Dr. Ryan Holbrook
Surgical Oncologist at Cancer Care Northwest (RETIRED)
Dr. Ryan Holbrook is a now-retired peritoneal mesothelioma specialist with expertise with HIPEC surgery and treatment. He worked most of his career at Cancer Care Northwest in Spokane, Washington, an asset for patients in the Pacific Northwest.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Cancer Care Northwest (RETIRED)
601 S. Sherman St., Spokane, WA 99202
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More About Retired Mesothelioma Specialist Dr. Ryan Holbrook
Dr. Holbrook, who retired from practice in 2023, as reported by The Spokesman-Review, was a specialist in surgical oncology. He focused on liver and pancreatic cancer but saw cases of peritoneal surface malignancies, which included abdominal cancers like peritoneal mesothelioma. This rare cancer forms in the thin tissue layer wrapping around the inside of the abdominal cavity.
Dr. Holbrook pioneered heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the Pacific Northwest. Without his expertise, not many patients in this region would have had access to high-quality medical care for peritoneal mesothelioma.
Medical Degrees and Residencies
- Medical Degree from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago
- Residency in General Surgery at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine
- Fellowship in Surgical Oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York
- Fellowship in Pancreas, Liver and Biliary Surgery at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, Washington
- Internship in General Surgery at New England Medical Center in Boston
Certifications and Memberships
- Certified in Surgery by the American Board of Surgery
- Certified in training of surgical oncology
- Memberships in the Society of Surgical Oncology and American College of Surgeons
- Named to Top Doctors list for specialty surgery in 2021
Award-Winning Retired Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Holbrook was an award-winning and recognized surgical oncologist. He was honored on the Top Doctors list for surgery in 2021 and named to the Best Doctors in America list from 2015-2020. These are prestigious honors exemplifying Dr. Holbrook’s knowledge of abdominal cancers and compassion toward patients and families.
He completed three fellowships after a Medical Degree at Northwest University Medical School. He began his medical career with a residency at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine.
Dr. Holbrook performed more than 700 HIPEC procedures, some for peritoneal mesothelioma.
In 2023, he retired from practice.
“Any time that I could make a patient’s life better, and they could have long-term survival, that’s why I did this,” Dr. Holbrook said to The Spokesman-Review newspaper in Spokane, Washington. “That was the best.”
How to See Other Mesothelioma Specialists
Our lead advocate, Karen Ritter, is a registered nurse. This medical background is another asset for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma. She can help you find a doctor with the same level of mesothelioma knowledge and expertise as Dr. Holbrook.
Email her at karen@mesotheliomaguide.com or ask for her doctor recommendations through our Doctor Match page. This requires sending your contact information.
Sources & Author
- Ryan F. Holbrook, MD, FACS. Cancer Care Northwest. Retrieved from: https://www.cancercarenorthwest.com/find-a-doctor/ryan-f-holbrook. Accessed: 12/31/2021.
- Dr. Ryan Holbrook, surgical oncologist and pioneer in innovative cancer operations, retires. Spokesman-Review. Retrieved from: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/apr/27/dr-ryan-holbrook-surgical-oncologist-and-pioneer-i/. Accessed: 05/19/2023.
AI Summary of Dr. Ryan Holbrook
Dr. Ryan F. Holbrook is a now-retired surgical oncologist recognized for his expertise in treating peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that develops in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity. Throughout his career, he significantly contributed to the advancement of cancer treatments, especially in the Pacific Northwest, by pioneering heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), a specialized surgical technique used to treat this type of cancer. Dr. Holbrook was associated with Cancer Care Northwest in Spokane, Washington, where he provided high-quality care to patients with complex abdominal cancers, including mesothelioma.
Dr. Holbrook received his medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School and completed extensive training through fellowships at renowned institutions. His educational background includes a residency in general surgery at Maine Medical Center and fellowships in surgical oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and in pancreatic, liver, and biliary surgery at Virginia Mason Medical Center. He was board-certified in surgery and was a member of leading surgical organizations, reflecting his dedication to ongoing professional development and excellence in cancer care. His dedication and skill earned him recognition on the Top Doctors list for surgery in 2021 and a place among the Best Doctors in America from 2015 to 2020.
During his career, Dr. Holbrook performed over 700 HIPEC procedures, some of which involved treating peritoneal mesothelioma. He was committed to improving patient outcomes and worked compassionately with individuals and families facing serious diagnoses. His approach focused on increasing chances for long-term survival through innovative surgical techniques and personalized care. Dr. Holbrook retired from practice in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of expertise and dedication in the fight against complex abdominal cancers.
For those seeking other specialists in mesothelioma treatment, knowledgeable resources are available to help connect patients with experienced doctors. A nurse advocate, Karen Ritter, can assist individuals in finding qualified medical professionals who specialize in mesothelioma care, ensuring patients receive the support and expertise they need. This ongoing assistance aims to improve understanding and access to effective treatment options, fostering hope and confidence during challenging times.