"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Barbara Stulken Norquist, MD

Provider

Barbara Stulken Norquist, MD

Director, Breast and Ovarian Cancer Prevention Clinic, Fred Hutch
Associate Professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Gynecologic Oncology

South Lake Union Clinic
Fred Hutch at UW Medical Center - Montlake

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“Every patient needs something different. Figuring out what that is, no matter how big or small, and then providing it to the best of my ability is very rewarding.”

— Dr. Norquist

What do you enjoy about practicing gynecologic oncology?

Every patient needs something different. Figuring out what that is, no matter how big or small, and then providing it to the best of my ability is very rewarding. I take equal satisfaction from curing someone’s cancer through surgery or talking to them for an hour about the effects of premature menopause. One of the unique aspects of my specialty is that I am there for patients throughout the course of their disease, providing care that ranges from chemotherapy to surgery. As a result, I tend to form these incredible relationships with people. I feel privileged to gain insight into my patients’ lives and help them navigate their reproductive health.

How do you like to work with patients?

My approach to care is based on honesty, respect and empathy. I aim to be as clear and direct as possible about your prognosis and treatment options. When it comes to cancer, it can be difficult to forecast the future, so I am also very candid about what I don’t know. Whether you’re at an increased risk of developing cancer or have received a diagnosis, I strive to answer all your questions and ultimately empower you to make decisions about your health. My goal is to help you live the life you want to live at each stage of your cancer journey.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Gynecologic cancers, high risk prevention

I am a board-certified oncologist who specializes in the care of patients with known or suspected gynecologic cancers. My expertise spans the medical and surgical management of these diseases, including minimally invasive surgery, chemotherapy and long-term follow-up care. At Fred Hutch, I serve as the medical director of the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Prevention Program. In this role, I counsel patients who are at an increased risk of developing gynecologic cancers due to a family history of these diseases or other genetic factors. The goal of the program is to provide a personalized approach to the assessment and prevention of cancer.

In addition to working with patients, I study the genetics of ovarian cancer — how mutations can increase a person’s risk of developing the disease and how this information can be used to improve care. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is that I am able to apply scientific discoveries in the lab directly to patient care, helping people live longer and better lives.

Diseases Treated

Cervical Cancer

Endometrial Cancer

Gynecologic Cancer

Uterine Sarcoma

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Medical Degree
University of Washington School of Medicine

Residency
University of Washington, Obstetrics & Gynecology

Fellowship
University of Washington, Obstetrics & Gynecology

Board Certification
Gynecologic Oncology, 2015; Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2014, American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Awards

Seattle Met's 2023 Top Doctors award
Dr. Norquist has received this peer-nominated award for exceptional patient care for multiple years.

Stories

All news

Fred Hutch study highlights racial disparities in ovarian cancer risk for women

Fred Hutch study highlights racial disparities in ovarian cancer risk for women Researchers examined risks for Black and white women with endometriosis and fibroids to understand how common medical interventions for those conditions modified the outcomes May 4, 2023

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.

Find a Clinical Trial Led by Dr. Norquist

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. Stulken-Norquist'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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