Biography


Dr. Heather Wakelee specializes in the treatment of lung cancer, thymoma and mesothelioma. She completed all post-graduate training at Stanford University and joined the faculty in 2003. For many years she was the physician lead for the thoracic malignancies clinical research group and has developed research programs related to lung cancer and thymoma across multiple areas including clinical trials, translation work and population sciences. She is the Principal Investigator on numerous clinical trials. In 2021 Dr. Wakelee took on the role of Deputy Director of the Stanford Cancer Institute and is the Division Chief of Medical Oncology. She is also active in many national and international organizations related to lung cancer and thymoma including leadership roles in the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC).

Professional Summary


Education & Certifications
  • Fellowship: Stanford University Division of Oncology (2003) CA
  • Residency: Stanford University Internal Medicine Residency (1999) CA
  • Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology (2003)
  • Medical Education: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (1996) MD
  • M. D., Johns Hopkins University, Medicine (1996)
  • A.B., Princeton University, Molecular Biology (1992)

Honors & Awards
  • Alpha Omega Alpha, Johns Hopkins University (06/1996)
  • Merit Award, American Society of Clinical Oncology (05/2003)
  • Teaching Award, Stanford University Division of Oncology (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)
  • Young Investigator Award, ECOG-ACRIN (2015)

Publications

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.

Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.


Practice Locations


Thoracic Cancer Program in Palo Alto Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

875 Blake Wilbur Drive

Palo Alto , CA 94304

(650) 498-6000

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Cancer Immunotherapy Program Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

875 Blake Wilbur Drive

Palo Alto , CA 94304

(650) 498-6000

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Patient Ratings

(31 Ratings)

Overall Rating
4.8/5

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4.9/5
Friendliness
Friendliness/courtesy of the care provider
4.8/5
Explanations
Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition
4.9/5
Listens
Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries
4.8/5
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your treatment
4.8/5
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The Patients Ratings and comments are gathered from our Patient Satisfaction Survey and displayed in their entirety.

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Patient Reviews

(197 reviews)

