"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Meghan R. Flanagan, MD, MPH

Provider

Meghan R. Flanagan, MD, MPH

Physician, Fred Hutch
Affiliate Investigator, Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutch
Assistant Professor, Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Surgery

South Lake Union Clinic
UW Medical Center - Northwest

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“I’m constantly searching for answers that allow me to better support you as my patient and advance the field of breast oncology.”

— Dr. Flanagan

What do you enjoy about being a breast surgeon?

I love that I get to care for patients from a surgical standpoint while also developing a relationship with them over time. It’s so gratifying to be able to sit down with a patient who is going through one of the scariest experiences that there is and say, “I think we can cure your breast cancer,” and then be able to do exactly that. As a breast surgeon, I also get to combine my passion for providing hands-on care with my interest in research. It’s inspiring to be active in a field like breast oncology that is so dynamic — new techniques and therapies are emerging all the time. To ensure I am treating my patients with the most up-to-date information, I must always be learning.

How do you like to work with patients?

Receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer is life-altering, and yet the exact way it changes your life is different for every person. Cancer is a highly individual experience — from the treatment you pursue to how you choose to cope with the disease and transition into survivorship. With this perspective in mind, I integrate your values with best clinical practices and emerging research to present you with the most effective surgical options. As one member of a multidisciplinary team, I place a high priority on collaborating with my colleagues in oncology and other disciplines so you can feel confident about your treatment recommendations.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Breast cancer, breast health

I am a surgical oncologist who focuses on the evaluation and treatment of breast disease, both cancerous and benign. I am a member of the American College of Surgeons, the Society of Surgical Oncology and the Association of Women Surgeons. I was also a presenter at the 2017 symposium “Hot Topics in Breast Cancer: Breakthroughs in Prevention, Screening and Therapies.”

My research areas have included lymph node evaluation, patient satisfaction and chemoprevention among women at high risk of developing breast cancer. I’m also interested in exploring how to improve cancer-related outcomes and access to health services. During my residency training in general surgery at the UW School of Medicine, I received a grant from the National Institutes of Health to study cancer epidemiology and biostatistics, an experience that inspired me to complete a master of public health degree.

Diseases Treated

Benign Breast Disease

Breast Health

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

Lobular Carcinoma in Situ

Phyllodes Breast Tumors

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
University of California, Berkeley

Medical Degree
Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Residency
University of Washington, General Surgery

Fellowship
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Surgical Oncology

Board Certification
General Surgery, 2017, American Board of Surgery

Other
MPH, University of Washington; Breast Cancer Surgery Hidden Scar Certificate of Training

Awards

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

Athena Endowed Award for Excellence in Breast Cancer Research, 2019
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Early Investigator Catalyst Award, 2019
Institute for Translational and Clinical Studies

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. Flanagan

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. Flanagan'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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