Shannon Elizabeth Fogh

Biography and Expertise of Shannon Elizabeth Fogh

Dr. Shannon Elizabeth Fogh is a pioneering physician-scientist uniquely positioned at the intersection of radiation oncology and integrative medicine. Her dual board certifications provide her with a comprehensive perspective on cancer care, enabling her to combine high-tech radiation therapies with evidence-based complementary strategies. This integrated approach aims to manage treatment-related side effects, enhance patient well-being, and ultimately improve clinical outcomes. Her clinical practice and research are dedicated to patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors, including pediatric cases.

Her work directly embodies the 3rd WCTCIM’s thematic axis, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” Dr. Fogh’s research on interventions like Manuka honey to prevent esophagitis or the role of metabolic health in cancer outcomes demonstrates a rigorous, scientific approach to validating integrative therapies. Therefore, her expertise powerfully supports the congress motto pillar of “Well-being Societies” by developing practical strategies that improve the quality of life for cancer survivors.

Furthermore, the focus of Shannon Elizabeth Fogh on bridging gaps between medical disciplines resonates with the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy’s emphasis on integration. Her efforts to understand the interplay between the microbiome and neurocognition in cancer patients showcase a commitment to exploring complex systems, a hallmark of both integrative and traditional medicine. This forward-thinking research provides a model for how knowledge diversity can lead to more effective and humane healthcare.

Professional Career

The career of Dr. Shannon Elizabeth Fogh reflects a commitment to advancing cancer care through clinical excellence and research. As an Associate Professor at two prestigious institutions, the Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the University of Washington School of Medicine, she educates future physicians and scientists. Her career is characterized by a consistent effort to build bridges between conventional oncology and the growing field of evidence-based integrative medicine.

Her leadership roles extend beyond clinical practice, developing programs that support patients throughout their cancer journey. This blend of patient care, research, and program development positions her as a leader in creating more comprehensive and supportive oncology services. Consequently, her experience provides a valuable blueprint for integrating TCIM into complex hospital systems.

• Associate Professor: Currently holds this academic rank at Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the University of Washington School of Medicine, where she is involved in clinical care, research, and teaching.
• CNS Radiation Oncologist: Specializes in treating central nervous system tumors, including primary and metastatic brain tumors in both adult and pediatric populations, using advanced radiation techniques.
• Integrative Oncologist: Provides evidence-based integrative medicine consultations and therapies to help cancer patients manage symptoms, reduce side effects, and improve their overall quality of life.
• Faculty Lead of Integrative Approaches to Brain Cancer Survivorship: Responsible for guiding and developing programs that address the long-term needs of brain cancer survivors, integrating complementary therapies into their follow-up care.

Academic Qualifications

Dr. Shannon Elizabeth Fogh‘s academic and professional qualifications are a testament to her expertise in two distinct yet complementary fields of medicine. Her foundational training in radiation oncology provides her with the technical and clinical skills to manage complex cancers using state-of-the-art technology. This rigorous training is the bedrock of her identity as a cancer specialist, ensuring the highest standards of conventional care for her patients.

Building upon this foundation, her additional board certification in integrative medicine represents a deliberate expansion of her clinical toolkit. This dual certification is relatively rare and signifies a commitment to a more holistic, patient-centered model of care. Therefore, it equips Dr. Fogh with the knowledge to critically evaluate and safely incorporate non-conventional therapies, ensuring they are used as part of a cohesive and evidence-informed treatment plan. This unique combination of qualifications makes her a vital resource in the evolving landscape of oncology.

• Board-Certified in Radiation Oncology: This certification, awarded by the American Board of Radiology, represents the highest standard of competence in the use of radiation to treat cancer and other diseases.
• Board-Certified in Integrative Medicine: This certification, awarded by the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM), recognizes physicians who have demonstrated mastery of evidence-based integrative medicine, focusing on holistic, patient-centered care.

