Rachel Kitson, PA-C, MSPAS, MPH, CPH

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Kitson
Rachel Kitson, PA-C, MSPAS, MPH, CPH

Rachel Kitson, PA-C, MSPAS, MPH, CPH

  • Physician Assistant, Fred Hutch
  • Teaching Associate, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Hematology-Oncology

“Cancer touches each of us in some way. A diagnosis can force people to confront our fragility, but the ups and downs of the experience can also reveal the depth of our strength, resilience and love.”

— Rachel


What is your approach to providing care?

My approach to care is patient-centered. I make every effort to support patients in whatever they need to make the most of each day.

It is incredibly important to me to treat patients as whole people. I celebrate the victories, and I like to be a shoulder to lean on during the hard times. I want to help patients sift through the overwhelming feelings and get to the heart of their goals. These goals can then inform and guide every decision. I try to make the impossible amount of information understandable, so patients have enough information and feel comfortable with their treatment plan.

Do you have a favorite memory of working with a patient you’d like to share?

During a break one day, I noticed a familiar patient was getting an infusion. I decided to stop by to check in on her, and we got to visiting and chatting. We did talk about her treatment and side effects, but we also got onto the topic of our favorite foods. She was having trouble with her appetite, but somehow had a hankering for a cheese Danish. I decided to have some delivered, and we just sat and chatted and ate our Danishes together and had a lovely time. I truly enjoyed getting to meet her where she was on that day. This type of connection with people is what makes me love oncology, and I am so grateful that people are willing to be open with me and allow me to be a part of their experience.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Medical oncology

I am a certified physician assistant who sees patients at the South Lake Union Clinic.

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
California Polytechnic State University

Medical Degree
Touro University California

Board Certification
Physician Assistant, 2016, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

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.