"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Joy C. Chen, MD, MS

Provider

Joy C. Chen, MD, MS

Physician, Fred Hutch
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Surgery

Fred Hutch at UW Medical Center - Montlake
South Lake Union Clinic

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“I believe that every patient should have access to the same high-quality, evidence-driven care. It’s my job to help you navigate the complex world of cancer treatment so you can make the best decision for you.”

— Dr. Chen

Why did you become a surgeon?

My interest in medicine grew out of a passion for public health advocacy and social justice. I wanted to play a role in preventing disease and helping people stay well. During my medical training, I became interested in surgery as a specialty, but I wasn’t sure that, as a surgeon, I could also pursue the community outreach work that I was passionate about. Then I met a breast surgeon who was very involved with a mobile mammogram service. One day, we screened a woman in her 40s or 50s who had a large mass in her breast and who hadn’t yet been to see a doctor about it. That was when the lightbulb went off; I knew I could do both. As a colorectal surgeon, I enjoy performing dynamic procedures that help eliminate cancer or fix other health problems for patients. At the same time, I’m able to contribute to community health by making colorectal cancer screenings more accessible.

What would you like patients to know about your approach to care?

I believe that every patient should have access to the same high-quality, evidence-driven care. It’s my job to help you navigate the complex world of cancer treatment so you can make the best decision for you. To do this, it’s important for me to listen and have open discussions with you and your family. Every person’s experiences and challenges are unique, so the solution must be tailored to fit your needs as they evolve.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Colorectal cancers

I specialize in the surgical treatment of patients with colon cancer, rectal cancer and anal cancer. Before joining Fred Hutch, I completed a fellowship in colorectal surgery at the University of Minnesota. In addition to providing care, I am interested in improving access to preventive colorectal cancer screenings in underserved communities. Screenings are an important tool for detecting abnormal groups of cells (polyps) before they develop into cancer, when they are more easily treated. My research has focused on the role academic institutions can play in supporting preventive health for colorectal cancers. I am also studying how different approaches to the treatment of rectal cancer affect disease recurrence and survival.

Diseases Treated

Languages

English
Chinese (Mandarin)
Spanish

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Stanford University

Medical Degree
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Residency
Stanford University Medical Center, General Surgery

Fellowship
University of Minnesota, Colon and Rectal Surgery

Other
MS, Biological Sciences

Awards

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

General Surgery Resident Research Initiation Grant
Dr. Chen received this award in 2014 from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. It supports general surgery residents interested in conducting clinical or laboratory-based research on diseases of the colon, rectum and anus.

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.

View Clinical Trials

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. Chen'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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