"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

K. Scott Baker, MD, MS

Provider

K. Scott Baker, MD, MS

Director, Survivorship Program, Fred Hutch
Director, Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Fred Hutch
Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch
Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Hematology-Oncology

South Lake Union Clinic
Seattle Children's

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“At Fred Hutch, you’re in some of the best hands in the world. I don’t think you could be in a better place to receive a transplant. ”

— Dr. Baker

What makes working in transplant medicine meaningful for you?

I’ve been practicing medicine long enough now to be able to follow patients for 15 to 20 years after their blood or bone marrow transplant, and what always brightens my day is getting cards and letters from people I’ve treated. For example, one spring I received a high school graduation announcement for a boy I had transplanted when he was 15 months old. Along with the announcement, his mother had included a picture of him as a toddler, around the time of his transplant, and a current photo. Looking at him now, you would never know that he had been sick a day in his life. What a reward it is to see these kids growing up and reaching milestones.

What’s it like to work with you?

My goal is to provide information and guidance to help you make the best decisions possible, both for your child and your family. Part of that process also involves learning from you; each family has something to teach me about their priorities and what they’ve been through. I also hope to offer peace of mind. Facing the need for a blood or bone marrow transplant is a stressful situation. The treatment is intense, complex and does not come without risk. But at Fred Hutch, you’re in some of the best hands in the world. I don’t think you could be in a better place to receive a transplant.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Pediatric blood and marrow transplantation, malignant and non-malignant blood disorders

I am a hematologist-oncologist who specializes in pediatric blood and bone marrow transplantation. My primary clinical focus is using transplant to treat children and young adults with non-malignant blood disorders, such as bone marrow failure syndromes, primary immunodeficiencies and histiocytic disorders. I also treat patients with cancers such as acute myeloid leukemia. In addition to providing care, I direct the Survivorship Program and the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at Fred Hutch.

My research is focused on better understanding the long-term health effects of transplantation. I have led studies investigating the effects of childhood cancer treatment on the heart, lungs, kidneys, hormones and reproductive system. At Fred Hutch and Seattle Children’s, I lead participation in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. This multi-institutional study tracks the health outcomes of childhood cancer survivors. I also lead clinical trials investigating the use of transplantation in young patients with non-malignant conditions.

Diseases Treated

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Aplastic Anemia

Bone Marrow Failure Diseases

Fanconi Anemia

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Medical Degree
University of Nebraska

Residency
University of Nebraska Medical Center, Pediatrics

Fellowship
Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology

Board Certification
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, 1994, 2016, American Board of Pediatrics

Other
MS, Clinical Research, University of Minnesota

Awards

Seattle Met's 2021 Top Doctors Award
Dr. Baker has been recognized as a Top Doctor in this peer-nominated award.

Stories

All news

First Lady Jill Biden: ‘Your work will change and save lives’

First Lady Jill Biden: ‘Your work will change and save lives’ MET-X research lab tour and Cancer Moonshot ‘listening session’ on survivorship and pediatric cancer highlight First Lady's visit to Fred Hutch September 25, 2023

Largest single-year drop in cancer death rates continues encouraging trend

Largest single-year drop in cancer death rates continues encouraging trend Stat reflects decrease in deaths from top 4 cancers; masks lack of progress in others January 9, 2020

Radiation dose and cancer risk after bone marrow transplant

Radiation dose and cancer risk after bone marrow transplant High-dose radiation, younger age increase risk of developing subsequent cancer, new study finds April 19, 2019

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. Baker

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. Baker'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

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