Dr. Wakelee is outstanding in all ways. I very much respect and appreciate her knowledge, openness, gentle manner, and her ways of thinking out of the box. She gave me sufficient time to explain my situation, and ask all of the questions I wanted. Her answers were very helpful, and I am happy to have her as an integral part of my care team. I give Dr. Wakelee A+++++++++ grades, all the way!
Dr. Wakelee is the best! I’m very fortunate to have her for my doctor. Love her!
She’s been great, I’m confident she cares about me
I totally trust Dr Wakelee and her staff to do the right thing for my continued health.
I have been under her care for four years , she is excellent. Her treatment plan for me is wonderful, I can carry on my daily routine as usual and all my concern and worry were being addressed on time. I am so glad to have her as my doctor.
Dr Wakelee is awesome. She is most careful to deliver the news I’m waiting to hear first then we discuss all aspects and expectations. I really appreciate how she is empathetic and action driven. She also has great knowledge of other issues I have and helps me prioritize and points me in the right direction. I always feel that she has my back. I feel that she cares about me and my well being.
Outstanding and caring physician
she is very kind and gentle doctor, our families really like her. She is very knowledgeable and instructive.
She is terrific- wonderful and I am grateful for her time You should be putting forth the same questionnaire for the nurse(s) that were on the video before Dr Wakelee came on
Dr. Wakelee is such a great physician. I feel that she has taken excellent care of me and is very thorough with my visits although 100% of them have been videos to date
Dr Heather Wakelee is an amazing Oncologist and a wonderful person to have as my Physician!
She is an amazing doctor. She is very caring, and thorough....
She has been very helpful with my medical issues and I would highly recomend her.
I find Dr Wakelee is both very informed on my individual case, and is able to provide me with informed options on treatment.
She is an excellent doctor taking care of my disease.
she is a great doctor!!
She continues to be a superstar.
Dr. Wakelee is a blessing from God.! Please know all of her efforts regarding my medical care are very much appreciated.
Dr Wakelee is a warm and "human" Dr. Her knowledge and understanding for her patients needs is admirable.
Dr Wakelee is an angel oncologist. She is always care for my well being and provide reasonable next step advice. I have not seen many oncologist who genuinely care for her patients as much as she did.
Dr Heather Wakelee is an excellent doctor, filled with knowledge, experience, resourcesand compassion for the Sick...I highly recommend her to anyone in need of a Thoracic Oncologist!
Dr. Wakelee and her team have always been top notch. I know I am very fortunate to have her/them as my primary Stanford team.
Dr Wakelee always presents herself well and is trusted and likable.
Dr Wakelee is the best! There are none better.
Outstanding presence and intelligence Ann compassion. The complete physician
With full confidence and I am always praising Dr Heather Wakelee for her professional explanation in sharing with me.. plus her ways of approaching the diagnosis by also studying One’s well being. I am very thankful to her.
Its a delight to meet with her, and have her assess my medical needs, as an ongoing lung cancer patient. She provides the right balance of informed opinion, without being either too optimistic, or equally, too pessimistic.
She remains amazing. Just amazing.
Compassionate and caring and never makes you feel rushed. (Despite knowing she is very busy).
She is very easy to talk with, very serene, and imparts information in a manner that is easy to understand. She is excellent!
I am satisfied with what the doctor has done for me.
Dr. Wakelee is an amazing thoracic oncologist. She is extremely knowledgeable. On top of that she is kind and compassionate. She is excellent at explaining complex situations in terms patients can easily understand.
Dr. Wakelee has a warm and loving heart to the patient. Understands my concern and always explains treatments details for my family and me. Thanks, excellent doctor!
Very knowledgeable, professional, and personable.
she is the best
Doctor Wakelee is an incredible physician. She is affable, professional, and quite prepared. She is a doctor who cares....
Heather is fantastic!
Dr. Wakelee is very kind, knowledgeable and patience to me. When I had questions in my recently MRI report, she immediately set up appointment to see me and explained it very well. Really appreciate her team efforts.
Dr. Wakelee is extremely knowledgeable and has a nice manner in discussing issues.
She's the best.
Excellent
She is my "go to" oncologist