Research and Publications from Shannon Elizabeth Fogh

Dr. Shannon Elizabeth Fogh’s research is extensive, with over 67 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. Her work centers on clinically relevant questions to improve the patient experience during and after cancer treatment. A landmark achievement was her role in designing and leading the national cooperative group study RTOG 1012. This trial investigated Manuka honey for preventing radiation-induced esophagitis in lung cancer patients, setting a precedent by incorporating an integrative therapy into a large-scale, multi-institutional study and using patient-reported outcomes as a primary endpoint.

Her current research explores the frontiers of integrative oncology. Dr. Fogh is investigating the critical interplay between metabolic health, such as glucose levels, and the microbiome on cancer outcomes. Beyond that, she focuses on treatment-related symptoms like fatigue and neurocognitive deficits, often called “chemo brain.” This research is crucial for developing interventions that can mitigate the long-term consequences of cancer therapy.

Selected Publications Highlighting Her Work:

• Her early work on hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for recurrent gliomas, published in journals like the Journal of Clinical Oncology, established her expertise in advanced radiation techniques for challenging brain tumors.
• A 2014 publication in Seminars in Radiation Oncology focused on the importance of standardization and quality assurance in radiation therapy for high-grade gliomas, underscoring her commitment to precision and safety in clinical practice.
• More recently, a 2021 clinical debate in Neuro-Oncology Practice explored treatment decisions for oligodendroglioma, showcasing her thought leadership in neuro-oncology.

Research Grants and Recognition

The innovative research led by Dr. Shannon Elizabeth Fogh has attracted competitive funding from prestigious foundations and research hubs, a clear recognition of her work’s potential to impact patient care. Securing these grants underscores the scientific merit and clinical relevance of her investigations into integrative oncology. This peer-reviewed funding is a significant form of acknowledgment from the scientific community, enabling her to pursue novel questions that bridge conventional and complementary medicine.

These grants allow her to conduct pilot and feasibility studies that are essential for gathering the preliminary data needed for larger, definitive trials. Consequently, this support is critical for translating promising ideas from the laboratory and clinic into evidence-based practices that can benefit patients globally.

• Kuni Foundation Grant ($99,738): Awarded for a pilot and feasibility study titled “The Impact of Glucose on Primary Brain Tumor Prognosis.” This project investigates the crucial link between metabolic health and brain tumor outcomes.
• HDFCCC Integrative Oncology Research Hub RFA: As Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Fogh received funding to support “Integrative Cancer Care for Brain Tumor Patients,” a project aimed at developing and implementing holistic care models for this specific patient population.
• HDFCCC Integrative Oncology Research Hub RFA: As Co-Principal Investigator, she contributed to a project on “Qualitative Research in Integrative Oncology Group Medical Visits,” focusing on the implementation and efficacy of group-based integrative care.

Program Leadership and Development

Dr. Shannon Elizabeth Fogh has demonstrated significant leadership in developing and guiding clinical programs that directly benefit cancer patients. Her role as the Faculty Lead of Integrative Approaches to Brain Cancer Survivorship highlights a deep commitment to patient care that extends far beyond the initial phase of treatment. Survivorship is a critical and often overlooked aspect of the cancer journey, encompassing long-term physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges.

By leading this initiative, Dr. Fogh has been instrumental in creating a structured, supportive environment where survivors can access evidence-based integrative therapies to manage these long-term effects. This work involves strategic planning, collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, and a focus on improving the overall quality of life for patients. Therefore, her leadership in this area serves as a model for how health systems can effectively integrate TCIM into standard oncology care pathways, ensuring that patients are supported holistically throughout their recovery.

Connect with Dr. Fogh

To further explore the research, clinical work, and publications of Dr. Shannon Elizabeth Fogh, please refer to her official professional profiles. These resources offer detailed information on her contributions to the fields of radiation oncology and integrative medicine.

Official Profile at Fred Hutch Cancer Center: View Professional Profile

University of Washington Medicine Profile: View Faculty Profile