"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Nicole Dussault, MD, MS

Provider

Nicole Dussault, MD, MS

Physician, Fred Hutch
Assistant Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Palliative Care

Sloan Clinic

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“I care deeply about getting to know each patient as a whole person and understanding their lives, goals and values. I want to make sure care is guided by what matters most to each patient.”

— Dr. Dussault

Have you had personal experience with cancer?

My grandmother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and faced many challenges with managing her symptoms and making difficult medical decisions. Our family supported her as best we could, but it was still overwhelming at times. What made the greatest difference was the team of compassionate and dedicated physicians who helped her control her symptoms and focused on what mattered most to her in her care.

How do you approach providing patient care? Do you have any favorite memories of time with a patient?

My approach to care is centered on the physician-patient relationship, compassion and listening. I am deeply committed to improving palliative care for patients through both clinical work and research. I believe patients are the experts on their own lives, and that providers should always listen to the patient first. I strive to be a compassionate advocate for all patients, especially for those who may have difficulty advocating for themselves.

One of my favorite memories is of a patient I worked with for more than three years who struggled with severe pain. As we built a relationship, she began to share more about her life. This helped me better understand the context of her pain, and together we found approaches that gave her meaningful relief.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Palliative Care

I am a physician who sees patients at the Sloan Clinic.

I chose to specialize in palliative care because I am passionate about improving quality of life for people with cancer and supporting them as they explore their values and goals while making medical decisions. I believe a good physician-patient relationship is central to care, and I am committed to keeping this principle at the heart of every interaction.

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Columbia University

Medical Degree
University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

Residency
Duke University, Internal Medicine

Fellowship
Duke University, Palliative Care

Board Certifications
Internal Medicine, 2024, American Board of Internal Medicine

Other
MS, Biomedical Informatics, University of Chicago Graham School

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.

View Clinical Trials

Many of our Fred Hutch physicians conduct ongoing research to improve standards of patient care. Their work is evaluated by other physicians and selected for publication to the United States National Library of Medicine, the largest medical library in the world. See scientific papers this Fred Hutch physician has written.

View Dr. Dussault's Publications

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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