Physical Therapy

Rette Loera, PT, MS

To schedule a physical therapy appointment, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center patients need to be referred by a Fred Hutch physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. Patients who have secondary lymphedema can be seen at the Fred Hutch clinic by one of our physical therapists specializing in oncology.

Lymphedema A condition in which extra lymph fluid builds up in tissues and causes swelling. It may occur in an arm or leg if lymph vessels are blocked, damaged or removed by surgery. Nurse practitioner A registered nurse who has additional education and training in how to diagnose and treat disease. In cancer care, a nurse practitioner may manage the primary care of patients and their families. A registered nurse who has additional education and training in how to diagnose and treat disease. Nurse practitioners are licensed at the state level and certified by national nursing organizations. In cancer care, a nurse practitioner may manage the primary care of patients and their families, based on a practice agreement with a physician. Physician assistant A health professional who is licensed to do certain medical procedures under the guidance of a physician. A health professional who is licensed to do certain medical procedures under the guidance of a physician. A physician assistant may take medical histories, do physical exams, take blood and urine samples, care for wounds and give injections and immunizations.

Rette came to Fred Hutch from the University of Washington Medical Center where she worked for 14 years on the inpatient care, focusing on post-surgical and transplant oncology, cardio-thoracic and critical care. She also served as the site coordinator of Clinical Education for the Physical Therapy department at the University of Washington. Her prior experience was in sub-acute rehabilitation.

A native of the Northwest and former triathlete, Rette found physical therapy to be a natural career choice for someone who loves to be active, and appreciates the opportunity to work closely with people.

Outside of the work setting, Rette stays active preferably outdoors, running, hiking, biking, skiing, and spending time with her family. She has lived abroad in Latin America, led physical therapy students in service learning trips to Guatemala and speaks fluent Spanish.

Rette Loera, PT, MS smiles for a portrait

Patient care philosophy

It is a privilege to work as a physical therapist and champion patients from points of vulnerability to points of strength. I believe it is essential to let the patient define what is most meaningful to them in terms of function, and always keep that as our end goal.

Clinical expertise

Transplant oncology
Critical care
Acute care

Education and training

BA: University of Washington
MS, PT: University of Miami
Advanced Clinical Instructor

Contact

Fred Hutch Physical Therapy

phone (206) 606-6373

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 am–5 pm

Back To: Physical Therapy