Christine Yennaco, PA-C, MPH, MCHS

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Yennaco
Christine  Yennaco, PA-C, MPH, MCHS
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Christine Yennaco, PA-C, MPH, MCHS

  • Physician Assistant, Fred Hutch
  • Teaching Associate, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine

“Working in the field of blood and marrow transplantation gives me the opportunity to practice complex medicine and to develop meaningful relationships with patients and families. ”

— Christine


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

I was on the care team for a resilient young woman who was undergoing a second bone marrow transplant. At the time, she’d been hospitalized for several months due to multiple medical complications. During the holidays, her brother, dressed as Santa, arrived from out of town and surprised her at the bedside. Our team of providers, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists and social workers gathered in her room for the wonderful surprise and shared in their moment of joy. It was a good reminder of the big picture — why we do what we do.

What personal experiences have informed your approach to care?

Several loved ones in my life have been affected by cancer. I remember feeling a sense of uncertainty and a loss of control as the people I cared about went through diagnosis and treatment. Those experiences motivate me to work with my team to keep patients as informed as possible. I strive to give thorough explanations about what to expect and to keep the non-cancer aspects of your life in perspective. I feel fortunate to work with such an innovative, dedicated team and very optimistic about the advances being made in oncology right now. 

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Blood cancers and non-malignant blood disorders

I am a board-certified physician assistant who specializes in caring for patients who undergo a blood or marrow transplant. The goal of this treatment is to replace diseased marrow with healthy cells. Working in the field of blood and marrow transplantation gives me the opportunity to practice complex medicine and develop meaningful relationships with patients and families. 

Diseases Treated

Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Hairy Cell Leukemia

Immune Deficiency Diseases

IPEX Syndrome

Neuotropenia

Scleroderma

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Boston University

Medical Degree
University of Washington School of Medicine

Board Certification
Physician Assistant, 2012, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistant

Other
Master Public Health, Boston University

Awards

Seattle Met's 2023 Top Doctors award
Christine has received this peer-nominated award for exceptional patient care.

John B. Coombs Leadership Award
Christine received this award in 2012 from the UW School of Medicine MEDEX program. The award honors students who serve as role models for their peers by displaying leadership qualities.

Mary Reed Award
Christine received this award in 2012 from the UW School of Medicine MEDEX program for achieving the highest GPA among students at all the training sites for that year.

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. 

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. 

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.