Janice N. Kim, MD, MS

Why did you become a radiation oncologist?

My father is a radiation oncologist, and I've always admired his passion for his job and his dedication to helping people. During my residency, an amazing mentor impressed upon me that working in the field of radiation oncology will always allow me to make my patients’ lives better.

Radiation oncology is gratifying because I get to know you and what’s important in your life and help you get to a place where you can enjoy those things. In two-thirds of the patients I see, I give definitive care to help cure cancer, and the remaining third of my patients receive palliative care, reducing pain and improving quality of life. I want to get you back to a place where you can do what makes you happy, like taking your dogs for a run on the beach. Helping you is what brings me to work every day.

What do you enjoy about working with women?

I appreciate how women help each other, and I love breast oncology patients. I gravitate toward women and am excited by how often patients tell me after their treatment that they told a sister, friend or neighbor to go get their mammogram. This is how women are — we share our experiences, we support each other. Women are unique, and that strengthens my resolve to be part of your care and see you thrive.

Provider Background

Specialty: Radiation Oncology

Area of clinical practice
Breast cancers

Breast cancer
I am a radiation oncologist and the disease site lead for breast cancer at Fred Hutch. I offer several different types of radiation therapy techniques; I believe each breast cancer patient is unique and deserves a thorough, individualized discussion of radiation treatments in order to make the best possible decision.

At the Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic at Fred Hutch, a large group of specialists — including breast medical oncologists, breast radiation oncologists, breast surgeons and our breast pathologist — discuss your case. We take a detailed look at the specifics of your case and every aspect of your diagnosis until all parties agree on the best treatment option. 

It’s normal to feel frightened, but I think the unknown is often the scariest part. I hope that your anxiety will drop when you know that we customize a treatment plan for your specific case. You will have a care team that's going to be with you every step of the way, a team that knows what they’re doing, agrees on your treatment and works as a collaborative group. I will educate you on exactly what to expect, and we will all be there for you.

Diseases Treated