South Seattle Radiation Oncologist James Brashears III, MD, is bringing expertise, along with his own personal story, to the fight against cancer.
“The first time I meet with my patients, my role is to encourage treatment decisions that will have a positive impact on the rest of their lives. I take each encounter very seriously,” Brashears said.
Dr. Brashears serves as the Medical Director of the Rainier Cancer Center, planning and overseeing care for hundreds of patients since opening its doors in November 2011.
“I wanted to bring my training and expertise to a community that deserves the very latest in cancer fighting technology, so we decided to open our facility in South Seattle,” he says.
Thanks to ongoing clinical advances around the globe, patients have an ever-increasing number of options to help them fight their disease. That’s why Dr. Brashears, who travels extensively and has practiced medicine in 7 states, combines his expertise with the newest equipment available in the field of oncology. Dr. Brashears says his personal motto for fighting cancer is “Catch it early, treat it precisely and get back to living life.”
Dr. Brashears received his medical degree at Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina. He completed his residency in radiation oncology at Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, where he served as Chief Resident of the Department of Radiation Oncology. He has extensive experience treating all types of cancer including breast, prostate, metastatic disease, urologic, gynecologic, lung, gastrointestinal, and head and neck cancers.
“The field of radiation oncology has changed a great deal in the last decade. It’s an exciting time to practice medicine,” he says. “My experience in other parts of the world allows me unique access to trends in research as well as utilization of new treatment methods for fighting cancer. When I offer my patients a treatment plan, I’m confident I can make a real difference and impact their outcomes positively.”
Dr. Brashears has pursued international health research in developing regions, including Africa and Haiti. Among notable projects includes one seeking to bring affordable therapy for cervical cancer to Haitian woman. He enjoys traveling with his Italian wife, Mara, who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Istanbul, Turkey.
Dr. Brashears also brings a personal story to his quest for the most innovative care: His father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004.
“This is a personal mission for me,” he comments. “It’s why I went into radiation oncology and am convinced of its benefits. The treatments available today are significantly changing the outlook for survival in cancer patients. Every time a patient comes to me, I am reminded that this person is loved by a family member who needs them. I take time to see the human side in every patient interaction.”
So much so, his patients consider him a member of their own families.
“This brings a tear to my eye,” stated Dr. Brashears, publicly addressing his former patients and their families at Rainier Cancer Center’s recent Patient Reunion event in Tukwila. “I know my father would be proud.”
In all, over 150 attendees stopped by to reunite with Dr. Brashears, his team and other former patients. Next year will be even bigger, as the center continues to serve hundreds of patients.
Dr. Brashears is Board Certified in Radiation Oncology by the American Board of Radiology, with staff affiliations at Highline Medical Center and MultiCare. He is currently accepting new patients.
For more information, visit www.rainiercancercenter.com or call 206-922-6400.
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South Seattle Radiation Oncologist Brings Expertise, Personal Story to Fighting Cancer
