Meet Our Thoracic Cancer Team
Our Philosophy
At the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute, our thoracic team specializes in treating cancers of the lung, thymus, and pleura — including complex cases that require highly individualized care, like thymoma and mesothelioma. Many patients come to us after an abnormal scan or biopsy, while others seek our expertise for a second opinion or advanced treatment options.
We take a thoughtful approach to diagnosis and treatment, beginning with detailed imaging, followed by biopsy, and surgery if needed. Your care is guided by experts in thoracic oncology who work together to recommend the most effective therapies — from surgery and radiation to immunotherapy, targeted treatments, and clinical trials. We also believe in clear communication, responsive care, and helping you navigate each decision with confidence.
Supporting Team Members
In addition to our expert doctors and specialists, you'll be supported by a team of compassionate professionals who focus on your whole health - body, mind, and spirit. They're here to guide you, answer questions, and make sure you always know what to expect.
Our specially trained oncology nurses provide expert care, guidance, and education throughout your treatment. They help manage side effects, coordinate your care plan, and offer a compassionate presence every step of the way.
Our fellowship-trained rehabilitation physician and a team of therapists—including physical, occupational and speech therapists—help you maintain or regain strength, mobility, and function during and after treatment.
Onco-psychiatrists specialize in the emotional and psychological needs of people facing cancer. They help you navigate the mental health challenges that may arise, offering counseling, medication management, and tailored support.
Registered dietitians provide expert nutrition counseling to help you manage treatment side effects, maintain strength, and nourish your body through every phase of care. They tailor their guidance to your personal needs and preferences.
Our physician medical geneticist guides a team of genetic counselors to help assess personal and family cancer risk through genetic testing and counseling.
Palliative care specialists focus on relieving pain, managing symptoms, and improving quality of life at any stage of cancer care. They work alongside your oncology team to ensure your comfort, values, and goals are honored.
We offer a wide range of supportive services, including cancer rehabilitation, naturopathy, health education, art and music therapy, medical massage, and social work support. Learn more about our supportive care services.
Note: Some services are provided by local partners and vary based on location. Please contact your clinic for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your surgical team includes surgeons who specialize in thoracic cancer, as well as nurses and physician assistants.
If your treatment includes cancer-directed medication, your team will include a medical oncologist and additional nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and nurses. If you need radiation therapy, you’ll also have a radiation oncologist and a specialized care team that includes radiation technologists and nurses to guide you through that part of treatment.
Cancer often requires a combination of treatments to achieve the best outcome, so it’s likely your care plan could include more than one type of treatment and specialist.
Surgery alone might be enough for early-stage cancer that hasn’t spread, but additional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapies may be needed to target cancer cells, reduce the risk of recurrence, or improve overall effectiveness.
Our cancer experts tailor treatment to your specific diagnosis, working to achieve the best outcomes.
Our thoracic team brings deep expertise, collaboration, and compassion to every patient’s care. You’ll work with highly experienced surgeons and specialists who focus solely on thoracic cancers like lung, thymoma, and mesothelioma. Many patients see the same specialists at every visit, and they collaborate to ensure your care is seamless and personalized. Patients often describe our team as attentive, thoughtful, and easy to reach.
Yes. Our cancer experts participate in regular multidisciplinary tumor boards and stay current with the latest research and clinical guidelines. Many are also involved in clinical trials, research efforts, and national committees that ensure patients have access to emerging therapies and leading-edge care. This collaborative and patient-focused research approach helps ensure your treatment plan reflects the most current advancements in cancer care.
Most people come to us after something concerning shows up on a scan or biopsy — often ordered by their primary care provider, pulmonologist, or another specialist. Sometimes, patients have been referred because early results are inconclusive, and they need further evaluation or surgical biopsy. Others come seeking a second opinion or exploring options for surgery or advanced treatment. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or managing a condition, we’re here to help clarify your diagnosis and guide your next steps.
Yes. At any given time, the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute has access to hundreds of clinical research studies involving most types of cancers. We are one of the leading clinical trial sites in the western United States and often the only site in the Pacific Northwest to participate in many clinical trials, including select first-in-human studies that offer early access to promising new therapies. Ask your care team if a clinical trial could be part of your personalized treatment plan.
Yes, we are one of only a handful of national programs to offer a dedicated rehabilitation program led by a fellowship-trained specialist.
The program integrates the medical management of treatment-related side effects and a variety of other physical, occupational, and behavioral therapies, which have been shown to improve overall health for people living with cancer. This may include nutritional guidance to help you eat well during and after treatment and physical or occupational therapy to help prevent lymphedema.
We provide a full range of supportive care services to support you during and after your cancer treatment. Some of these services include:
- Art therapists
- Cancer rehabilitation (onco-physiatry)
- Care coordinators
- Genetic counseling (cancer geneticist)
- Health educators
- Medical massage (edema, lymphedema management)
- Music therapist
- Naturopaths
- Nutritionists
- Oncology nurses
- Social workers
- Speech and language pathology
We can also help with finances, food, transportation, and other challenges for eligible patients through our patient assistance fund.
See the full list of supportive care services.
Note: Some services are provided by local partners and vary based on location. Please contact your clinic for more information.