Annie Alidina, ARNP

Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
Fred Hutch
Teaching Associate
University of Washington School of Medicine
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
UW Medicine
“People who choose to participate in research give a big part of themselves, and that generosity can have an enormous impact on future patients.”
— Annie
Why do you care for patients who are participating in clinical trials?

I find it fascinating to see how a drug works and to follow its evolution from a mere idea in basic research to a therapy in the clinic that eventually moves on to later-stage trials. It’s rewarding to see medicines emerge that are more effective, better tolerated and more precisely targeted to specific cancer types. In the last 10 years, we’ve gone from relying on drugs that were quite toxic to new therapies that are gentler on the body and give people a better quality of life. I enjoy being part of that progress. 

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How do you help patients?

People who choose to participate in research give a big part of themselves, and that generosity can have an enormous impact on future patients. I want trial participants to know how important they are to making breakthroughs in cancer care possible. If you’re considering a trial, I work with you to figure out if you’re a good fit. Education is an important part of my role; I want you to understand what you’re signing up for, and I also enjoy sharing with you the science involved. During the process of a trial, I’ll meet with you regularly to evaluate your health and manage any side effects that come up.

Side effects A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some side effects of cancer treatment are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss and mouth sores.

Provider background

Phase 1 clinical trials

I am an advanced registered nurse practitioner who works with patients participating in Phase 1 clinical trials. These early-phase trials investigate the safety, proper dosing and efficacy of new therapies for a variety of cancers. I help with screening and enrollment, and I also evaluate patients throughout the trial, helping them maintain the best quality of life possible.

I bring more than 10 years of experience and a range of expertise to my role at Fred Hutch. My background includes working in basic research, public health and women’s health. 

Nurse practitioner A registered nurse who has additional education and training in how to diagnose and treat disease. In cancer care, a nurse practitioner may manage the primary care of patients and their families. A registered nurse who has additional education and training in how to diagnose and treat disease. Nurse practitioners are licensed at the state level and certified by national nursing organizations. In cancer care, a nurse practitioner may manage the primary care of patients and their families, based on a practice agreement with a physician. Screening Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease. Examples of cancer screening tests are the mammogram (for breast cancer), colonoscopy (for colon cancer) and Pap and HPV tests (for cervical cancer). Screening can also include a genetic test to check for a person’s risk of developing an inherited disease.
Education, experience and certifications
Undergraduate Degree
University of Washington
Medical Degree
Seattle University
Board Certification
Family Nurse Practitioner, 2007, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Languages
English

Research

Clinical trials

We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch doctors. Many of these trials at Fred Hutch have led to FDA-approved treatments and have improved standards of care globally. Together, you and your doctor can decide if a study is right for you.

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.
Susan  Ottemiller, ARNP, DNP
Susan Ottemiller, ARNP, DNP
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
Advanced Practice Provider
Registered nurse (RN)
Registered nurse (RN)
Your nurse manages your care alongside your doctor and assists with care procedures and treatments.
Patient care coordinator
Patient care coordinator
Your patient care coordinator works closely with you and your doctor and serves as your scheduler.

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 providers