Mika Kawakami, PA-C

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Kawakami
Mika Kawakami, PA-C

Mika Kawakami, PA-C

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

Hematology-Oncology

“I do my best to make sure patients are comfortable and feel heard. We can achieve great outcomes by functioning as a team.”

— Mika


What inspired you to work in medicine?

I was stronger in math and science growing up, but I also wanted to be a part of making health care better. Family members have had negative experiences, including an incident when my grandmother was ridiculed for her Japanese accent and language use by emergency responders. Although I was too young to help, I wish I could have translated or assisted in another way.

I empathize with people whose first language isn’t English. I want to help all people understand and feel validated.

What do you value about providing patient care?

I love having time to make connections with patients and seeing them improve. I want all patients to be comfortable, to be able to manage their physical and mental health and for us to work as a team. I want to help patients have all the resources they need to improve and get better.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Blood and marrow transplantation, immunotherapy

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

Diseases Treated

Languages

English
Japanese

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
University of California, Santa Barbara

Medical Degree
Western University of Health Sciences

Board Certifications
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.

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.