Virginia Mason Medical Center

10/20/2025

Hear from PGA TOUR Champions professional golfer Jerry Kelly as he sits down to discuss living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with Benaroya Research Institute.

BRI President Jane Buckner and PGA TOUR Champions Professional Golfer Jerry Kelly talk research, rheumatoid arthritis and golf ahead of the 2025 Boeing Classic.

10/20/2025

May this bring moments of reflection, connection, and joy to all who celebrate. Wishing everyone observing a season filled with warmth and happiness.

10/18/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Understanding your personal risk factors is an important step in taking control of your breast health.

Our free breast cancer risk assessment analyzes your personal and family history, lifestyle factors, and other key indicators to provide personalized insights about your breast cancer risk. The assessment takes just a few minutes and helps you understand your individual risk level.

Based on your results, you'll receive tailored recommendations for screening frequency and prevention strategies. This information empowers you to have informed conversations with your healthcare provider about the right screening plan for you.

Complete your breast cancer risk assessment: https://ow.ly/9JmQ50XemhV

Early detection saves lives. Take charge of your breast health today.

10/18/2025

From debilitating pain to throwing the first pitch at a Mariners game! Donna Alderton's journey back to an active life is nothing short of remarkable.

In September 2024, Donna, an Interventional Radiology Technologist at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, experienced severe neck and arm pain from a herniated cervical disc. Simple daily activities became impossible, and her vibrant lifestyle came to a halt.

After cervical disc replacement surgery with Dr. Philip Louie, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, Donna's transformation was immediate. "As soon as I woke up from surgery, I noticed that the arm pain was gone," she said.

This past summer, Donna celebrated her 50th birthday by summiting Mount Baker, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams, along with several bikepacking trips. When Dr. Louie invited her to throw out the first pitch at a Mariners game, she excitedly accepted.

The game coincided with the Mariners "Run for Research" initiative, where the Mariners Care Foundation presented a $17,410 check to support research and patient care at VMFH's Center for Neurosciences & Spine.

"To witness a patient go from surgery to standing on the mound at T-Mobile Park was a powerful and humbling moment," said Dr. Louie.

10/18/2025

Meet Deborah Rivera, one of our dedicated hospice volunteers at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Her compassion and commitment bring comfort to patients and families during life's most meaningful moments.

"Staying involved in hospice work, in gardening and our local food bank are all so important in keeping me centered and nourished. I am grateful everyday for the opportunity to serve, to give back and to tend to my little corner of the world as best I can. So much of what is going on in our country and the world depletes me and makes me sad and anxious. Volunteering and being involved in community is so fulfilling and keeps me sane and grounded in these difficult times. I am very lucky. Thank you for giving me that opportunity."

Hospice volunteers provide invaluable support through companionship visits, respite care for family members, and simply being present during important times. Training and ongoing support are provided.

Inspired by Deborah's service? Learn how you can make a difference as a hospice volunteer: https://ow.ly/u1bs50XbbXW

10/17/2025

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has introduced histotripsy, a revolutionary treatment that destroys liver tumors using focused ultrasound without surgery, needles, or heat.

"Histotripsy really is a paradigm shift," says Dr. Clancy Clark, Hepatopancreatobiliary surgeon at our Center for Digestive Health. "We are no longer limited by the same anatomical or physiological barriers. For select patients, this could mean the difference between palliative and potentially curative treatment."

Using state-of-the-art technology, histotripsy delivers precisely targeted ultrasound pulses that create microscopic bubbles within tumor tissue. As these bubbles rapidly expand and collapse, they mechanically disrupt and liquefy tumor cells.

Unlike traditional treatments, histotripsy requires no incision, applies no heat, and offers greater precision to protect surrounding tissue. This makes it possible to safely treat tumors that previously posed major challenges, especially for patients who aren't candidates for surgery or ablation.

"For patients, the difference compared to traditional surgery is dramatic," notes Dr. Clark. "It's a faster, less invasive experience with much less disruption to daily life."

This advancement strengthens our comprehensive liver cancer treatment portfolio and positions Virginia Mason Franciscan Health as a regional leader in advanced care.

10/17/2025

Myth: "Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer."

Fact Check: ❌ Not true!

Most breast lumps are NOT cancerous. Common causes include cysts, fibroadenomas, or hormonal changes. However, any new lump should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

What you should do:
• Perform regular self-exams to know what's normal for you
• Report any new lumps or changes to your provider promptly
• Stay current with recommended mammogram screenings

Early detection through regular screenings and prompt evaluation of changes saves lives. When breast cancer is caught early, treatment is most effective.

