Providence St. Peter Hospital's thoracic surgery program is strengthened with the expertise of Dr. Mia DeBarros, a fellowship-trained thoracic surgeon whose practice focuses on lung cancer, benign thoracic disease, chest wall trauma and minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Recently retired from more than 20 years of military service, Dr. DeBarros brings extensive experience in both general surgery and thoracic surgery. She completed cardiothoracic fellowship training with a focus on thoracic surgery and has been instrumental in rebuilding local access to specialty thoracic care for patients across Thurston and surrounding counties.
Advanced lung cancer care close to home
Lung cancer is the primary focus on Dr. DeBarros' practice and she works closely with pulmonology, medical oncology and radiation oncology colleagues to provide comprehensive care.
"Lung cancer care has changed dramatically in just the last five years," DeBarros said. "Advances in screening, diagnostics, surgical techniques and immunotherapy have expanded the options available to patients."
She is particularly excited about innovations such as navigational bronchoscopy and advanced lesion localization techniques, which allow providers to diagnose and treat smaller pulmonary nodules earlier while preserving as much healthy lung tissue as possible.
A collaborative, multidisciplinary approach
In addition to lung cancer surgery, Dr. DeBarros treats patients with pleural disease, empyema requiring decortication, hiatal hernias and chest wall injuries requiring rib fixation.
A strong advocate for multidisciplinary care, she regularly collaborates with Providence pulmonologists through joint clinics designed to streamline evaluation and treatment planning for patients with suspicious lung nodules.
"Patients benefit from being able to see multiple specialists during the same visit," she said. "It reduces delays, improves coordination and gets them treatment faster."
That coordinated approach has helped the thoracic surgery program dramatically improve timeliness of care. Within months of rebuilding the service line, the team was consistently evaluating and treating surgical lung cancer patients within weeks of diagnosis.
Why refer to Dr. DeBarros?
Referring providers can expect a highly collaborative partner committed to rapid access, evidence-based care and clear communication.
Common referral indications include:
- Suspicious pulmonary nodules or newly diagnosed lung cancer
- Patients requiring evaluation for robotic lung resection
- Pleural disease, including recurrent effusions and empyema
- Chest wall trauma and rib fractures requiring surgical stabilization
- Mediastinal masses
- Hiatal hernias or benign esophageal conditions requiring surgical evaluation
- Complex thoracic surgical consultations
Defining quality through access and outcomes
For Dr. DeBarros, quality care combines both clinical excellence and patient experience. From a clinical standpoint, she emphasizes adherence to national cancer guidelines, timely diagnosis and treatment, and access to the latest therapies. Equally important is ensuring patients feel informed, supported and heard throughout a complex cancer journey.
"Patients are often hearing this information for the first time," she said. "The more we can help them understand what's happening and what to expect, the better their experience tends to be throughout treatment and recovery."
Building a sustainable regional resource
Dr. DeBarros first began working at St. Peter while serving at Madigan Army Medical Center, helping address a critical shortage of thoracic surgery services in the region.
"The South Sound is an underserved area for many specialties, including thoracic surgery," she said. "Many patients don't want to travel long distances for cancer treatment. They deserve access to high-quality care close to home."
Today, she is proud of the progress made by the multidisciplinary team in rebuilding the thoracic surgery program and expanding treatment options for patients.
With expertise in robotic thoracic surgery, lung cancer care and complex thoracic conditions, Dr. DeBarros continues to strengthen St. Peter's ability to provide comprehensive, high-quality thoracic care close to home.
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