Recently employees from SCCA and Fred Hutch receive health care awards

Mar 13 2013

Recently employees from both Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Fred Hutch) and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) were recognized with industry awards for being leading innovators in health care. Seattle Business Magazine honored employees from SCCA and Fred Hutch for their leadership and advances in precision medicine. In addition, Puget Sound Business Journal recognized SCCA's executive team for their leadership. These awards emphasize the exceptional work being done by SCCA and its partner, Fred Hutch.

The Seattle Business Magazine Leaders in Health Care Awards recognize individuals and institutions that are making outstanding contributions towards improving the quality and affordability of health care in Washington state. The awards were presented during the Seattle Business Magazine Leaders in Health Care Awards ceremony held at the Bell Harbor Conference Center on February 28, 2013.

Rainer Storb, MD, member of the Clinical Research Division, Head, Transplantation Biology Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, was awarded as the Outstanding Medical Researcher of the Year for his work on transplantation. Storb is a world-renowned scientist, oncology doctor and expert in bone-marrow transplantation and blood cancer. Additionally, he is a founder of one of the most essential cancer research facilities in the country, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

"It is a great honor to receive this award for my transplantation work," Storb said. "I am very proud of the research we are doing in continuing the legacy of my mentor, Dr. Don Thomas. Procedures like the mini transplant, a treatment that dramatically reduces the levels of chemotherapy and radiation needed, enable patients who do not qualify for regular transplants to receive life-saving therapy. This procedure is truly a testament to the Fred Hutch's commitment to precision medicine."

Norm Hubbard, SCCA executive vice president, was honored as an Outstanding Health Care Executive of the Year. Hubbard has served as an exceptional leader in strategic leadership and management since SCCA opened its outpatient doors in 2001. Under his leadership SCCA patient five-year survival rates are among the highest of any cancer program nationally.

"I am incredibly grateful to be recognized as an Outstanding Health Care Executive and to work for such an exceptional institution," Hubbard said. "SCCA's relationship with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine and Seattle Children's allows us to provide the highest and most advance level of care for our patients."

Anthony Back, MD, clinical research division and affiliate member of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center was recognized as an Outstanding Health Care Practitioner of the Year for integrating the humanistic side of care with the technical. Dr. Back actively involves patients in in the determination of their own care, enabling them to understand and live with their treatments. He is an expert in treating patients with colorectal, esophageal, liver, pancreatic, and stomach cancers.

Paul O'Donnell, MD, PhD, member of the Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and medical director of the Adult Stem Cell Transplant Service, SCCA was acknowledged as an Outstanding Medical Researcher of the Year. As medical director Dr. O'Donnell oversees about 45 medical staff members, attending physicians, mid-level providers, and oncology fellows. He is also a researcher in the Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutch, working on leading-edge research using alternative donors for bone marrow transplantation.

The Puget Sound Business Journal recently recognized Jonathan Tingstad, SCCA vice president and chief financial officer as a finalist for CFO of the Year for his role in the success of SCCA and the growth of the Puget Sound regions' economy. This honor acknowledges the efforts made by Mr. Tingstad to ensure SCCA remains a successful company, providing the best care and treatment for its patients.

Source: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center