Mary Kwok, MD
Located at
Throughout my career, I’ve conducted clinical trials investigating different treatment combinations and types of lab tests for multiple myeloma. I remember the day that I first met one of my trial participants. She showed up in a wheelchair and was in a lot of pain because the disease had infiltrated her bones. One day, about four months after she’d started an experimental treatment, I was getting on the elevator when I heard footsteps behind me. It was her — not only was she out of her wheelchair, she was up and running! I held the elevator for her, amazed at how far she had come. As a clinician and a researcher, it has been so exciting to bear witness to stories like hers, to see patients with multiple myeloma living longer and better as treatment options improve.
I completed my medical training in the military and practiced medical oncology within that system for eight years before joining Fred Hutch. Multiple myeloma is not yet a curable disease, so I’ve walked alongside many of my patients from the point of initial diagnosis, throughout treatment and long afterward as their lives progressed. Together, we’ve celebrated milestones, like returning to work or taking a dream vacation, and we’ve navigated unpredictable health setbacks. I love being a teammate to patients with multiple myeloma and similar conditions. What you’ll find in me is an advocate; I want to understand what’s important to you and help you reach those goals.
Provider background
Specialty: Medical Oncology
Hematologic malignancies
I am a board-certified medical oncologist who specializes in the care of patients with multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system. The early part of my career was spent under the mentorship of Dr. Ola Landgren, a leading international expert in multiple myeloma. For four years, I conducted clinical research at the National Cancer Institute, studying the use of drug therapies and diagnostic tools for this disease. At Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, I provided care for patients with multiple myeloma, led clinical trials and served as the program director of the hematology-oncology fellowship program. Now, as a member of the multiple myeloma team at Fred Hutch, I collaborate with a variety of specialists to treat people with this disease and other related conditions. Every day, I am inspired by the resilience and strength of the patients and families I work with.
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.
