"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Annemarie F. Shepherd, MD

Provider

Annemarie F. Shepherd, MD

Medical Director, Fred Hutch Cancer Center - Proton Therapy
Associate Professor, Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Radiation Oncology

Fred Hutch at UW Medical Center - Montlake
Proton Therapy

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“Each patient comes into treatment with different perspectives and backgrounds. I aim to always make sure I understand every person’s goals and priorities.”

— Dr. Shepherd

How have you been personally impacted by cancer?

Cancer has affected close friends, family members and mentors. I have seen how quickly a diagnosis can turn someone’s world upside down, and I have provided comfort and knowledge to assist loved ones through their own uncertain times.

I treated a patient who was my age and in a similar phase of life when she was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer. She tolerated treatment well, completely recovered and continues to be cancer-free. I love seeing her in follow-up care to view how her life continues to parallel mine, despite the major mountain that she had to overcome. She has given me so much perspective about life and family.

How do you approach providing patient care?

Besides my expertise in the field, I think my greatest asset for patients is my ability to share knowledge so they feel empowered. When patients have a better understanding of their situation, they can more confidently make decisions that are in line with their beliefs and desires. I strive to bring peace and understanding to patients through treatment and beyond.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Lung cancer, mesothelioma, thymic tumors

I am a board-certified radiation oncologist who sees patients at Fred Hutch at UW Medical Center – Montlake and Fred Hutch Cancer Center - Proton Therapy.

I want patients to know they can share anything with me. My goal is to help them make the best decisions for themselves. I am extremely thorough, detail-oriented and organized. I work hard to make sure radiation treatments are delivered exactly as intended.

Research has been an integral part of my career. My current focus is on proton therapy, lung cancer, thymic tumors and understanding radiation-related toxicity and patients with inherent sensitivity to radiation. I have published research extensively and written, run and led multiple clinical trials.

Proton therapy is exciting and advancing so quickly. It has been exhilarating to see how this technology has developed in such a short time.

Diseases Treated

Thymic Tumors

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
University of Pennsylvania

Medical Degree
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Residency
University of Pennsylvania, Radiation Oncology

Board Certification
Radiation Oncology, 2016, American Board of Radiology

Awards

ASTRO Annual Meeting Scientific Abstract/Travel Award, 2013

Stories

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The Beam: Introducing our new medical director, an in-depth look at our patient access team, and meet our new dosimetrist

The Beam: Introducing our new medical director, an in-depth look at our patient access team, and meet our new dosimetrist Meet medical director Dr. Annemarie Shepherd and dosimetrist Blake Webb and learn what the patient access team does August 20, 2024

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.

View Clinical Trials

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. Shepherd's Publications

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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