Hira Bluestone, PA-C
Hira Bluestone, PA-C
- Physician Assistant, Fred Hutch
- Teaching Associate, University of Washington School of Medicine
- Physician, UW Medicine
“What’s meaningful to me about this area of medicine is the depth of my relationships with my patients.”
— Hira
Why do you work in oncology?
I love the science; transplant and immunotherapy are the most advanced, cutting-edge parts of cancer care right now, and it’s a thrill to be a part of that. But what really draws me to this field are the patients themselves. I get to form very personal relationships with families, some that last years as we navigate multiple therapies, side effects and treatment-related toxicity issues. It’s rewarding to be able to lessen the burden of cancer, even if it’s just a little, by helping patients understand their disease, listening to their troubles — no matter how big or small — and empowering them to actively participate in their care.
What is your approach to care and treatment?
My background is in caring for patients with pediatric cancer, so you’ll find that I’m a very patient, family-oriented person. I’m interested in learning about your expectations and needs so we can create a comprehensive plan for treatment. I see our relationship as a true partnership, and it’s my hope that you’ll be actively involved in your care. While I will offer guidance, listen to what’s on your mind and answer your questions, I will never tell you what to do.
Provider Background
Blood cancers
As a board-certified physician assistant, I specialize in caring for patients with blood cancers who undergo hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). HCT takes hematopoietic stem cells — which have the ability to develop into any type of blood cell — from the bone marrow or blood supply and infuses them into a patient as part of their cancer treatment. These stem cells can either come from donors or the patients themselves.
Since 2011, I have been working in cancer care. My background includes emergency medicine as well as pediatric pain care and pediatric oncology. My current clinical interests include the long-term effects of cancer and cancer therapies, immunotherapy and infectious diseases as they relate to cancer care.
Languages
English
Education, Experience and Certifications
Medical Degree
Yale School of Medicine
Board Certification
Physician Assistant, 2011
Clinical Trials
We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch doctors. Many of these trials at Fred Hutch have led to FDA-approved treatments and have improved standards of care globally. Together, you and your doctor can decide if a study is right for you.
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