"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Sara Hardy, MD, MSci

Provider

Sara Hardy, MD, MSci

Physician, Fred Hutch
Associate Professor, Radiation Oncology Division, Fred Hutch
Assistant Professor, Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Radiation Oncology

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“There are often shades of gray and multiple potential treatments to discuss in cancer care. As an oncologist, I see myself as a guide. I walk with patients and provide them with support.”

— Dr. Hardy

How do you approach providing patient care?

My approach to care was directly impacted by what I experienced with my dad. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease when I was 17, and this led to years of gradual worsening, doctor visits and hospital stays. I remember his primary care physician telling me that it would ultimately make me a better doctor, and I think it has. I work with patients who experience symptoms due to brain tumors every day and try to help them and their caregivers as they deal with a neurological disease that impacts every aspect of their lives. I try to have the conversations I wish someone would have had with me when my father was sick.

How do you like to work with patients and what do you value about it?

I believe the most important thing we can do for patients is listen. I do my best to understand each patient as a person so we can work together to create a care plan aligned with their goals and values. I also enjoy being part of a team and believe that the best patient care comes from discussions with colleagues as we develop a tailored care plan for each patient.

Patients with brain tumors, even benign ones, experience unique struggles that can impact everything from their ability to function independently to personality. As a neurologist and radiation oncologist, my mission is to make sure they can continue to enjoy their lives despite their diagnosis.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Brain tumors, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology

I am a physician who sees patients at UW Medical Center – Montlake.

In my research, I work to understand and intervene on neurologic symptoms, including cognitive side effects experienced by patients with cancer, and find ways to better support patients and caregivers.

I have a special interest in helping older adults maintain quality of life after the diagnosis of a brain tumor. I was awarded the ASTRO-ACS Clinician Scientist Development Grant to fund work to understand how frailty (vulnerability to stressors) contributes to cognitive side effects after radiation in older adults.

Diseases Treated

Brain and Spinal Cord Cancers

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Scripps College

Medical Degree
Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University

Residency
Johns Hopkins University, Neurology
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Radiation Oncology

Board Certification
Neurology, 2015, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Radiation Oncology, 2022, American Board of Radiology

Other
MSci in Clinical Investigation, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

Awards

ASTRO-ACS Clinician Scientist Development Grant

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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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. Hardy's Publications

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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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