody who has a life that is rich outside of the clinic. I know that patients are not just one person but part of a network of people; we are treating individuals as well as their loved ones and family members. 

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Breast oncology

I am a board-certified medical oncologist who sees patients at the Sloan Clinic.

Diseases Treated

Breast Cancer

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Dartmouth College

Medical Degree
Drexel University College of Medicine

Residency
 The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Internal Medicine

Fellowship
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Medical Oncology

Board Certification
Medical Oncology, 2014; Internal Medicine, 2013; American Board of Internal Medicine

Other
MPH, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Stories

All news
Dr. Heather Parsons to lead Fred Hutch’s breast cancer initiatives
Dr. Heather Parsons to lead Fred Hutch’s breast cancer initiatives Medical oncologist awarded endowed chair to study novel markers for cancer in blood serum October 13, 2025

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.

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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

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