"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Renata R. Urban, MD

Provider

Renata R. Urban, MD

Physician, Fred Hutch
Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Gynecologic Oncology

Fred Hutch at UW Medical Center - Montlake

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“Being a physician allows for constant learning, not only from my colleagues but also from my patients.”

— Dr. Urban

What drew you to the field of gynecologic oncology?

Many gynecologic cancers can be treated through surgery, and I really enjoy that aspect of my practice. Surgery is the ultimate exercise in mental focus: It requires dexterity, knowledge of anatomy and the ability to concentrate on what’s right in front of you. In some ways, it’s almost like meditation. What I also appreciate about this field is that I treat patients throughout the continuum of their disease, providing not only surgical care but other forms of treatment, such as chemotherapy. The range of care I provide and the way I get to work with patients and families over time can lead to some very special relationships.

What personal experiences have informed your approach to care?

One of my relatives had ovarian cancer, and since I was the only one in the family with medical expertise, she often turned to me to help explain what was happening. She asked a lot of frank questions about her prognosis, the decline of her health and even death. This experience reminded me that patients sometimes want to ask their physicians tough questions, but they may not always feel comfortable doing so. My job is to provide a safe environment for you to discuss whatever you need to. Sometimes, in the context of those discussions, people want to know if there’s any hope. I say that hope exists in many forms, some less obvious than others; for example, hope can mean wanting to attend a grandchild’s wedding or to visit family for Christmas. While it can be necessary to reframe unrealistic expectations, I believe there’s always room for hope.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Gynecologic cancers

I am a board-certified oncologist who specializes in the treatment of gynecologic cancers. These malignancies can affect a variety of female reproductive organs including the ovaries, uterus and cervix, among others. My expertise includes minimally invasive and robotic surgery, gynecologic cancer therapy, perioperative and supportive care, genetic assessment and cancer prevention. I also study health outcomes and the cost of care for ovarian cancer.

In addition to caring for patients and conducting research, I am dedicated to teaching early-career physicians and those still in training. I work with medical students, residents and fellows and lead initiatives that shape the practice of graduate and undergraduate medical education.

Diseases Treated

Cervical Cancer

Endometrial Cancer

Gynecologic Cancer

Uterine Sarcoma

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Medical Degree
Boston University School of Medicine

Residency
Stanford University Medical Center, Obstetrics & Gynecology

Fellowship
Stanford University Medical Center, Gynecologic Oncology

Board Certification
Gynecologic Oncology, 2015; Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2009, American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Other
Internship, Stanford University Medical Center

Awards

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

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.

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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. Urban's Publications

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