Andrew L. Ko, MD

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Ko
Andrew L. Ko, MD

Andrew L. Ko, MD

  • Physician, Fred Hutch
  • Associate Professor, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine
  • Roy and Maxine Johnson Endowed Professor in Epilepsy, UW Medicine

Surgery

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“I believe in a team-based approach to medicine where we treat the whole person, not just a particular disease process.”

— Dr. Ko

What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?

Both of my parents are physicians. When I was growing up, I didn’t intend to follow in their footsteps. In fact, I was a philosophy major in college. But then my brother experienced a life-altering injury to his spinal cord. I took some time off from school to help take care of him, and it was then that I started to consider going into medicine. There were many influences along the way that led me to specialize in neurosurgery, but that experience emphasized for me how much there is still to learn about the brain and other parts of the nervous system. Neurosurgery felt like an area where I could make a big difference in the lives of patients through both direct care and research.

How do you help patients?

Collaboration is the foundation of my practice. I work with a variety of multidisciplinary specialists to develop surgical treatment plans that safely maximize your neurological health and functionality without causing deficits. We prioritize your individual goals as well as your quality of life. I believe in a team-based approach to medicine where we treat the whole person, not just a particular disease process.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Brain, spinal, peripheral nervous system tumors, other neurological conditions

I specialize in functional neurosurgery, which focuses on restoring or preserving functionality in the nervous system, from the brain and spine to nerves throughout the body. The goal is to improve a person’s quality of life or correct a problem caused by a neurological condition, such as brain tumors or Parkinson’s disease. At Fred Hutch, I provide care for patients with cancers affecting the brain, spine or peripheral nervous system. I also treat patients at the UW Medicine Regional Epilepsy Center at Harborview.

My research is focused on using advanced imaging techniques and electrical activity in the brain to better understand and treat neurological conditions. One area of interest is using electrical stimulation in the brain to more effectively address symptoms, such as tremors, that are associated with Parkinson’s disease and similar disorders.

Diseases Treated

Brain and Spinal Cord Cancers

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Medical Degree
University of Illinois College of Medicine

Residency
University of Washington Medical Center, Neurological Surgery

Fellowship
Oregon Health & Science University, Neurological Surgery

Board Certification
Neurological Surgery, 2018, American Board of Neurological Surgery

Other
Internship, University of Washington Medical Center

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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Publications

Many of our Fred Hutch physicians conduct ongoing research to improve standards of patient care. Their work is evaluated by other physicians 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 physician has written. 

View Dr. Ko's Publications

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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