Rachel Issaka

Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS is Associate Professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine (Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology) and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Public Health Sciences Division and Clinical Research Division). She serves as Kathryn Surace-Smith Endowed Chair in Health Equity Research and Director of the Population Health Colorectal Cancer Screening Program at Fred Hutch & UW Medicine.

Her academic training includes:

• Fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Francisco (2017)
• MAS in Clinical Research, University of California, San Francisco (2017)
• Residency in Internal Medicine, McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University (2013)
• MD, University of Michigan (2010)
• BS in Biology, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (2005)

Dr. Issaka's research centers on optimizing colorectal cancer screening interventions for medically underserved populations, with emphasis on fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) accessibility and follow-up systems. Her work demonstrates how precision population health approaches can reduce racial and socioeconomic disparities, potentially saving 200,000 lives over 20 years by achieving 80% national screening rates.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Kathryn Surace-Smith Endowed Chair in Health Equity Research

As principal investigator, Dr. Issaka leads multiple clinical trials including the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, Pilot Ride-Share Intervention for colonoscopy completion, and studies addressing barriers among Somali-speaking patients and pandemic impacts on gastrointestinal care. While specific grant details aren't disclosed, these initiatives demonstrate substantial research funding.

The Issaka Lab implements solutions through four pillars: research identifying systemic barriers, quality improvement in screening protocols, community engagement with marginalized groups, and policy advocacy. Current projects focus on transportation interventions, culturally tailored outreach, and optimizing FIT-to-colonoscopy pathways to eliminate preventable colorectal cancer deaths.