"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Heidi J. Gray, MD

Provider

Heidi J. Gray, MD

Physician, Fred Hutch
Division Chief, Gynecologic Oncology, UW Medicine
Director, Gynecologic Oncology Clinical Trials, UW Medicine
Professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Gynecologic Oncology

Fred Hutch at UW Medical Center - Montlake
Fred Hutch at EvergreenHealth

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“It’s rewarding to help patients through difficult times and learn about each person’s unique perspective.”

— Dr. Gray

What do you enjoy about practicing gynecologic oncology?

Gynecologic oncology encompasses all the aspects of medicine that I love: complex surgery, managing cutting edge oncologic therapeutics and maintaining long-term relationships with patients and families. When I did my first clinical rotation in gynecologic oncology as a resident, in addition to being drawn to the incredible surgeries, I found that I really enjoyed taking care of gynecologic oncology patients and their families, getting to know their stories, and that has continued to be true for me. It’s inspiring to see patients’ strength and to witness their loved ones rally around them. It’s rewarding to be able to help patients through difficult times and learn about each person’s unique perspective and cancer journey.

How do you like to work with patients?

I’m committed to individualizing care and providing accurate, thorough information about diagnosis and treatment options. I want to understand what a patients needs are as well as how they envision care unfolding moving forward. My role is to guide patients through their experience and help support their decisions. I want every patient to have the best opportunities to beat their cancer and feel confident in their care.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Gynecologic cancers

I am a board-certified oncologist who specializes in the care of patients with gynecologic cancers. I have expertise in advanced robotic surgery, ovarian cancer surgery, complex benign pelvic surgery and clinical trials for gynecologic cancer. I serve as the Division Chief of Gynecologic Oncology at UW overseeing 11 physicians and 6 APPs. At Fred Hutch, I serve as the director of clinical research for gynecologic oncology, providing care for patients who are enrolled in our studies.

My research interests include clinical trials for gynecologic oncology patients and quality improvement for surgical care. Currently, my research efforts are focused on conducting novel clinical trials of drug therapies for patients with gynecologic cancers. At Fred Hutch, I have served as Principal Investigator (PI) of 23 clinical trials, 7 currently open and enrolling. My work has been funded by the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation and the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

At UW Medicine, I implemented the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program for patients undergoing open surgery for gynecologic cancers. This program is a patient-centered method for standardizing post-operative care in order to speed recovery. After implementation in 2015, we found increased patient satisfaction, shortened length of hospital stays and reduced the need for opioid pain medication.

Diseases Treated

Cervical Cancer

Endometrial Cancer

Gynecologic Cancer

Uterine Sarcoma

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Medical Degree
University of California, Los Angeles

Residency
University of Washington, Obstetrics & Gynecology

Fellowship
University of Pennsylvania, Gynecologic Oncology

Board Certification
Gynecologic Oncology, 2007, 2018; Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2005, 2018, American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Awards

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

Seattle magazine's 2021 Top Doctors Award
Dr. Gray has been recognized as a Top Doctor in this peer-nominated award multiple years in a row.

Harry J. Long Multidisciplinary Award
Dr. Gray received this award in 2020. Presented by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO), the award recognizes outstanding SGO members for multidisciplinary mentorship, collegiality or teaching in the field of gynecologic oncology.

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. Gray

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. Gray'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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