Doctor Wakelee and her team are amazing!!! So thankful to have them as part of my care team!!
super doctor with a great attitude
Could not be more thankful to be part of Stanfords healthcare system!
Absolutely excellent service on all levels.
Dr Wakelee is professional and a very compassionate doctor. I highly recommended her
Dr Wakelee always expressed her concern with her patient. She was very patient in detailing her diagnosis and presented all treatment options with me and my family for discussion.
She is the most calming doctor for such a serious illness.
so knowledgeable with my case. Always thinking of next steps
think she is great
Dr. Wakelee and her team are always at the top of my list. Consummate professionals, compassionate, knowledgeable and enjoyable. The best.
She is an outstanding doctor, She is patient, compassionate, knowledgable. I am lucky to have her for my health care. Thank you Dr. Wakelee
Dr Wakelee is one of the best Thoracic Oncologists around -extremely Intelligent, thorough and compassionate!
knowledgeable, communicates clearly, listens actively, compassionate. All the traits and skills one could ask for in one's physician
Dr. Wakelee is one of the best doctors I met.
Heather Wakelee is extremely knowledgeable, extremely good at communicating that knowledge and experience, and very helpful in sorting through treatment options.
Dr. Wakelee was fabulous--super well-informed, explained patiently and thoroughly, listened very well and answered my questions extremely well. So personable! She has a beautiful combination of being expert in her field, empathetic with patients, and being able to explain complicated topics in a very understandable way. I am very grateful to her and to SHC.
Dr. Wakelee is a caring and excellent doctor. She keeps me at ease all the time even when the situation was tough. She is the main reason that I am staying with Stanford Health Care.
I think she has been great
She is very kind efficient & very knowledgeable I will see her & refer to other patients
So lucky to have Been referred to Dr. Wakelee, she is very personable and caring, as well as a terrific doctor!
Heather Wakelee was, as usual, amazing: she took extra pains to walk us through her decision making process so we not only got a better sense of what was going on, but also why.
As always, I enjoyed talking with you and for your clear explanations and answers to my questions. Many thanks!
With rich experience and consider everything for the patient, it is fortunate for the patient to have such a doctor’s service. Thank you
She is excellent
Excellent doctor! She is very experienced doctor and has a loving heart… Thanks for her care!
I very much enjoyed the video visit today, It's nice to be able to check in with issues I've been dealing with. Luckily for me, my scan result was positive, and Heather was great in conveying a path for me that was reassuring.
Outstanding physician
She is professional and down to earth. She answers all or any of my questions and I never feel that I'm being rushed.
Excellent doctor, she provides care very well!
Dr. Wakelee is great!
Excellent & competent MD - (Dr. Heather Wakelee). Despite delays - she was well informed and prepared to advise and consult on my specific condition!!
Dr. Wakelee & her staff are terrific.
Clear explanations, addressed all concerns and then some; left feeling more educated and confident. I got expert and careful diagnosis, treatment, care.
Awesome, smart, compassionate service.
Dr. Wakelee is an excellent doctor, highly knowledgeable and efficient, and also caring for patients. Thank you.
Dr. Wakelee is extremely tuned into her patients.
Dr. Wakelee - the best.
I love Dr. Wakelee and her team!
Dr. Wakelee is wonderful!!!
Great.
Dr. is amazingly kind and compassionate.
I am thankful to be able to be treated, tested & informed of my results at Stanford. I have full confidence in my Dr. Heather Wakelee and the care providers.
Good experience.
Good experience.
Good experience.
From my first phone call from "Steve", to meeting & talking to Greg Rodriquez, spending so much time with Dr. Heather Wakelee & Greg, getting in touch with Judith Arellano. My doctors Dr. Thomas Bradley & Dr. Wakelee working together on my behalf has brought my anxiety level down a lot.
Dr. Wakelee is a very thoughtful physician, caring and concerned about your situation.
Dr. Wakelee and staff a Dr. Belly are way beyond excellence. I am very blessed to be their patient.
Dr. Wakelee is kind, smart, thoughtful - a very special lady!
Good experience.
Dr. Wakelee is tops! I have the utmost respect and confidence in her.
Dr. Heather Wakelee is simply perfect - my guardian angel.
Dr. Wakelee is an extraordinary doctor - I'm grateful to be her patient.
Dr. Wakelee is by far the most amazing physician I have ever met. Caring, professional, knowledgeable, compassionate.
