"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Ralph P. Ermoian, MD

Provider

Ralph P. Ermoian, MD

Physician, Fred Hutch
Associate Professor, Division of Radiation Oncology; Adjunct Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Radiation Oncology

Proton Therapy
Seattle Children's

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“One of the things I enjoy most about my specialty are the close relationships I develop with patients and families as well as my professional practice partners. It’s a team effort that results in the best outcomes.”

— Dr. Ermoian

Tell us about an interaction with a patient that has had a significant impact on you.

I once treated a preteen patient who was an extraordinary student. Unfortunately, she had developed a brain tumor that required a significant amount of radiation therapy. While radiation can be a very effective form of treatment, there are several potential long-term side effects to consider. Before moving forward, I had a long discussion with this patient and her family about how radiation therapy could impact the sharpness of her thinking — and ultimately her academic ambitions. After she completed her course of treatment, her family frequently wrote to me to share how well she was doing. Year after year, they would tell me about how she was still at the top of her class and eventually how she got accepted to an outstanding college. It was so exciting to hear that she was thriving and pursuing her career goals. One of the things I enjoy most about my specialty are the close relationships I develop with patients and families as well as my professional practice partners. It’s a team effort that results in the best outcomes.

What would you like patients and families to know about working with you?

I often tell patients and families that I’m going to expect the best, both in terms of how a tumor will respond to radiation therapy and how a patient will feel while receiving this treatment. Yet, while expecting the best, I also remain vigilant about evaluating for side effects and monitoring for cancer recurrence. My goal is to provide care that’s compassionate, detail-oriented and centered on your medical needs and goals.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Pediatric malignancies, brain tumors, blood-related cancers requiring stem cell transplantation

I am a board-certified radiation oncologist who specializes in treating children with brain tumors, sarcomas and other forms of cancer. I also provide radiation therapy for adult and pediatric patients who are preparing for a stem cell transplant as well as those seeking palliative treatment (relief for tumor-related symptoms).

My research is focused on examining the outcomes of pediatric patients who receive radiation therapy. I also collaborate with other physicians to develop interventions that minimize the need for very young patients to receive anesthesia during radiation therapy, which can be very disruptive for families. Other research interests include improving the safety of radiation therapy and addressing issues of equity and access to this treatment.

Diseases Treated

Brain Tumors

Langerhans' Cell Histiocytosis

Rhabdomyosarcoma

Wilms Tumor

Hodgkin Lymphoma

Neuroblastoma

Waldenström Macroglobulinemia

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Stanford University

Medical Degree
University of California, San Francisco

Residency
University of California, San Francisco, Pediatrics; University of Washington, Radiation Oncology

Fellowship
University of California, San Francisco

Board Certification
Pediatrics, 2007; Radiation Oncology, 2012, American Board of Radiology

Other
Internship, Children's Hospital Boston; Teaching Appointment, University of California, Berkeley

Seattle Met's 2020 Top Doctors Award
Dr. Ermoian has been recognized as a Top Doctor in Seattle Met's annual survey.

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