Paul T. Nghiem, MD, PhD

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Nghiem
Paul T. Nghiem, MD, PhD
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Paul T. Nghiem, MD, PhD

  • Director, Skin Oncology Clinical Program, Fred Hutch
  • Member, Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutch
  • Chair, Department of Dermatology, UW Medicine
  • Professor, Department of Dermatology, and Adjunct Professor, Oral Health Sciences and Pathology; George F. Odland Endowed Chair in Dermatology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Dermatology

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“I will share my knowledge with you and support you in the decision-making process.”

— Dr. Nghiem

How do you work with patients?

I enjoy getting to know my patients, understanding their lifestyle and explaining the latest science and available therapies. Our multidisciplinary team brings together leading researchers and cancer specialists to ensure that you are offered the most innovative treatment options. I emphasize education and will share my knowledge and experience with you, so you are able to make the best decisions about your care.

In addition to seeing patients in my office, I consult with patients from other parts of the country and their physicians who want expert guidance. Extensive consultation lets me look at the whole picture, consider all treatment options and customize patient care. I can successfully work with your local physician, allowing you to be treated where you live.

What drew you to the field of oncology?

When I was a new attending physician, a mentor recruited me to help write a textbook chapter on Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). I had seen only one case of MCC and knew very little about it. As I dug into the existing studies on MCC, my interest grew. I discovered that MCC is a unique cancer that strikes aggressively and is managed differently, has distinct risk factors and is the most lethal of all skin cancers. Since then, unraveling the mysteries of MCC has become the major focus of my clinical work and research.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Graft-versus-host disease, skin cancers, skin conditions related to cancer treatment

I am part of the Fred Hutch Multidisciplinary Skin Oncology Clinic, and I hope to continue expanding the clinic’s focus to include a greater breadth of skin cancers and dermatology. I am excited about recent discoveries in skin cancer research that will improve patient care.

In addition to seeing patients, I lead a lab at UW Medicine that studies the biology of Merkel cell carcinoma. Our goal is to develop new approaches to treating this disease.

Diseases Treated

Melanoma

Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Skin Cancer

Languages

English
Japanese

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Harvard College

Medical Degree
Stanford University

Residency
Massachusetts General Hospital

Fellowship
Harvard University

Board Certification
Dermatology, 1998, 2019, American Board of Dermatology

Other
PhD, Cancer Biology, Stanford University; Internship, Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital

Awards

Seattle Met's 2023 Top Doctors award
Dr. Nghiem has received this peer-nominated award for exceptional patient care.

Seattle Magazine's 2022 Top Doctors award
Dr. Nghiem has been recognized as a Top Doctor in this peer-nominated award multiple years in a row.

Stories

All news
Skin in the game: Changing the story of Merkel cell carcinoma
Skin in the game: Changing the story of Merkel cell carcinoma How the Nghiem Lab and its supporters are improving outcomes for patients with a rare cancer February 6, 2025
New biomarker could one day help tailor immunotherapy for Merkel cell carcinoma
New biomarker could one day help tailor immunotherapy for Merkel cell carcinoma Helps explain why only certain MCC patients respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors, could point toward new strategies to improve treatment responses February 9, 2024
Six researchers receive $3.5 million in grants from Kuni Foundation
Six researchers receive $3.5 million in grants from Kuni Foundation Funds will support innovative high-risk/high-reward projects across Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center/University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Cancer Consortium with the potential to revolutionize care February 27, 2023

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.

Find a Clinical Trial Led by Dr. Kim

Publications

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. Nghiem'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 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.

Meet Other Providers

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.

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