"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Amy Brustkern, PA-C

Provider

Amy Brustkern, PA-C

Physician Assistant, Fred Hutch
Teaching Associate, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Palliative Care

South Lake Union Clinic

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“It's a privilege to be in this role and have the opportunity to do this work. Everybody has their own story. Listening and hearing people's stories while walking them through the process is valuable to me.”

— Amy

What do you hope it’s like for a patient to work with you?

I want patients to feel heard and like they are part of the team. I always want to make sure they have the information they need in a way they understand. I think my role is to educate and help patients make decisions based on their values so they can feel in charge of their treatment plan. A diagnosis of cancer can sometimes cause people to feel like they are going to lose their ability to be in charge, so I really want to help patients feel like they have what they need to be a part of every conversation.

What do you think sets the care apart at Fred Hutch?

The collaboration here is unbelievable. So many people think about and work for each individual patient. Patients are very respected, and there is a lot of compassion for each person. All providers are aware of the latest and greatest treatments, including clinical trials, and are very knowledgeable about conditions so that patients can make the best decisions about navigating their care.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Palliative care

I am a certified physician assistant who sees patients at the South Lake Union Clinic.

I have 18 years of experience in emergency medicine, which is where I learned how much of an honor it is to interact with patients during a crisis. When patients have a diagnosis of cancer, it can be a vulnerable, fragile time, and I am grateful that I get to walk with people and hear their stories during a period of uncertainty.

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Occidental College

Medical Degree
University of Washington

Board Certification
Physicians Assistant, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

Clinical Trials

We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch physicians. Many of these trials at Fred Hutch have led to FDA-approved treatments and have improved standards of care globally. Together, you and your physician can decide if a study is right for you.

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Your Care Team

At Fred Hutch, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes physicians, a patient care coordinator, a registered nurse, an advanced practice provider and others, based on your needs. You also have access to experts like registered dietitians, social workers, acupuncturists, psychiatrists and more who specialize in supporting people with cancer or blood disorders.

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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.

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