You'll become part of a carefully selected team of hematology-oncology specialists who share a commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered cancer care. The current staff represents the foundation of what will become a robust 10-physician cancer service line, with each colleague bringing unique expertise and perspectives that enhance the overall quality of care. Rather than joining an established hierarchy, you'll help shape the collaborative culture and clinical excellence standards that will define this expanding program for years to come.
Dr. Joseph Rosales serves as the Executive Medical Director for the Cancer Service line, providing visionary leadership from his base at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. Dr. Rosales brings impressive credentials including UCLA medical training, City of Hope fellowship experience, and board certification in both hematology and medical oncology with subspecialty expertise in thoracic and urologic oncology. His recognition with the 2022 Binaytara Foundation "Rising Star in Health Equity" award demonstrates his commitment to improving cancer care access in underserved communities – a value that aligns perfectly with this expansion initiative to bring local cancer care to the South Puget Sound region.
Dr. Emily Stevens represents the type of colleague you'll work alongside – a board-certified hematologist-oncologist with over 25 years of experience in oncology and cancer research since 1998. Her clinical expertise spans benign hematology, hematologic malignancies, and breast cancer, with particular interests in cellular therapies, immune-oncology, and precision medicine. Dr. Stevens embodies the patient-centered approach that defines the program's culture, taking a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach while emphasizing individualized care that considers each patient as a whole person. Her commitment to meeting patients where they are and making care decisions collaboratively reflects the supportive, team-oriented environment you'll experience.
Beyond your immediate hematology-oncology colleagues, you'll work within a rich ecosystem of cancer care specialists who form the backbone of comprehensive patient care. The surgical oncology team includes dedicated breast cancer specialists, thoracic surgeons, colorectal surgeons, biliary cancer experts, neurosurgeons, ENT physicians with oncological focus, and urologic cancer specialists. This isn't a referral network you'll need to develop – these colleagues are already embedded within the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health system and eager to collaborate on complex cases.
The culture emerging within this team emphasizes both clinical excellence and work-life balance, as evidenced by Dr. Stevens' interests in gardening, cooking, and dog training – pursuits that reflect the reasonable pace and personal fulfillment possible in this practice environment. You'll join colleagues who are accomplished clinicians committed to advancing cancer care while maintaining the personal interests and family connections that make medicine sustainable as a lifelong career.
Joseph Rosales, MD
Emily Stevens, MD