"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Matthew Givens, MD

Provider

Matthew Givens, MD

Physician, Fred Hutch
Assistant Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch
Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Palliative Care

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“Cancer affects everyone. I get to practice medicine and help people from all walks of life. That is very enriching as a doctor.”

— Dr. Givens

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

I hope my patients feel heard and supported through the process. I hope they feel free to ask questions if they don’t understand something. I want to serve as a bridge to help patients engage with the medical system and get what they need.

What brought you to palliative medicine?

I originally trained as an emergency doctor. I was three months in, dealing with impostor syndrome and in an intensive care unit where I was responsible for more than a dozen patients. This was also the first time I experienced providing continuity of care, where I was getting to know patients and what was important to them and crafting a treatment plan that met their goals. I eventually realized that this is the heart of palliative medicine. I get to help my patients find out what they value and then marry that with my expertise. This is gratifying work.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Palliative care

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

A lot of times in palliative care, we talk about comfort measures, and this is largely what is most appropriate for people. But sometimes what is most appropriate is also doing everything medically possible to prolong longevity because that is what a patient, and their family, values.

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
University of Utah

Medical Degree
University of Colorado

Residency
Indiana University, Emergency Medicine

Fellowship
University of Washington, Hospice and Palliative Medicine

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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