I am very comfortable with Dr. Heather Wakelee. She always explains my rare condition to me in verbiage that I can track. I am always honored to meet a roving dr. from another country!
Dr. Wakelee has a great team!
I have the utmost confidence in Dr. Wakelee. She corrected an incorrect diagnosis from Kaiser docs. I can't say enough how I appreciate her & Stanford.
Dr. Heather Wakelee is outstanding, can't find a better doctor.
Dr. Wakelee & Dr. Ann went through my past CT results carefully & fully understand my situation. I appreciate Dr. Wakelee and Dr. Ann explain to me the options and recommendations.
Dr. Wakelee is sensitive to patient concerns. I NEVER feel "rushed."
Very courteous and professional care provider team.
Dr. Heather Ann Wakelee is TOP NOTCH! All doctors should have HER wonderful bedside manner.
Very good.
Dr. Wakelee is the best of the best!
Best of best!!
Dr. Heather Wakelee is exceptional in her ability to communicate in detail to her patients. This is my first year as a cancer patient and her counsel is what helped me get pass the initial shock & fear.
Dr. Wakelee is amazing, knowledgeable & able to share info in a personal manner that relates to the needs of the patient.
Dr. Wakelee is an outstanding, compassionate physician. Both she and the doctor who assisted her (a fellow) took much time to answer questions & explain my condition & technical options.
Dr. Wakelee & her PA Greg Rodriguez were very knowledgeable, caring & patient - they answered all of our questions & we never felt rushed. We feel very comfortable with them & feel fortunate to have both of them.
Dr. Wakelee & her team are always great - love them!
VERY GOOD!
Dr. Wakelee - Excellent & caring.
Dr. Wakelee is an outstanding physician. Who is not only an excellent specialist but an compassionate and kind. She is the best doctor we have met in our lives.
I'm very grateful for everyone I come in contact with at Stanford.
Dr. Heather Wakelee is a superb physician with a terrific ability to communicate.
Our family is very thankful to the doctors & NP's at Stanford.
I have been a patient at Stanford for ten years. I have always received the best for care from everyone.
She is very friendly, very courteous & called & talked to you about your concern. I love her attitude. She is the best doctor I have seen so far.
Dr. Wakelee went above & beyond to answer all of our questions. She was extremely compassionate and addressed all of our concerns.
Dr. Wakelee helped me with my health needs and even my insurance problems. I hold her in the highest regard to take the time to help me with my insurance, great doctor. Fantastic professional.
Heather Wakelee is warm, caring and never rushing through an appointment. When I see her, I feel encourage and better. She has wonderful "bedside manner."
The experience of meeting Dr. Myall was truly inspiring Dr. Wakelee provided us with a great sense of relief regarding my cancer and it's treatablity.
Dr. Wakelee and her team are always extraordinary.
Dr. Wakelee is a very intelligent warm kind doctor. She explains everything very well so a layman can understand it. She listens to all your concerns an answers all your questions. Excellent physician.
All care providers are outstanding.
Excellent Dr. Wakelee!
Doctor Wakelee and her staff were exceptionally well prepared, had reviewed all prior scans, tests,... and were prepared to discuss her recommendations.
This visit was excellent and also previous visits.
Such quality care that we feel it is worth waiting for (appointment delay). Wish we lived closer so we could use Stanford exclusively.
Dr. Wakelee is a terrific communicator. She always includes me in the decision making regarding my health care and med/health & well being changes. She listens well to my issues as my diseases and now broken neck & back are complicated. Myasthenia gravis/thymoma's/lupus.
Staff is outstanding!
Not sure she studied my case before she saw me, although her follow-up had been good. She possibly missed telling me I had cancer in my arm. We all knew I had cancer in lung & bone, but not my arm.
It's clear that Stanford is committed to the patient's experience & care.
I often have long wait, BUT that is because my provider ALWAYS allows me the time I need to negotiate this difficult process & decision making. It is worth it!!
My treatment teams to a person have demonstrated a loving care unsurpassable.
I was very impressed with Dr. Wakelee. She answered all my questions & concerns & gave me great confidence in my future care & treatment plan. I was similarly impressed with Dr. Chung, her assistant.
All providers spent generous time w/me.
Beyond impressive from everyone on "my team."
Dr. Wakelee was outstanding, informed, compassionate, gentle and "on the case."
Dr. Wakelee is an exceptional oncologist & human being. I am blessed to work with her & her staff.
