Veena Shankaran

Dr. Veena Shankaran serves as Professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Washington and holds dual professorships in both the Public Health Sciences Division and Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. She additionally serves as Co-Director of the Hutch Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research (HICOR), demonstrating leadership in cancer outcomes research.

• M.D. from University of Michigan Medical School
• Fellowship in Hematology-Oncology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
• Residency in Internal Medicine at University of Michigan
• M.S. from University of Washington, School of Pharmacy
• Board certified in Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine

As a medical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal malignancies with particular focus on esophageal and stomach cancers, Dr. Shankaran's research has evolved significantly toward understanding financial toxicity in cancer care. Her work examines how treatment costs impact patient outcomes, quality of life, and access to care across multiple cancer types including colorectal cancer, multiple myeloma, and acute myeloid leukemia. She has increasingly incorporated multidisciplinary approaches and explored the role of oncology providers in mitigating financial hardship for patients.

Analysis of her publication trends reveals a strategic shift from disease-specific research toward healthcare economics, with her most recent work emphasizing practical solutions for financial toxicity through policy recommendations, clinical practice changes, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Her incorporation of machine learning techniques in recent colorectal cancer research demonstrates methodological innovation.

• Co-Director of Hutch Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research (HICOR)
• Active clinical practice at Fred Hutch Cancer Center - South Lake Union
• Collaborates extensively with gastrointestinal oncology team to expand clinical trials