Stephen Rulyak, MD, MPH

Physician
Fred Hutch
Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology
University of Washington School of Medicine
Associate Professor, Clinical Research Division
Fred Hutch
Specialty:
Gastroenterology
“It is incredibly rewarding to establish close relationships with patients and get through the difficult times together.”
— Dr. Rulyak
Why should a patient trust Fred Hutch for care?

A patient who chooses Fred Hutch can be confident they are being evaluated by the best of the best. Our patients receive the most up-to-date and evidence-based care in a highly compassionate place.
 

How would you describe your approach to care?

My approach is highly patient-centered — the patient always has priority. I try to combine the latest medicine with a kind and caring approach. My goal is for my patients to leave feeling completely comfortable with their care and with no questions left unanswered.

Provider background

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Gastrointestinal cancer: prevention, diagnosis and treatment

I am a gastroenterologist who sees patients at Fred Hutch and UW Medical Center - Montlake.

I have previously conducted research on colon cancer screening and prevention as well as familial pancreatic cancer.

Gastroenterologist Gastroenterologists are trained to diagnose and treat diseases of the gastrointestinal system, including cancers of the liver, pancreas, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum and anus. Gastrointestinal Refers to the stomach and intestines. Also called GI. Screening Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease. Examples of cancer screening tests are the mammogram (for breast cancer), colonoscopy (for colon cancer) and Pap and HPV tests (for cervical cancer). Screening can also include a genetic test to check for a person’s risk of developing an inherited disease.

Diseases treated

Education, experience and certifications
Undergraduate Degree
Cornell University
Medical Degree
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
Residency
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Fellowship
University of Washington
Board Certification
Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine, 2000; Gastroenterology, American Board of Internal Medicine, 2015
Other
MPH, University of Washington School of Public Health
Languages
English

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

At Fred Hutch, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes doctors, a patient care 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.
David M. Hockenbery, MD
David M. Hockenbery, MD
Physician
Gastroenterology
Teresa A. Brentnall, MD
Teresa A. Brentnall, MD
Physician
Gastroenterology
Registered nurse (RN)
Registered nurse (RN)
Your nurse manages your care alongside your doctor and assists with care procedures and treatments.
Patient care coordinator
Patient care coordinator
Your patient care coordinator works closely with you and your doctor and serves as your scheduler.

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.

For providers