Christopher Canning, MD

“A big part of my job is to demystify the experience of radiation oncology,” says Dr. Christopher Canning, a board-certified radiation oncologist who has been working with Group Health since 2006.

“I’m excited by our new technology because it helps my patients have more effective and safer treatments,” says Dr. Canning. The technology, such as the state-of-the-art Varian CliX linear accelerator, is incredibly complex, involving not just the doctors and nursing staff but also medical physicists and engineers.

“Technology provides the treatment, but it’s important that my patients know I have compassion for them in their illness, and value them as part of the team.”

Patients and the care team can easily communicate through electronic medical records and secure e-mail messaging. All the Group Health clinical staff—from personal physicians and medical oncologists to radiation oncologists—can see the same scans and records at the same time, as soon as they’re available. “It really helps us be more effective,” says Dr. Canning.

Coordination continues when the team expands beyond Group Health. “We have a great relationship with SCCA. When patients want another opinion before embarking on a tough treatment, the SCCA physicians are almost always on the same page as we are,” he says. If not, the doctors listen to each others’ opinions and together create the most helpful treatment plan.

Dr. Canning earned his medical degree from the University of Utah School of Medicine and had internships at Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane and  Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine.

Patient Care Philosophy

“I care about my patients, and I’m glad the treatment technology has continued to improve. It helps me provide the best possible care to every patient.”

Board Certification

• American Board of Radiology, Radiation Oncology

Education 

• MD, University of Utah School of Medicine, 1997–2001

Advanced Training

• Residency in Radiation Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, 2002–2006) 
• Transitional Internship, Deaconess Medical Center, Spokane, Wash., 2001–2002

Honors/Professional Affiliations

• Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honors Society, 2001 
• Duke University Dean’s List and Cum Laude Graduate 
• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society 
• American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology

Contact Information:  206-326-3000