"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Katherine Jackson, MD

Provider

Katherine Jackson, MD

Physician, Fred Hutch
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Surgery

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“I believe in a holistic and personalized approach to care, and I am passionate about shifting the focus from simply surviving to truly thriving after cancer treatment.”

— Dr. Jackson

What are some of the things you value about your work?

Every day, we surgeons have the privilege of being a part of the challenging journeys our patients undertake. It is our responsibility to work closely with them, synthesizing the latest research, explaining all available options and understanding their personal goals. Tumor removal is just one part of oncologic surgery. There are many choices in how we approach tumor excision, incision closure and additional treatments like systemic therapy and radiation.

From early diagnosis to post-surgical recovery, I am committed to making sure patients are fully informed and actively involved during every part of their treatment.

What are your goals for providing patient care?

As a surgical oncologist specializing in skin and breast cancer, my goal is to cure the disease while minimizing scars — both physical and emotional. I pursued specialized training in oncoplastic surgery, which integrates plastic surgery techniques to optimize cosmetic outcomes after tumor removal. I collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of cancer care experts, and together we tailor treatment plans to each patient's specific needs. Our discussions focus on the latest data and evolving strategies, making sure that patients are informed of all their options. Often, there are several paths to the same excellent result, so prioritizing patient goals and quality of life play key roles in this decision-making process. We can navigate the complexities of cancer care together.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Surgical treatment of skin and breast cancer

I am a physician who sees patients at the South Lake Union Clinic and Fred Hutch at UW Medical Center – Montlake.

Close patient relationships inspired me throughout my training, and the long-term care and unique complexities of surgical oncology fortified my passion for the specialty. I was drawn to guiding patients through treatment options after learning their diagnosis, perfecting the surgical skills necessary to treat the disease and participating in the interdisciplinary efforts involved in cancer care. I was particularly intrigued by the management of patients with skin and breast cancer, for which the multidisciplinary approach is especially crucial as treatment strategies evolve.

In addition to translational research, I have pursued clinical outcomes research and am excited about projects that lead to meaningful improvements in patient care. I have been fortunate to present and publish research in both skin and breast oncology, and I have spent research time in an immunology-focused lab investigating melanoma tumors and lymph node metastases. Most recently, I published on the association between smoking and decreased survival in patients with melanoma.

Diseases Treated

Breast Health

Head and Neck Cancers

Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Rochester Institute of Technology

Medical Degree
Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth

Residency
University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, General Surgery

Fellowship
Saint John's Cancer Institute

Board Certification
General Surgery, 2022, American Board of Surgery

Awards

Dale Han, MD, Memorial Scholarship Award, Sentinel Node Oncology Foundation, Sentinel Lymph Node Working Group, March 2023

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

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.

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