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Saba Kurtom, MD

Provider

Saba Kurtom, MD

Physician, Fred Hutch
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Surgery

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“I am not only a surgeon but a partner in providing patient care, offering guidance, support and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. I work with a multidisciplinary team to make sure patients feel empowered and supported through every step.”

— Dr. Kurtom

What brought you to oncology?

I decided to focus my practice on skin oncology and endocrine surgery because both areas allow me to make a significant impact on patients’ lives through early detection and precise surgical intervention. Skin cancers, particularly melanoma, can be life-threatening if not caught and treated early, but with the right approach, they are highly treatable. At the same time, endocrine surgery requires specialized knowledge and precision. I am passionate about helping patients navigate these diagnoses and providing effective surgical care to prevent further complications. These areas of medicine offer a perfect blend of challenging, intricate surgeries and the opportunity to improve patient outcomes.

What do you hope it’s like for a patient to work with you?

I am focused on treating the whole person, not just the disease. I believe in clear and compassionate communication and making sure patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options. Together, we create a personalized care plan tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals. I emphasize using the most advanced surgical techniques to minimize recovery time and improve outcomes, but I also recognize the emotional and physical challenges of cancer treatment.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Surgical oncology (skin oncology), endocrine surgery

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

As both a surgical oncologist and an endocrine surgeon, I have specialized expertise in treating cancers as well as conditions involving hormone-producing glands such as the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands. I offer precise, expert care in cases where cancer affects these organs or when both cancer and an endocrine condition are present. I also have specialized experience in advanced robotic-assisted surgery.

I have conducted research in several areas related to my disease and treatment focus. One of my research interests involves exploring the role of the gut microbiome in melanoma, particularly how it may influence treatment response and outcomes. I have also been involved in outcomes research for thyroid cancer, focusing on the use of molecular genetic testing and its role in improving the management and treatment of the disease. In addition, I have conducted research in parathyroid disease, studying ways to optimize treatment approaches and improve patient outcomes.

Diseases Treated

Adrenal Cortical Cancer

Adrenal Nodules

Graves' Disease

Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) Syndromes

Parathyroid Cancer

Parathyroid Diseases

Pheochromocytoma

Thyroid Diseases

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Stony Brook University

Medical Degree
Eastern Virginia Medical School

Residency
Virginia Commonwealth University, General Surgery

Fellowship
University of Pittsburgh, Complex General Surgical Oncology; Comprehensive Endocrine Surgery

Other
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Board Certification
General Surgery, 2023, American Board of Surgery

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.

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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. Kurtom'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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