Meet Our Gastrointestinal Cancer Team
Our Philosophy
From the moment you’re referred to the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute for gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, you’ll be cared for by a closely connected team that includes expert surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, GI specialists, and compassionate support staff. We treat cancers of the stomach, liver, pancreas, esophagus, colon, and rectum with a whole-team approach that emphasizes collaboration, clear communication, and treatments tailored to you.
Patients often tell us they appreciate not just the depth of our expertise, but the personal attention they receive. Our team is known for being accessible and responsive — offering direct contact with physicians, swift coordination across specialties, and a focus on what matters most to you. With advanced treatments like minimally invasive endoscopic procedures, genomically informed therapies, and access to unique clinical trials, we offer leading-edge care in a setting that feels both expert and deeply human.
Supporting Team Members
In addition to our expert doctors and specialists, you'll be supported by a team of compassionate professionals who focus on your whole health - body, mind, and spirit. They're here to guide you, answer questions, and make sure you always know what to expect.
Our specially trained oncology nurses provide expert care, guidance, and education throughout your treatment. They help manage side effects, coordinate your care plan, and offer a compassionate presence every step of the way.
Our fellowship-trained rehabilitation physician and a team of therapists—including physical, occupational and speech therapists—help you maintain or regain strength, mobility, and function during and after treatment.
Onco-psychiatrists specialize in the emotional and psychological needs of people facing cancer. They help you navigate the mental health challenges that may arise, offering counseling, medication management, and tailored support.
Registered dietitians provide expert nutrition counseling to help you manage treatment side effects, maintain strength, and nourish your body through every phase of care. They tailor their guidance to your personal needs and preferences.
Our physician medical geneticist guides a team of genetic counselors to help assess personal and family cancer risk through genetic testing and counseling.
Palliative care specialists focus on relieving pain, managing symptoms, and improving quality of life at any stage of cancer care. They work alongside your oncology team to ensure your comfort, values, and goals are honored.
We offer a wide range of supportive services, including cancer rehabilitation, naturopathy, health education, art and music therapy, medical massage, and social work support. Learn more about our supportive care services.
Note: Some services are provided by local partners and vary based on location. Please contact your clinic for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your care team may include gastroenterologists involved in diagnosis or early treatment, surgeons who specialize in gastrointestinal cancers, and a support staff of nurses and physician assistants.
If your treatment includes cancer-directed medication, your medical oncology team will include a medical oncologist along with nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and nurses who specialize in GI cancers.
If radiation therapy is part of your treatment plan, you’ll also work with a radiation oncologist and a care team that may include radiation therapists, physicists, and nurses to guide you through that part of care.
Cancer often requires a combination of treatments to achieve the best outcome, so it’s likely your care plan could include more than one type of treatment and specialist.
Surgery is not typically part of treatment, but chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy may be used to treat cancer cells, reduce the risk of recurrence, or improve overall effectiveness.
Our cancer experts tailor treatment to your specific diagnosis, working to achieve the best outcomes.
Our patients often tell us the difference is in the relationships we develop with them. You’ll have direct access to your physicians and benefit from an expert team that collaborates closely and communicates quickly. With leading research, a strong referral network, and a culture that prioritizes quality over volume, we aim to offer advanced cancer care in a setting that feels personal and responsive.
Yes. Our cancer experts participate in regular multidisciplinary tumor boards and stay current with the latest research and clinical guidelines. Many are also involved in clinical trials, research efforts, and national committees that ensure patients have access to emerging therapies and leading-edge care. This collaborative and patient-focused research approach helps ensure your treatment plan reflects the most current advancements in cancer care.
Many patients come to us after a diagnosis or abnormal test result, usually referred by their gastroenterologist, oncologist, or primary care provider. Others are sent by trusted clinicians in our wider network who know and value our team. If you’re looking for a second opinion or want to explore your options, we encourage you to reach out directly.
Yes. At any given time, the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute has access to hundreds of clinical research studies involving most types of cancers. We are one of the leading clinical trial sites in the western United States and often the only site in the Pacific Northwest to participate in many clinical trials, including select first-in-human studies that offer early access to promising new therapies. Ask your care team if a clinical trial could be part of your personalized treatment plan.
Yes, we are one of only a handful of national programs to offer a dedicated rehabilitation program led by a fellowship-trained specialist.
The program integrates the medical management of treatment-related side effects and a variety of other physical, occupational, and behavioral therapies, which have been shown to improve overall health for people living with cancer. This may include nutritional guidance to help you eat well during and after treatment and physical or occupational therapy to help prevent lymphedema.
We provide a full range of supportive care services to support you during and after your cancer treatment. Some of these services include:
- Art therapists
- Cancer rehabilitation (onco-physiatry)
- Care coordinators
- Genetic counseling (cancer geneticist)
- Health educators
- Medical massage (edema, lymphedema management)
- Music therapist
- Naturopaths
- Nutritionists
- Oncology nurses
- Social workers
- Speech and language pathology
We can also help with finances, food, transportation, and other challenges for eligible patients through our patient assistance fund.
See the full list of supportive care services.
Note: Some services are provided by local partners and vary based on location. Please contact your clinic for more information.