"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Keith D. Eaton, MD, PhD

Provider

Keith D. Eaton, MD, PhD

Clinical Director of Thoracic, Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Fred Hutch
Medical Director for Quality, Safety and Value, Fred Hutch
Professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington Medical Center

Specialty:

Medical Oncology

South Lake Union Clinic

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“Helping people is really important to me. My childhood heroes were Gandhi and Einstein. Now, as a clinician and researcher, I get to connect closely with patients while bringing them leading-edge treatments.”

— Dr. Eaton

Why did you become an oncologist?

I was always drawn toward the sciences, particularly physics and math. But in graduate school, I began to feel like something was missing; the more I pursued these interests, the more I felt removed from people. Then I met my wife, who was in medical school at the time. Through her, I discovered that a career in medicine would be scientifically challenging while also providing that missing human element, so I switched gears and decided to become a physician. What I like about being an oncologist is that I get to treat the whole person, not just their illness. I’m interested in how someone is coping, what their priorities are and how I can help them lead a healthy, fulfilling life despite a cancer diagnosis.

Do you have a personal connection with cancer?

In 2012, I was diagnosed with leukemia and was given less than a 5 percent chance of survival. Kind of like Harry Potter — I’m the boy who lived. As a survivor, I never lose sight of how fortunate I am to support others as they face the challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment. I consider patient education to be one of the most important aspects of my work because it empowers you to make informed decisions and participate fully in your care. I’m known as kind, patient, a good listener and an open, compassionate communicator. I’m committed to answering all your questions honestly and really getting to know you.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Head and neck cancers, lung cancer, thoracic cancers, cancer of unknown primary

I provide care for patients with cancers of the lung, thyroid, head and neck, as well as those diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary (CUP), a rare disease in which the origin of malignant cells found in the body is not known. In addition to providing clinical care, I serve as the medical director for quality, safety and value at Fred Hutch. In this role, I focus on improving cancer care at a systems level, from the way we communicate with patients to the way we deliver care at the end of life, among other areas.

From a research perspective, I lead clinical trials investigating novel drug therapies for lung cancer. I also collaborate with colleagues seeking to better understand cancer biology and to develop more targeted treatments.

Diseases Treated

Endocrine Tumors

Head and Neck Cancers

Salivary Gland Cancer

Languages

English

Education, Expereince and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
University of California, San Diego

Medical Degree
University of California School of Medicine, San Diego

Residency
University of Washington, Internal Medicine

Fellowship
University of Washington/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Medical Oncology

Board Certification
Medical Oncology, Internal Medicine; American Board of Internal Medicine

Other
PhD, Physics, University of California School of Medicine, San DiegoAwards

Awards

Seattle Met's 2019 Top Doctors award
Dr. Eaton has been recognized as a Top Doctor year after year.

Stories

All news

Diagnosed with a rare adrenal tumor, Whitney Wynn beats the odds

Diagnosed with a rare adrenal tumor, Whitney Wynn beats the odds April 8, 2021

Jim Brown January 2, 2018

Amie Parker January 2, 2018

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. Eaton

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. Eaton'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 dieticians, 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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