Integrative Medicine

Melissa Romeo, PhD, MAOM, LAc

Fred Hutch Integrative Medicine services are currently available to all hematology oncology patients receiving care at the South Lake Union Clinic. Integrative medicine therapies and practices can be empowering therapeutic tools to help relieve cancer and treatment-related side effects as well as improve overall wellness and quality of life at any point following a cancer diagnosis.

Integrative medicine Combines conventional (standard) medical treatment with complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies that have been shown to be safe and to work. CAM therapies treat the mind, body and spirit. Side effects A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some side effects of cancer treatment are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss and mouth sores.
Melissa Romeo stands smiling for a portrait in a brightly lit building.
Melissa Romeo, PhD, MAOM, LAc, Acupuncturist, Integrative Medicine

I am excited to be part of the Integrative Medicine team at Fred Hutch. Prior to joining Fred Hutch, I worked at the Polyclinic in the Integrated Medicine Department as well as in private practice. My current acupuncture research focuses on reducing side effects of patients during conventional cancer treatment.  My past research focused on reducing symptoms and improving the well-being for people in palliative care.

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, backpacking, and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I am an active member of King County Explorer Search and Rescue (KCESAR) and Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART).

Integrative medicine Combines conventional (standard) medical treatment with complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies that have been shown to be safe and to work. CAM therapies treat the mind, body and spirit. Side effects A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some side effects of cancer treatment are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss and mouth sores. Symptom A physical or mental problem that a person experiences that may indicate a disease or condition. Symptoms cannot be seen and do not show up on medical tests. A physical or mental problem that a person experiences that may indicate a disease or condition. Symptoms cannot be seen and do not show up on medical tests. Some examples of symptoms are headache, fatigue, nausea and pain.
Patient care philosophy

In my acupuncture practice, I utilize evidence-based acupuncture research in conjunction with East Asian Medicine theory and principles to mitigate side effects and improve the quality of life for patients as they undergo cancer treatment. 

Side effects A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some side effects of cancer treatment are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss and mouth sores.
Clinical expertise

Oncology acupuncture in a clinical and research setting.

Education
  • MS: New England School of Acupuncture, Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
  • PhD: Monash University, Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Chemistry
  • BSc: Monash University, Bachelor of Science 
More information
  • NCCAOM Board Certified in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
  • Member of the Society of Integrative Oncology (SIO)

Make an appointment

Fred Hutch Integrative Medicine
Page glossary
close
More info