Nerina T. McDonald, PA-C

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Mcdonald
Nerina T. McDonald, PA-C

Nerina T. McDonald, PA-C

  • Physician Assistant, Fred Hutch
  • Teaching Associate, Division of Urology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Medical Oncology

“I am personally excited by the innovative treatments that come from the collaboration at Fred Hutch.”

— Nerina


What’s your approach to care?

I want to get to know my patients and understand your lifestyle and your care preferences. Priorities often shift during treatment, so I like to discuss your goals, opinions and concerns at every visit. You will receive interdisciplinary care at Fred Hutch that is the most enriching and productive environment for enhancing patient care. You’ll have experts from all fields come together to evaluate your diagnosis, using their expertise to determine the best options for treatment. This collaborative approach empowers you to make informed choices about your care.

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

During my training, I worked with a patient in the prostate cancer clinic. A few months later, I was fortunate enough to see him again during my GI rotation, and he remembered me. It was very exciting to treat the same patient in two very different specialties, knowing he was empowered and able to address all aspects of his health. This experience always reminds me to teach my patients about the importance of self-care, so you feel strong in your decision-making.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Genitourinary oncology 

I’ve been enthusiastic about working in this field since my elective rotation during medical school because I’m so inspired by the wide range of treatments available for genitourinary oncology (GU) patients. The exciting outcomes of the group-based collaborative approach at Fred Hutch personally motivate me every day. There are rapid advancements occurring through clinical research, and I want to improve GU patients’ lives with breakthrough treatments.

Diseases Treated

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Vanderbilt University

Medical Degree
Johnson & Wales University

Board Certification
Physician Assistant, 2019, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistant

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.