Matthew Givens, MD
Matthew Givens, MD
- Physician, Fred Hutch
Palliative Care
“Cancer affects everyone. I get to practice medicine and help people from all walks of life. That is very enriching as a doctor.”
— Dr. Givens
What brought you to palliative medicine?
I originally trained as an emergency doctor. I was three months in, dealing with impostor syndrome and in an intensive care unit where I was responsible for more than a dozen patients. This was also the first time I experienced providing continuity of care, where I was getting to know patients and what was important to them and crafting a treatment plan that met their goals. I eventually realized that this is the heart of palliative medicine. I get to help my patients find out what they value and then marry that with my expertise. This is gratifying work.
What do you hope it's like for a patient to work with you?
I hope my patients feel heard and supported through the process. I hope they feel free to ask questions if they don’t understand something. I want to serve as a bridge to help patients engage with the medical system and get what they need.
Provider Background
Specialty: Palliative Care
Palliative care
I am a physician who sees patients at the South Lake Union Clinic and at UW Medical Center – Montlake.
A lot of times in palliative care, we talk about comfort measures, and this is largely what is most appropriate for people. But sometimes what is most appropriate is also doing everything medically possible to prolong longevity because that is what a patient, and their family, values.
Languages
English
Clinical Trials
We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch doctors. Many of these trials at Fred Hutch have led to FDA-approved treatments and have improved standards of care globally. Together, you and your doctor can decide if a study is right for you.
Your Care Team
At Fred Hutch, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes doctors, a patient care coordinator, a registered nurse, an advanced practice provider and others, based on your needs. You also have access to experts like nutritionists, 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