Have concerns about breast health? Learn more about screening recommendations and breast cancer prevention: https://ow.ly/6inm50XekIj

10/16/2025

Meet our speakers for the Digestive Health Symposium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, Wash. This event is presented by the Center for Digestive Health at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Join us as we bring healthcare professionals and community members together to explore the latest advances in digestive health care and treatment options.

Today we are highlighting Haroon Anwar, MD, a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery who will be speaking on bariatric robotic surgery: indications, techniques, and long-term outcomes.

Dr. Anwar practices at Franciscan Center for Weight Management in Federal Way and operates at St. Francis Hospital. A highly skilled surgeon, Dr. Anwar is fellowship trained in laparoscopic, gastrointestinal and bariatric procedures as well as surgical critical care.

Learn more about the Digestive Health Symposium at https://ow.ly/ou0o50Xbbwo.

10/16/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Howington, Acting Executive Medical Director for the Center for Cardiovascular Health at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, on receiving the 2025 College of Medicine Outstanding Alumnus Award from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center!

This prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Howington's exceptional contributions to medicine and healthcare leadership throughout his distinguished career.

Thank you, Dr. Howington, for your dedication to excellence in cardiovascular medicine and for bringing your expertise to our patients!

10/16/2025

Go Mariners! Our patients and staff across Virginia Mason Franciscan Health are rallying together to send good luck wishes to the Seattle Mariners as they face the Blue Jays in the ALCS!

From our hospitals to our clinics, the excitement is electric. Watch as our team members and patients share their support for this incredible playoff run. As the Mariners Trusted Sports Medicine Provider, we're proud to support our hometown team both on and off the field

10/15/2025

We are pleased to welcome Rakesh Kumar, MD, our newest neurosurgeon at St. Joseph Medical Center. Dr. Kumar is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon offering compassionate, personalized spine care, with specialization in complex spine conditions and revision spine surgery. By offering the safest, most effective surgical and non-surgical options, his goal is to restore function, relieve pain and improve quality of life while ensuring that every patient feels supported throughout their journey.

Dr. Kumar values strong partnerships with referring physicians, keeping them informed and involved while delivering high-quality, personalized spine care to referred patients.

Away from work, Dr. Kumar enjoys playing cricket, volleyball, listening to music, cooking, and cherishes spending quality time with his family.

Learn more about Dr. Kumar at https://ow.ly/crSL50XaHzr.

10/14/2025

Meet our speakers for the Digestive Health Symposium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, Wash. This event is presented by the Center for Digestive Health at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Join us as we bring healthcare professionals and community members together to explore the latest advances in digestive health care and treatment options.

Today we are highlighting Randeep Kaur, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist who will be speaking on updates in alcohol related liver disease.

Dr. Kaur specializes in Hepatology and is additionally fellowship trained in Transplant Hepatology. She has a special interest in alcohol related liver disease. She is an expert in treating many complex liver related conditions. She currently serves as a member of the AASLD (American Association For The Study of Liver Disease) Women’s Committee. She is also a core faculty member for the VM Gastroenterology Fellowship program.

Learn more about the Digestive Health Symposium at https://ow.ly/9m0l50Xbbq3.

09/25/2024

Don't miss this Saturday's Flu Clinic at five Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Medical Pavilion locations - Bainbridge Island, Bellevue, Edmonds, Federal Way and University Village. Additional Saturday flu clinics will take place Oct. 5, 12, 19 & 26. Flu shots are also available as part of a pre-scheduled visit with your primary care team at all locations - just ask!

Schedule an appointment for one of our Saturday Flu Vaccine Clinics online through your MyVirginiaMason patient portal or call (866)-832-6633. Appointment required. Sorry, no walk-ins. To learn more, visit vmfh.org/flu.

09/23/2024

Schedule your flu shot at one of our upcoming Saturday flu clinics at five Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Medical Pavilion locations - Bainbridge Island, Bellevue, Edmonds, Federal Way and University Village. Flu shots are also available as part of a pre- scheduled visit with your primary care team at all locations - just ask!

Schedule a Flu Vaccine Clinic appointment online through your MyVirginiaMason patient portal or call (866)-832-6633. Appointment required. Sorry, no walk-ins. To learn more, visit https://ow.ly/motK50TtLBX.