I was actually seen by both a nurse/practitioner and a doctor. Both were excellent.
Dr. Wakelee may be the most professional I have every worked with.
I feel that Dr. Wakelee is part of my healing, not only by the medicine she prescribe but here concern she shows and affection.
Dr. Wakelee and her staff were top notch! Professional, personable and easy to talk to and understand.
Dr. Wakelee & Greg Rodriguez (NP) are usually excellent care providers. - Explains things very well. Last time, there was one area which was not clear and I plan to ask when I see them next time. I appreciate their care.
Dr. Wakelee is outstanding in every way. She is skilled and brilliant professional who also addressed the human side of medicine. She is compassionate, caring, thoughtful, and wise.
Dr. Wakelee's understanding and concern for me as a whole person is seen in numerous ways. She sits to speak with me and makes eye contact. She frequently asks if I have any questions. She thoughtfully responds to my concerns, big and small. She is a remarkable physician who demonstrates that she cares about my health concerns and how I am coping with my serious health challenge.
Good experience, learned a lot.
Great engagement & manner - I felt better after meeting my doctor.
Would not exchange under any proposal. Feel family related in all areas.
I always recommend Stanford to my friends & family who have serious health issues. I am always treated with respect and truthfulness about my complicated condition. My concerns and questions are answered fully and completely.
Time to converse sooo much better than MD Anderson Cntr. in Houston, Texas!
Dr. Wakelee is always very reassuring, knowledgeable, and encouraging. I very much appreciate consulting with her.
Dr. Wakelee and the Cancer Center staff are the best.
Dr. Wakelee saved my life.
Exceptional ratings.
Feel fortunate to be treated by such intelligent caring persons.
I love Dr. Wakelee - So smart, complete with explanations & considerate of who I am as a person and my quality of life! I'm blessed to have her caring for me!
Doctor did not leave room until I was complete with the consultation. I felt a lot better after the appt. - Emotionally.
Dr. Wakelee & her staff are excellent.
I am lucky to be in Dr. Waklee's care.
All interactions were comforting and professionally given.
I didn't feel that the care provider didn't spend enough time to look at my medical records transferred from other hospital!
Dr. Wakelee was excellent in every aspect. She has given me great confidence that I am receiving the best care possible.
Dr.Wakelee was outstanding!
We believe Dr. Wakelee is one of the best doctors in the Thoracic Oncology - highly knowledgeable & caring. Mr. Greg Rodriguez, nurse practitioner is also highly knowledgeable and assists Dr. Wakelee well.
Dr. Wakelee never appears rushed and she waits for my questions and for my responses. She gives me the time I need during our consultation time. She has also assembled a fantastic team- everyone is thoughtful, caring, and thorough.
OK.
My experiences with the Stanford Oncology medical team have always exceeded my expectations. I have never felt shortchanged with the amount of time each of them spends with me; I am treated in a kind and courteous manner; and I always feel very well taken care of.
Dr. Wakelee is one of the best physicians I have ever encountered. Her caring and compassion are unsurpassed. Just seeing her is a comfort.
I must believe in Dr. Wakelee and staff if I keep coming back.
Excellent doctor(s)!
Very good.
Good experience.
The overall experience was very informative. Caring & positive. Dr. Wakelee & her staff are excellent.
Bravo to Dr. Wakelee & team!
Dr. Heather Wakelee one of the best doctors I met.
dr. wakelee is great, she answer all question and very patience.
Definitely I would recommend it -
Satisfied with the medical attention.
Very satisfied with excellent attention.
The dr takes her time to explain what going on w/your cancer & where you stand.
Good.
Knowing Dr. Wakelee is spearheading my case provides a great comfort & confidence.
I owe my life to Dr. Wakelee and staff. Truly not sure I'd have made it w/out them.
Excellent care provider.
Exceptional level of care and treatment by Dr. Wakelee & her staff.
Dr. Wakelee & team are the best in the west!
Every step of our visit was positive and upbeat.
I had multiple care providers including Dr. Wakelee. Each one introduced themselves told me their role in my care. Especially interested in holistic care giver & his advice.
I have been blessed by good fortune meeting Dr. Heather Wakelee (I rarely give kudos).
The doctor and the NP are always wonderful. I am so grateful for their help.
Very good experience.
She treated me w/respect.
Dr. Wakelee is one of the finest physicians I have ever dealt with.

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