Jennifer M. Specht, MD

/content/dam/www/provider-photos/s/jennifer-specht/provider-jennifer-specht-directory-1x.jpg
/content/dam/www/provider-photos/s/jennifer-specht/provider-jennifer-specht-directory-2x.jpg
Specht
Jennifer M. Specht, MD

Jennifer M. Specht, MD

  • Physician, Fred Hutch
  • Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch
  • Clinical Research Director, Breast Oncology, UW Medicine
  • Professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine
  • Jill D. Bennett Endowed Professorship in Breast Cancer, UW Medicine

Medical Oncology

Request an Appointment  Print

“My job is to make you an expert in this field, sharing as much information as you would like so that you feel confident and equipped to manage your journey.”

— Dr. Specht

What do you enjoy about working with patients who have breast cancer?

I feel privileged to spend time with my patients, many of whom do extraordinarily well because we’ve made a lot of advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. I continue to be inspired by the young women I care for, who have had their life plans completely altered by a diagnosis and yet who manage the upheaval with grace, strength and dignity. One of the most rewarding parts of my job are the relationships I develop with patients and families over time. I see them as heroes who are truly focused on what’s important in life.

What do you want patients to know about working with you?

As our scientific understanding of breast cancer advances, treatment options have become increasingly complex. My job is to make you an expert in this field, sharing as much information as you would like so that you feel confident and equipped to manage your journey. I also support participation in well-designed clinical trials to help answer important questions about breast cancer, which ultimately leads to better health and longer lives for patients.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Breast cancer

I am a board-certified medical oncologist who specializes in caring for patients with all stages of breast cancer. My expertise includes treating women with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease that does not respond to hormonal medications. At Fred Hutch, I see patients in the Bezos Family Immunotherapy Clinic and lead the Phase 1 Breast Cancer Program, which tests the safety and efficacy of novel breast cancer therapies.

I am also a clinical trialist; my research interests include breast cancer genetics, immunotherapy and the use of molecular imaging to better understand the biology of breast cancer. Currently, I serve as the primary investigator for the Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium’s (TBCRC) clinical site at the University of Washington. TBCRC is a group of academic institutions that conduct collaborative translational research to discover new treatment strategies for breast cancer.

Diseases Treated

Breast Cancer

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
University of Washington

Medical Degree
University of Washington School of Medicine

Residency
University of Washington, Internal Medicine

Fellowship
University of Washington, Medical Oncology

Board Certification
Medical Oncology, 2004, 2017, American Board of Internal Medicine

Stories

All news
Risky business: Understanding how numbers, percentages and data impact cancer care
Risky business: Understanding how numbers, percentages and data impact cancer care Statistics can simultaneously enlighten and confuse patients November 21, 2023
What’s new in breast cancer research? SABCS 2022 delivers plenty
What’s new in breast cancer research? SABCS 2022 delivers plenty Studies highlight research on treatment toxicity, disparities in insurance, gaps in metastatic care, new therapies and more December 14, 2022
'Living my life like I don’t have cancer': Despite a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer, Maria Pearson continues her barrel racing passion
'Living my life like I don’t have cancer': Despite a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer, Maria Pearson continues her barrel racing passion October 24, 2021

Clinical Trials

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. Specht

Publications

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. Specht'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. 

Meet Other Providers

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.

More About Insurance