Milestone for Seattle VA Marrow Transplant Unit

The Seattle VA was the first in the country to have a transplant unit. The unit was founded by former professor Jack Singer, who served as its director from 1982 to 1992.

Based on its success as a regional center, subsequent VA programs were opened in San Antonio and Nashville, though Seattle’s program continues to perform more high risk transplants. National analysis shows comparable outcomes to other programs, despite treating patients in the highest risk groups.

The MTU has helped train numerous specialty fellows, graduate pharmacy students, and others.

Dr. Thomas Chauncey, associate professor  in the Division of Medical Oncology, attributes the success and durability of the program to the many personnel who have been there from the beginning.

“Our accomplishments come from the commitment of an extremely dedicated staff. The Pharmacy Manager, Jeff Almgren, has been with the program since the first patient,” he said.

Current physicians on the MTU include Drs. Tom Chauncey, Dan Wu, Bob Richard, Jon Grim, Solomon Graf, and Nick Burwick.