H. Katherine Kim, MD
Located at
Initially, I was interested in radiology as well as nuclear medicine, a field which involves using small amounts of radioactive materials to help diagnose and treat diseases. While I found them both fascinating, I wanted to practice a specialty where I could develop more long-term relationships with patients. As a radiation oncologist, I tend to monitor my patients for several years —even after active treatment is over —so I get to know them quite well. Working in this field gives me the chance to make a big difference in people’s lives using advanced technology while also forming strong bonds with patients and families over time.
I’m a true believer in the power of forming deep relationships with patients and families; our trust in each other is a fundamental key to success. My priority has always been to combine state-of-the art treatment with compassionate attention to the needs of every patient. I think it’s important to remember that cancer care is not just about “winning,” in the sense of achieving a cure or putting a disease into remission. Cancer care is also about understanding a person’s emotional or spiritual path, offering hope and support and helping patients through every stage of this experience, whether that means working toward a cure or helping people prepare for end of life.
Provider background
Specialty: Radiation Oncology
Genitourinary cancers
Breast cancer
Colorectal cancer
I am a board-certified radiation oncologist with more than 30 years of experience in cancer care. I specialize in treating patients with prostate, breast, and colorectal cancers, among other diseases. My expertise includes a variety of radiation techniques, such as brachytherapy (radiation administered from inside the body). In addition to caring for patients, I have conducted research on intraoperative radiation therapy — radiation administered during surgery — for locally advanced rectal cancer and cervical carcinomas.
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.
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.
