Dr. Rachel Issaka

Associate Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Rachel Issaka. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Rachel Issaka is a gastroenterologist and Associate Professor at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and the University of Washington, where she holds the Kathryn Surace-Smith Endowed Chair in Health Equity Research. As the Director of the FHCC/UW Medicine Population Health Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, Dr. Issaka focuses on improving outcomes across the colorectal cancer care continuum, promoting equitable access to cancer screening, and enhancing follow-up on non-invasive screening tests. Her research, funded by the NIH and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, aims to translate evidence-based cancer screening strategies into real-world practice. Dr. Issaka has significantly contributed to national colorectal cancer guidelines and has served on advisory panels, including the President’s Cancer Panel. She is a dedicated mentor and advocate for developing a diverse generation of physician-scientists, ensuring that research addresses the needs of underserved populations. Dr. Issaka completed her gastroenterology fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco, and earned her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, where she also served as chief resident during her internal medicine residency at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of Washington

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:80
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:105
Overall
Required:105
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • English proficiency scores (for international students)
Specialization Notes

Standard Graduate School requirements for University of Washington apply to most departments listed unless specified otherwise by the program.