Viswam S. Nair, MD, MS
Viswam S. Nair, MD, MS
- Physician, Fred Hutch
- Associate Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch
Pulmonology
“I believe in empowering patients by sharing the best available evidence so that they can make informed decisions about their care.”
— Dr. Nair
Tell us about your journey as a pulmonary critical care specialist.
As a medical student, I was initially drawn toward working in the fast-paced environment of the intensive care unit, because it requires one to think on their feet and make decisions quickly. As my career has progressed, I have been drawn to the pulmonary side of medicine — helping patients manage disorders associated with the lungs. A big part of what drew me to Fred Hutch was the opportunity to align my clinical focus with my primary research interest, which is improving the detection and treatment of lung cancer. I enjoy helping people with all cancer types manage complex respiratory issues while also striving to move the needle forward in our field.
What is your approach to care?
One of my parents was diagnosed with cancer, and that experience has attuned me to many of the issues and tough decisions that patients in oncology face. I believe in empowering patients by sharing the best available evidence so that they can make informed decisions about their care.
Provider Background
Specialty: Pulmonology
Area of clinical practice
High risk prevention
Respiratory complications from cancer and treatment, lung cancer risk and detection
I am a pulmonary critical care specialist who treats patients with respiratory problems from cancer or cancer treatment. My expertise also includes lung cancer screening and diagnosis as well as the management of lung nodules, small growths in the lungs that can be benign or malignant. Often, I use advanced procedural skills to diagnose abnormalities in the lung by bronchoscopy, a technique that provides a view of the lung’s airways. I provide outpatient care at Fred Hutch and inpatient care at UW Medical Center - Montlake.
In addition to working with patients, I lead a research program at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center that is focused on developing new ways to diagnose and treat lung cancer. One area of interest is improving the utility of bronchoscopy in order to better guide the care of patients with lung cancer.
Diseases Treated
Languages
English
Education, Experience and Certifications
Undergraduate Degree
University of Pennsylvania
Medical Degree
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Residency
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Internal Medicine
Fellowship
Stanford Health Care, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Board Certification
Critical Care Medicine, 2010; Internal Medicine, 2018; Pulmonary Disease, 2019, American Board of Internal Medicine
Other
MS, Clinical Epidemiology, Stanford University School of Medicine
Awards
Thoracic Oncology Assembly Early Career Achievement Award
Dr. Nair received this award from the American Thoracic Society in 2018. It is given to early-career scientists who have made outstanding contributions in the field of thoracic oncology.
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