Infectious Disease
I’m involved in research on respiratory viruses. Respiratory viruses, such as the common cold, can take a toll on our cancer patients, especially our transplant patients whose immune systems are not working properly. My goal is to develop new vaccines and treatments for these viruses in our cancer patients, so that we have other treatments to offer if our patients get sick. When a patient does get sick from a virus or infection, I make sure to discuss options with the patient’s medical oncologist or hematologist, and as a team, we determine the best treatment option for the patient.
Every fourth Sunday, I volunteer at South Lake Union House. Because we see patients from all over the country, many patients and their families don’t have homes in Seattle, so we offer housing for them while they are in treatment. I volunteer, because it’s important to help patients feel at home as much as possible, no matter where they are from. I serve brunch at South Lake Union House and it’s great to sit down with patients and their families and get to know them outside of the hospital, outside of their disease. I really enjoy connecting with them on a more personal level and sharing a meal together.
Area of Clinical Practice
Infectious disease
It was always really fascinating to me that we have an army of cells in our bodies that are dedicated to fighting off infection. In certain diseases like cancer, that army isn't working properly and needs some help. Now we have the arsenal: antibiotics, new immunotherapies and antivirals that can help patients get through a difficult time in their life.
Blood Stream Infections
Endocarditis
Eye Infections
Meningitis
Osteomyelitis
Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
English
Undergraduate Degree
University of California, Berkeley
Medical Degree
University of California, San Francisco
Residency
Stanford University Medical Center, Internal Medicine
Fellowship
University of Washington School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases
Board Certification
Infectious Disease, 2017; Internal Medicine, 2014, American Board of Internal Medicine
Other
PhD, Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Maryland
RSV Vaccines for the World Travel Award
Joel Meyers Endowment from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Cent
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.
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.
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