Jonathan J. Chen, MD, PhD
Jonathan J. Chen, MD, PhD
- Medical Director, Department of Radiation Oncology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center at UW Medical Center – Northwest
- Physician, Fred Hutch
- Assistant Professor, Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine
- Assistant Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch
Radiation Oncology
“Many people arrive at their first appointment feeling anxious and unsure what to expect. It’s heartening to see the transformation they go through over the course of the visit.”
— Dr. Chen
Why did you decide to become a doctor?
A mentor in college actually discouraged me from becoming a doctor. She said it required so many sacrifices that I should only do it if I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. So, for a few years, I pursued a career in biotech. While working at my first job after college, I volunteered at a free STD clinic at the local hospital. There, I witnessed the impact that doctors could make — and that clinched it for me. I realized that I truly couldn’t see myself doing anything else. The next thing I knew, I was applying to medical school.
What is your approach to care?
I strive to live my life by the Golden Rule, and the same applies to the way I approach being a physician. If I were a patient, how would I want to be treated? How would I want to be spoken to? What things would I appreciate? I try to treat each person with compassion and patience, offering the personal attention that I would want a doctor to give me or my family. My favorite memories of interactions with patients are often initial consultations. Many people arrive at that first appointment feeling anxious, scared and uncertain. It’s heartening to see the transformation they go through over the course of the visit.
Provider Background
Area of Clinical Practice
Genitourinary cancers, Kidney cancer
Genitourinary cancers and Ocular Melanoma
I am a board-certified radiation oncologist who specializes in caring for patients with ocular melanoma, the most common type of eye tumor, and genitourinary cancers (GU), which affect the urinary tract and male reproductive system. My expertise includes using proton therapy, a type of targeted radiation therapy that minimizes radiation exposure to healthy tissue. At UW Medicine, I research ways to improve treatments for GU cancers, such as prostate cancer, as well as ocular melanoma. Prior to joining Fred Hutch, I completed a PhD in pharmacology and served as chief resident at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
Diseases Treated
Languages
English
Education, Experience and Certifications
Undergraduate Degree
Stanford University
Medical Degree
Weill Cornell Medical College
Residency
New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, Radiation Oncology
Other
PhD, Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Graduate School
Board Certification
Radiation Oncology
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.
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