Jonathan J. Chen, MD, PhD
Located at
A mentor in college actually discouraged me from becoming a doctor. She said it required so many sacrifices that I should only do it if I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. So, for a few years, I pursued a career in biotech. While working at my first job after college, I volunteered at a free STD clinic at the local hospital. There, I witnessed the impact that doctors could make — and that clinched it for me. I realized that I truly couldn’t see myself doing anything else. The next thing I knew, I was applying to medical school.
I strive to live my life by the Golden Rule, and the same applies to the way I approach being a physician. If I were a patient, how would I want to be treated? How would I want to be spoken to? What things would I appreciate? I try to treat each person with compassion and patience, offering the personal attention that I would want a doctor to give me or my family. My favorite memories of interactions with patients are often initial consultations. Many people arrive at that first appointment feeling anxious, scared and uncertain. It’s heartening to see the transformation they go through over the course of the visit.
Provider background
Specialty: Radiation Oncology
Genitourinary cancers, kidney cancer
I am a board-certified radiation oncologist who specializes in caring for patients with ocular melanoma, the most common type of eye tumor, and genitourinary cancers (GU), which affect the urinary tract and male reproductive system. My expertise includes using proton therapy, a type of targeted radiation therapy that minimizes radiation exposure to healthy tissue. At UW Medicine, I research ways to improve treatments for GU cancers, such as prostate cancer, as well as ocular melanoma. Prior to joining Fred Hutch, I completed a PhD in pharmacology and served as chief resident at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
Diseases treated
Stories
March 2023 marks the 10th Anniversary of the proton therapy facility. Thank you to all our dedicated patients, doctors and staff who've made this place what it is today. Also, learn more about the ongoing clinical trials our doctors are conducting and meet our newest team coordinator.
In December of 2020, Terry Wyman, who is currently 73 years old and considered part of a high-risk age group for prostate cancer, received a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test during his annual check-up. His doctor had noted Terry had elevated PSA levels, a potential indicator of prostate cancer.
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.
