"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Charles Liu, MD, MS

Provider

Charles Liu, MD, MS

Physician, Fred Hutch
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Surgery

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“A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and it's my job to listen and clearly explain the evidence and trade-offs so patients can choose the treatments that are right for them.”

— Dr. Liu

How have you been personally impacted by cancer?

My wife and I have both had close family members who have coped with cancer and serious illnesses, and we have helped our parents and others navigate the health care system. I strive to bring this perspective to every visit, since it has shaped how I see the patient experience. As the child of immigrants, I also care deeply about making sure patients of all language backgrounds can access high-quality, timely care.

What brought you to focusing on cancer and providing surgical care?

I chose to specialize in colon and rectal surgery because I find it very rewarding to build relationships with patients experiencing colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and benign colorectal disease. Many of these conditions require treatment over months or years, and my role gives me the chance to get to know patients and understand their unique circumstances. I also enjoy the multidisciplinary nature of colorectal care that allows me to collaborate with providers in medical oncology, radiation oncology and gastroenterology.

I am passionate about helping patients and their families understand their diagnosis, treatment options and the care process. Cancers of the colon, rectum and anus are also a topic that most people don’t think or talk much about, so I strive to create an environment where patients and families feel comfortable asking questions and can leave the visit feeling equipped with more knowledge.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Colon and rectal surgery

I am a surgeon who sees patients at the South Lake Union Clinic and at Fred Hutch at UW Medical Center - Montlake.

I care deeply about helping all patients access the highest-quality medical care, regardless of background, language spoken or prior experience with the health care system. In addition to my clinical work, I conduct research on health care policy and the affordability of medical and surgical care.

My primary research focus is on patients’ out-of-pocket spending for medical and surgical care and the effect of public policy reforms on this spending. I am interested in whether out-of-pocket costs affect patients’ ability to receive on-time medical care. I have also conducted research on the accuracy of current imaging techniques in detecting the clinical response of rectal cancer to chemotherapy and radiation.

Diseases Treated

Appendiceal Tumors

Gastrointestinal Cancer

Gastrointestinal Diseases

Neuroendocrine Tumors

Languages

Chinese (Mandarin)
English
Spanish

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Harvard College

Medical Degree
Harvard Medical School

Residency
Stanford University School of Medicine, General Surgery

Fellowship
University of Minnesota Medical School, Colon and Rectal Surgery

Board Certification
General Surgery, 2024, American Board of Surgery

Other
MS, Health Policy and Management, University of California, Los Angeles

Awards

Excellence in Research Award, 2019 American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress

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.

View Clinical Trials

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. Liu'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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