R. Alex Hsi, MD
“Practicing the art of medicine is about listening intently and striving to understand all of your needs.”
— Dr. Hsi
Why do you practice radiation oncology?
Being a physician gives me the opportunity to contribute to society on both an individual level, through clinical practice, and a community level, by participating in research and education. One of the benefits of radiation oncology as a specialty is that it allows me to treat people from a variety of social, economic and racial backgrounds who are dealing with a broad spectrum of diseases. It’s a field where science, technology and patient care intersect in a way that is both very challenging and very rewarding.
What is your approach to care?
Advances in technology and science have allowed us to make great strides in the treatment of cancer. Yet practicing the art of medicine — listening intently to patients and understanding their needs — is vital to achieving optimal outcomes and providing quality care. Each person comes to my office with varying levels of knowledge and concerns about radiation therapy. I enjoy walking you through the different treatment options, step by step, so that you can choose the one that’s right for you and hopefully go home with a little peace of mind.
Provider Background
Specialty: Radiation Oncology
Prostate cancer, bladder cancer
I am a radiation oncologist with more than 20 years of experience in cancer care. I specialize in the treatment of prostate and bladder cancers and primarily work with patients at the Peninsula clinic, a radiation oncology clinic located in Poulsbo, Washington. My background includes serving as the section chief for radiation oncology at Virginia Mason Medical Center and co-founding the Peninsula Cancer Center (now known as Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center - Peninsula). My research is focused on improving the treatment of prostate cancer. My colleagues and I led the first U.S. clinical trials of both stereotactic body radiation therapy — a type of focused external beam radiation therapy that precisely targets cancer cells — and SpaceOAR hydrogel, which reduces radiation side effects to areas surrounding the prostate. Currently, I am a primary investigator for a clinical trial on focal brachytherapy for recurrent prostate cancer. This form of therapy involves placing radioactive implants directly at the tumor site.
Community Oncology
Our mission is to provide patients with the highest quality, personalized care closer to home. As part of Fred Hutch, our community oncologists offer patients multidisciplinary tumor board opinions, clinical trials and expertise in treating a variety of cancers.
Languages
English
Education, Experience and Certifications
Undergraduate Degree
Kalamazoo College
Medical Degree
University of Michigan
Residency
University of Michigan, Internal Medicine; University of Pennsylvania, Radiation Oncology
Board Certification
Radiation Oncology, 2019, American Board of Internal Medicine
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