"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Hope Menninger, MMS, PA-C

Provider

Hope Menninger, MMS, PA-C

Physician Assistant, Fred Hutch
Teaching Associate, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Hematology-Oncology

Fred Hutch at UW Medical Center - Montlake

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“I walk alongside patients and families through every facet of their experience with cancer, through both joy and pain, whether they are working toward healing or facing end of life.”

— Hope

What influenced your decision to become a physician assistant?

I began my professional journey in health care as a hospital chaplain. Working in a medical environment suited me, and I found it meaningful to help people cope with adversity. What I valued about this role was that it allowed me to see the person behind every patient. Yet I grew frustrated that I didn’t fully understand what people were going through from a medical perspective. My eagerness to bridge that gap in knowledge was what motivated me to become a physician assistant (PA). It’s rewarding to now be in a position where I can support patients’ physical health as well as their emotional well-being.

What personal experiences have informed your approach to care?

When I was 18, my mother died from breast cancer. Looking back, it was an experience I didn’t feel prepared for. Part of my motivation in becoming a physician assistant was a desire to give patients and families as much agency as possible in what can feel like an out-of-control situation. One way I help people traverse the unknowns of cancer is by listening and making sure their questions are answered. My philosophy of care can be summed up by a quote from Henri J.M. Nouwen, a Catholic priest, professor and author: “Compassion means full immersion in the condition of being human.” For me, this means I walk alongside patients and families through every facet of their experience with cancer, through both joy and pain, whether they are working toward healing or facing end of life.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Inpatient care

I am a board-certified physician assistant who provides care for hematology-oncology patients with a variety of cancers and blood disorders who have been admitted to UW Medical Center - Montlake for inpatient care. My background includes experience in hospital medicine as well as classical hematology and plasma cell disorders specialty clinics. Before becoming a physician assistant, I became certified in clinical pastoral education and served as a hospital chaplain.

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Saint Louis University

Medical Degree
Saint Louis University

Clinical Pastoral Education
Saint Louis University

Board Certification
Physician Assistant, 2018, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

Master of Arts, Religion
Yale Divinity School

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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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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