



Barbara Stulken Norquist, MD
Every patient needs something different. Figuring out what that is, no matter how big or small, and then providing it to the best of my ability is very rewarding. I take equal satisfaction from curing someone’s cancer through surgery or talking to them for an hour about the effects of premature menopause. One of the unique aspects of my specialty is that I am there for patients throughout the course of their disease, providing care that ranges from chemotherapy to surgery. As a result, I tend to form these incredible relationships with people. I feel privileged to gain insight into my patients’ lives and help them navigate their reproductive health.

My approach to care is based on honesty, respect and empathy. I aim to be as clear and direct as possible about your prognosis and treatment options. When it comes to cancer, it can be difficult to forecast the future, so I am also very candid about what I don’t know. Whether you’re at an increased risk of developing cancer or have received a diagnosis, I strive to answer all your questions and ultimately empower you to make decisions about your health. My goal is to help you live the life you want to live at each stage of your cancer journey.
Provider background
Specialty: Gynecologic Oncology
Gynecologic cancers, high risk prevention
I am a board-certified oncologist who specializes in the care of patients with known or suspected gynecologic cancers. My expertise spans the medical and surgical management of these diseases, including minimally invasive surgery, chemotherapy and long-term follow-up care. At Fred Hutch, I serve as the medical director of the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Prevention Program. In this role, I counsel patients who are at an increased risk of developing gynecologic cancers due to a family history of these diseases or other genetic factors. The goal of the program is to provide a personalized approach to the assessment and prevention of cancer.
In addition to working with patients, I study the genetics of ovarian cancer — how mutations can increase a person’s risk of developing the disease and how this information can be used to improve care. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is that I am able to apply scientific discoveries in the lab directly to patient care, helping people live longer and better lives.
Diseases treated
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.
Publications
Many of our Fred Hutch doctors conduct ongoing research to improve standards of patient care. Their work is evaluated by other doctors 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 provider has written.
Press
Our providers are often asked to give their medical expertise for press and news publications. Read articles by or about this Fred Hutch provider.
Your care team


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.