Top Doctor
Heidi J. Gray, MD
Located at
Gynecologic oncology encompasses all the aspects of medicine that I love: surgery, women’s health and long-term relationships with patients. When I did my first clinical rotation in gynecologic oncology as a resident, I found that I really enjoyed taking care of people and their families, getting to know their stories, and that has continued to be true for me. It’s inspiring to see patients’ strength and to witness their loved ones rally around them. My patients also surprise me sometimes. One day, I had to talk to a patient about restarting chemotherapy. I always like to be honest about what to expect, so I told her that it meant she would lose her hair, which can be devasting for people. She brushed it off and said, “Oh, I hate my hair, but I love my face.” Her comment made me smile, and it was a reminder that everyone’s experience with cancer is different. It’s rewarding to help patients through difficult times and learn about each person’s unique perspective.
I’m committed to individualizing care and providing accurate, thorough information about your diagnosis and treatment options. I want to understand what your needs are as well as how you envision your care unfolding as we move forward. A cancer diagnosis can be scary, but you don’t have to face it alone. My role is to guide you through this experience and help you make decisions, regardless of the expected outcome or the trajectory of your disease.
Provider background
Specialties and clinical expertise: Gynecologic Oncology
I am a board-certified oncologist who specializes in the care of patients with gynecologic cancers. I have expertise in advanced robotic surgery, complex pelvic surgery and cancer survivorship issues, among other areas. At SCCA, I serve as the director of clinical trials for gynecologic oncology, providing care for patients who are enrolled in our studies. I am also the director of the UW Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program.
My research interests include immunotherapies (therapies that harness a patient’s own immune system) and quality improvement for surgical care. At UW Medicine, I implemented the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program for patients undergoing open surgery for gynecologic cancers. This program is a patient-centered method for standardizing post-operative care in order to speed recovery. We found that it increased patient satisfaction, shortened the length of hospital stays and reduced the need for opioid pain medication. Currently, my research efforts are focused on conducting novel clinical trials of drug therapies for patients with gynecologic cancers. My work has been funded by the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation and the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
Diseases treated
Research
Clinical trials
We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by SCCA doctors. Many of these trials at SCCA 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 SCCA physicians conduct ongoing research to improve standards of patient care. Their work is evaluated by other physicians and selected for publication to the United States National Library of Medicine, the largest medical library in the world. See scientific papers this SCCA provider has written.
Press
SCCA providers are often asked to give their medical expertise for press and news publications. Read articles by or about this SCCA provider.
Your care team
Insurance
SCCA 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.
