"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Kate R. Funiciello, PA-C

Provider

Kate R. Funiciello, PA-C

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

Specialty:

Medical Oncology

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“Being a patient is an extremely vulnerable time. It is my goal to make sure patients feel comfortable, supported and heard during every interaction.”

— Kate

Have you been personally impacted by cancer?

Several of my family members have been affected by cancer. I have been able to see firsthand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and devastating to patients and families — and that having a team of compassionate, patient-focused, empathetic individuals to help them through treatment makes all the difference. The experience I had with the care teams that treated my family members inspired me to want to help others go through one of the toughest battles of life with dignity, grace and hope.

Do you have any memories of working with a patient that you’d like to share?

I once had a patient who confided in me that she had trouble advocating for her own care because she was worried about inconveniencing the care team or being a burden. I sat down with her and reminded her that she was there to receive care with the goal of returning home and that we were in her corner to support her goals. She then told me that she had been experiencing pain that was limiting her progress. We were able to treat the pain, and she had significant improvement and was able to be discharged soon after. I was so upset that my patient had suffered in silence, but I cherish this memory because it reminds me to be a strong support for my patients and that developing trust and rapport is an invaluable part of patient care.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Breast cancer

I am a certified physician assistant who sees patients at the South Lake Union Clinic.

I am passionate about women’s health, and breast cancer is a disease that largely affects women. I feel fortunate to be able to work with women and anyone who has breast cancer, and I hope to empower them to be active participants in their care. I want to connect with patients and form meaningful relationships so I can support them.

Diseases Treated

Breast Health

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Rochester Institute of Technology

Medical Degree
Rochester Institute of Technology

Board Certification
Physician Assistant, 2021, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

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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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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