"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

David P. Sheppard, PhD

Provider

David P. Sheppard, PhD

Clinical Psychologist, Fred Hutch
Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Psychology

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“I have always been fascinated by how resilient the brain can be and wanted to be in a role where I can help people understand how theirs works.”

— Dr. Sheppard

How have you been personally impacted by cancer?

Having a family member diagnosed with cancer has illustrated to me how unique every person’s experience can be and taught me the importance of truly listening to patients to hear their story and understand their values. I have also gained a new appreciation for the many questions that arise for patients and their families and how important it can be to have a team that is willing to make time for discussion and to answer questions. It is important to me to meet each patient’s needs and assess their cognitive function in a way that is thoughtful and backed by research.

How do you approach providing care to patients?

It is my goal to learn about each patient’s challenges as well as their broader story to understand their personal experience. Our thinking skills play such an important role in how we function, and cancer or its treatments can affect these skills in different ways. As a neuropsychologist who often sees patients with cognitive difficulties or challenges with performing daily tasks due to these changes, my approach is to identify not only challenges in thinking skills, but also personal cognitive strengths that can help with rehabilitation. I emphasize strategies that meet the values of patients and their loved ones while focusing on improving well-being and quality of life. Everyone has their own unique strengths, and I have appreciated getting to learn from each patient I meet.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Clinical neuropsychology

I am a neuropsychologist who sees patients at UW Medical Center – Montlake and the South Lake Union Clinic.

I am a clinical psychologist with specialized training in assessment and rehabilitation of thinking skills, including memory, attention and other cognitive functions.

My research focuses on finding new ways to measure cognitive functioning in ways that better reflect a person's actual experience in daily life and on learning more about the longer-term effects of cancer and cancer treatment on cognitive functioning, including into older age. I wanted to specialize in cancer neuropsychology because despite so many advances in cancer treatment to improve survivorship, there remains a need to assist cancer survivors in addressing some of the effects of cancer and its treatment, including thinking skills.

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Gonzaga University

Medical Degree
PhD, Clinical Psychology, University of Houston

Doctoral Internship
Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division; Clinical Psychology

Fellowship
Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division; Neuropsychology Clinical Research, Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center

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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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