Michael Lai, ARNP

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Lai
Michael Lai, ARNP

Michael Lai, ARNP

  • Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, Fred Hutch
  • Teaching Associate, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Medical Oncology

“I want to develop a strong relationship with you by understanding not only the physical challenges presented by your disease, but also your emotional well-being and that of your loved ones.”

— Michael


How do you help patients who are stressed or anxious?

Cancer can be a really scary, difficult experience in folks’ lives. At the same time, I'm often amazed by the strength, spirit and resilience of the patients I work with. As you move through the process of getting a diagnosis and then receiving treatment, I hope I can help make a meaningful difference. I’m here to listen, talk and support you through the challenges. I chose to work in oncology for the chance to be one small part of your care and to provide you with the type of resources you need.

What is your approach to care?

Everybody comes to the table with their own set of circumstances and experiences that are particular to them. Part of our job is to adapt your treatment to you as a unique individual. A treatment that is the gold standard may still need to be applied a little differently for you than for someone else, so it’s important that we understand what you’re going through, where you’re coming from and the context in which you live. This can really help to inform how we make decisions together with you for your health.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Genitourinary cancers

I am an advanced registered nurse practitioner who sees patients at the South Lake Union Clinic.

Quite simply, I decided to focus on medical oncology for the opportunity to help people. Realizing I wanted to work in health care wasn’t necessarily a light-bulb moment; it was more of a realization over time as I considered the things I was looking for in my work and how I wanted to be fulfilled. I had known I wanted to be in the sciences ever since I was a little kid, but I also wanted to make sure I could communicate with, and develop relationships with, my colleagues. Being an ARNP in medical oncology is really a great opportunity to do that.

Diseases Treated

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Brown University

Medical Degree
Seattle University

Board Certification
Family Nurse Practitioner, 2015

Other
University of Pennsylvania

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. 

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. 

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.