Michael L. Linenberger, MD
37 Years of Experience
Top Doctor
The Top Doctor award is a peer-nominated award for providers who give exceptional care.
Medical Director, Apheresis and Cellular Therapy
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
Professor, Hematology
University of Washington School of Medicine
University of Washington School of Medicine
Associate Member, Clinical Research Division
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Clinical expertise
Blood cancers, benign blood disorders
Blood cancers, benign blood disorders
Located at
“I can’t meet your needs without first hearing your story.”
—
Dr. Linenberger
What sparked your interest in medicine?
I have always been a science nerd — I loved microscopy as a kid — but it wasn’t until I worked as an orderly in the intensive care unit of a hospital that I knew I wanted to pursue medicine. For two summers while I was in college, I changed bedpans, gave sponge baths, answered call lights, stocked supplies and cleaned. It was intimate work. I got a vivid glimpse of the personal side of medicine, how important it is to provide comfort and help patients maintain their dignity. There was no question that I wanted to continue down that path.
Specialties and clinical expertise
The branch of medicine a provider practices and their areas of focus
Hematology-Oncology
Hematology-Oncology
Blood cancers and benign blood disorders
I am a board-certified hematologist who specializes in treating a variety of blood cancers and blood disorders. At SCCA, I serve as the medical director of the National Marrow Program Collection Center and the medical director of apheresis and cellular therapy. In these roles, I set policies and procedures to ensure the safe collection of stem cells and other cellular material for transplantation.
Throughout my career, I have also directed and participated in multiple studies that investigate donor safety and adverse events related to stem cell infusions. Other research interests include using therapeutic apheresis (the process of gathering stem cells) to address graft-versus-host disease, a life-threatening condition that can develop after a transplant, and applying cellular therapy to stem cell transplantation. In addition to conducting research and caring for patients, I also serve as the director of the UW School of Medicine Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program.
Throughout my career, I have also directed and participated in multiple studies that investigate donor safety and adverse events related to stem cell infusions. Other research interests include using therapeutic apheresis (the process of gathering stem cells) to address graft-versus-host disease, a life-threatening condition that can develop after a transplant, and applying cellular therapy to stem cell transplantation. In addition to conducting research and caring for patients, I also serve as the director of the UW School of Medicine Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program.
Diseases treated
Iron Overload
Low Platelets
Thrombotic Disorders
What is your approach to care?
I strive to offer compassionate care by forming a partnership with you and your other health care providers, and that partnership is based on good communication. You can rely on me to provide clinical expertise and the latest information about therapies and clinical trials. I rely on you to tell me how your diagnosis is affecting your life and how you and your caregivers are coping. I want to know what doubts are keeping you up at night, what you don’t understand and what you want to get out of treatment. By pooling our knowledge, we learn from each other, and we can come up with a care plan that best supports your health and well-being.
“I was very responsible about what I had to do, but I didn’t read too much about it. I didn’t want to know about the statistics. My doctors were always so positive; I just decided to trust them. We were on the same page.”
— Matt Fioretti
| Dr. Linenberger’s patient
“Dr. Linenberger is a wonderful hematologist and colleague. He has an encyclopedic wealth of knowledge about hematological conditions and displays endless compassion toward his patients. He is also a great mentor and teacher to colleagues, fellows and medical students.”
— Laura Connelly-Smith, MBBCh, DM
Undergraduate Degree
University of Kansas
University of Kansas
Medical Degree
University of Kansas
University of Kansas
Residency
Rhode Island Hospital (Brown University), Internal Medicine
Rhode Island Hospital (Brown University), Internal Medicine
Fellowship
University of Washington, Hematology
University of Washington, Hematology
Board Certification
Hematology, 1988; Internal Medicine,1985, American Board of Internal Medicine
Hematology, 1988; Internal Medicine,1985, American Board of Internal Medicine
Languages
English
Your care team
At SCCA, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes doctors, a team coordinator, a registered nurse, an advanced practice provider and others, based on your needs. You also have access to experts like nutritionists, social workers, acupuncturists, psychiatrists and more who specialize in supporting people with cancer or blood disorders.
Registered nurse (RN)
Your nurse manages your care alongside your physician and assists with care procedures and
treatments.
Team coordinator (TC)
Your team coordinator works closely with you and your physician and serves as your scheduler.
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.
Clinical Study of CWP232291 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients
Study No:
NCT03055286
Phase:
Phase I/II
HA-1 T TCR T Cell Immunotherapy for the Treating of Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Acute Leukemia After Donor Stem Cell Transplant
Study No:
NCT03326921
Phase:
Phase I
Controlled Study of Rigosertib Versus Physician's Choice of Treatment in MDS Patients After Failure of an HMA (INSPIRE)
Study No:
NCT02562443
Phase:
Phase III