"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Elise J. Simons, MD, FACOG

Provider

Elise J. Simons, MD, FACOG

Physician, Fred Hutch
Clinical Assistant Professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine
Associate Program Director, Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Gynecologic Oncology

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

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“I want patients to feel comfortable, supported and like we’re sharing in all decisions. This requires me to really get to know each person so we can make their treatment plan together.”

— Dr. Simons

What do you value about your work?

I love the connection I’m building with each patient, and I also love performing surgery and the thinking I get to do about each cancer or condition and how to address it. It is gratifying to be with each patient and help them understand what they are seeing me for, which can be brand-new information for them and totally overwhelming. I appreciate coming to a mutual understanding of their condition, their goals and how I can help them. These goals can be very different from patient to patient.

Gynecologic oncology is constantly changing. In recent years, many new therapeutic options have become available for patients with advanced or recurrent ovarian and endometrial cancers. Surgical innovations, including minimally invasive surgery, have also expanded. Although cancer is a very serious situation, we can help a lot of people feel better and get back to a good quality of life.

What brought you to gynecologic oncology and what do you hope it’s like for a patient to work with you?

I entered medical school knowing I wanted to do something related to gynecology. It became evident quickly that I loved to be in the operating room and that it was a good fit for my personality and skills. Gynecologic oncology is a surgically heavy field, and we bring these skills together to help patients make complex medical and treatment planning decisions over the long term.

My job includes a lot of medicine and a lot of surgery, and it’s an exciting and innovative field. I want patients to feel like they have great access to all types of support throughout their treatment process. I provide my knowledge and expertise, and together we decide what to do.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Complex benign gynecologic condition management, gynecologic oncology, gynecologic surgery

I am a board-certified gynecologic oncologist who sees patients at the South Lake Union Clinic, UW Medical Center - Northwest and UW Medical Center - Montlake. I specialize in providing comprehensive care, including surgery and chemotherapy, to people with gynecologic cancers, such as cancers of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina and endometrium (the lining of the uterus). My clinical interests focus on hereditary gynecologic cancer syndromes, management of uterine cancers and minimally invasive surgical techniques, including robotic surgery.

Diseases Treated

Cervical Cancer

Dysplasia

Endometrial Cancer

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD)

Gynecologic Cancer

Hyperplasia

Uterine Sarcoma

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Dartmouth College

Medical Degree
University of Washington School of Medicine

Residency
University of Rochester, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Fellowship
Stanford University Medical Center, Gynecologic Oncology

Board Certifications
Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2015; Gynecologic Oncology, 2017; American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Awards

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

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View Dr. Simon's Publications

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