Top Doctor
Michael L. Linenberger, MD
Located at
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.
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.
Provider background
Specialties: Medical Oncology, Hematology
Adult Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Hematologic Malignancies, Non-Malignant Hematology
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.
Diseases treated
Testimonials
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.
