Dr Shankaran has been my Seattle based Oncologist for two years. She has consistently gone out of her way to see that I get not only the best treatment, explaining each and every option to me, as well as following up with the cross-data inputs and sharing of information between my varying health care Professionals. But for me personally, and most importantly, Dr Shankaran is also a pipeline to the best surgeons found at the University of Washington when the surgical abatement of tumors via resections and ectomy of the various organs involved is called for as a necessary part of the treatment plan.. Her caring manner and calming demeanor lessens the stress in what sometimes can be a very stressful environment given her field of medicine. Dr Shankaran has an empathetic manner while still using a direct no nonsense approach for delivery of important information to you as her patient, as best fits the situation and patient. I get the distinct feeling she realizes most patients need a softer approach when dealing with less than optimal oncological information and options, while others like myself like a "tell it like it is straight up" approach. Dr. Shankaran instinctively knows her patients and what will most likely work for each given each case's facts and patient medical history. Dr Shankaran also stays up with the latest positive test results and developments in her field as well as the latest pharmacological trial programs and tries to find a route to a possible cure, remission or to maximize one's longevity no matter how long that may be for each of her patients. While no ambiguities or false hopes are involved, you will get the distinct feeling that she will do everything within her power, using every tool and sources of knowledge available to her to give you the best care found anywhere. She liaises with my Anchorage based Oncologist and works as a team member coordinating between my Anchorage Oncology Team, SCCA and UW Medical.. Dr Shankaran is also renown for her studies regarding the often unspoken about financial and general economic impact these diseases have on patients and the resources and information available to the patient to help lesson this impact. As you can see, Dr Shankaran is well rounded and knowledgeable in all aspects of her medical field involving patient care. Having had a less than optimum Oncologist in the past, I know a bad Oncologist when I see one. I can't recommend Dr Shankaran highly enough. She is simply that good, professionally and personally. David O'Malley-Keyes, Alaska