Mary Kwok, MD

Tell us about an interaction with a patient that had a significant impact on you.

Throughout my career, I’ve conducted clinical trials investigating different treatment combinations and types of lab tests for multiple myeloma. I remember the day that I first met one of my trial participants. She showed up in a wheelchair and was in a lot of pain because the disease had infiltrated her bones. One day, about four months after she’d started an experimental treatment, I was getting on the elevator when I heard footsteps behind me. It was her — not only was she out of her wheelchair, she was up and running! I held the elevator for her, amazed at how far she had come. As a clinician and a researcher, it has been so exciting to bear witness to stories like hers, to see patients with multiple myeloma living longer and better as treatment options improve.

What’s it like to work with you?

I completed my medical training in the military and practiced medical oncology within that system for eight years before joining Fred Hutch. Multiple myeloma is not yet a curable disease, so I’ve walked alongside many of my patients from the point of initial diagnosis, throughout treatment and long afterward as their lives progressed. Together, we’ve celebrated milestones, like returning to work or taking a dream vacation, and we’ve navigated unpredictable health setbacks. I love being a teammate to patients with multiple myeloma and similar conditions. What you’ll find in me is an advocate; I want to understand what’s important to you and help you reach those goals.

Provider Background

Specialty: Medical Oncology

Area of clinical practice

Hematologic malignancies

Multiple myeloma

I am a board-certified medical oncologist who specializes in the care of patients with multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system. The early part of my career was spent under the mentorship of Dr. Ola Landgren, a leading international expert in multiple myeloma. For four years, I conducted clinical research at the National Cancer Institute, studying the use of drug therapies and diagnostic tools for this disease. At Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, I provided care for patients with multiple myeloma, led clinical trials and served as the program director of the hematology-oncology fellowship program. Now, as a member of the multiple myeloma team at Fred Hutch, I collaborate with a variety of specialists to treat people with this disease and other related conditions. Every day, I am inspired by the resilience and strength of the patients and families I work with.