Meet Medical Director of Hematology Oncology for Sutter Health Greater Central Coast | Ridley-Tree Cancer Center Maira Campos, MD

What drives someone to spend a life in medicine? In this Q&A series, a group of leading local physicians share the moments that set them on their path, the breakthroughs shaping their fields, and the realities behind the work. Their answers are candid, occasionally surprising, and grounded in experience. Together, they offer a clear-eyed look at the people delivering care in our community and what continues to motivate them every day.

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine? How did you select your specialty?

A. I wanted to become a physician for as long as I can remember because I have always loved caring for people. During medical school in Brazil, I had the privilege of training under an extraordinary mentor, Dr. Auro Del Giglio, who completed his training at MD Anderson Cancer Center. His compassion, leadership, and dedication to oncology deeply inspired me.

While working and shadowing in oncology clinics during medical school, I became passionate about the unique relationship between oncologists and patients. Oncology is not only about treating cancer – it is about walking alongside patients during one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Helping patients feel supported, respected, and never alone became my calling. For me, quality of life, compassion, and human connection are just as important as treatment itself.

Can you share a moment in your career that profoundly impacted you?

I continue to be humbled by the resilience of patients and families facing cancer. In breast oncology, which represents much of my practice, I care for many women who continue supporting their children, partners, and loved ones while undergoing treatment themselves.

Watching patients maintain their dignity, strength, and compassion through unimaginable challenges profoundly impacts me every day. Seeing families remain united and hopeful throughout treatment is one of the greatest privileges of my profession.

What is one misconception people often have about oncology?

When people hear I am an oncologist, they often say: “That must be such a sad field.” While oncology certainly includes difficult moments, I do not see it that way. I see oncology as an incredible privilege and one of the most meaningful fields in medicine.

In a close-knit community like Santa Barbara, it is an honor to earn the trust of patients and families during such an important time in their lives. Whether we are helping patients recover, prolonging survival, or improving quality of life, our work is rooted in hope, compassion, and partnership.

What medical advancements or innovations are you most excited about?

The field of breast oncology has advanced tremendously in recent years. At Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, we are proud to offer innovative therapies for patients with breast cancer, including treatment options for triple-negative breast cancer and access to clinical research opportunities close to home.

We have also seen major advances in surgery and radiation oncology, allowing treatments to become more precise and less invasive while minimizing long-term side effects.

One of the most exciting developments in medical oncology is the expansion of oral therapies, which allow many patients – even some with stage IV disease – to receive highly effective treatment while maintaining independence and quality of life.

We are also proud to offer Paxman cold cap therapy, helping many patients preserve their hair during chemotherapy and maintain a sense of confidence and normalcy throughout treatment.

What is the most rewarding part of your work, and what is the most challenging?

One of the greatest challenges in oncology is navigating the limitations that exist within every healthcare system, particularly delays in access and waiting times that can increase stress and uncertainty for patients during an already overwhelming time.

At the same time, the most rewarding part of my work is the opportunity to care for some of the most resilient and inspiring people I have ever met. I feel deeply honored to walk alongside patients and their families throughout their cancer journeys.

In a community like Santa Barbara, there is something especially meaningful about seeing patients return to their daily lives after treatment – spending time with their families, returning to work, and thriving again. Being trusted to care for patients during such an important chapter of their lives is one of the greatest privileges of my career.

If you could change one thing about the healthcare system, what would it be?

I believe healthcare can sometimes feel fragmented and isolating for patients, especially after a cancer diagnosis. Too often, patients feel overwhelmed trying to navigate complex care on their own.

At Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, we have worked intentionally to create a more integrated and supportive model of care. Through nurse navigation and close collaboration between medical oncology, surgery, radiation oncology, genetics, nutrition, and supportive care teams, we strive to ensure patients feel guided and supported every step of the way.

Our goal is not only to provide excellent medical treatment, but also to ensure patients feel heard, respected, and hopeful throughout their journey.

What inspires you every day as a physician?

I love my family, and I love this Santa Barbara community, which welcomed me with open arms. Every day, I walk into clinic hoping to give my patients all the compassion, energy, and support I can.

My goal is always to listen carefully and create a treatment plan that respects each patient’s values, goals, and quality of life. While we cannot always control every outcome, we can always make sure patients feel cared for, embraced, and never alone.

If a patient leaves feeling more hopeful, informed, and supported than when they arrived, then I know we have done something meaningful together.

What do you wish patients better understood about your clinic and the care you provide?

At Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, we truly function as a team. Our physicians, surgeons, radiation oncologists, nurse navigators, genetics specialists, nutrition teams, and infusion staff work closely together to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Patients often feel the warmth of our center from the moment they walk through the doors. Everyone – from security staff to front desk teams to nurses and physicians – is committed to creating a welcoming, compassionate environment where patients feel safe and supported.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

I love spending time with my family and supporting my children in their activities, including music performances and recitals through the Youth Symphony of Santa Barbara.

I also enjoy gardening, creating outdoor spaces, and working with plants. Gardening brings me peace and perspective, and it reminds me daily of patience, growth, and resilience.

Who has most influenced your life and career?

I have had wonderful mentors throughout my career, but my greatest role models have always been my parents, especially my mother. She inspires me daily to advocate for others, fight for what is right, and continue growing both personally and professionally.

Their support and values gave me the foundation to pursue a career that requires compassion, resilience, and emotional presence every day.

How has your cultural background influenced your approach to patient care?

I grew up in Brazil, where warmth, compassion, and human connection are deeply valued. That upbringing strongly shaped the way I practice medicine.

I approach every patient as if they were a member of my own family. I believe patients deserve not only excellent medical care, but also honesty, empathy, dignity, and kindness throughout their journey.

What causes outside of medicine are important to you?

I am deeply passionate about supporting women in leadership and helping create opportunities for women to thrive both professionally and personally.

As more women enter leadership positions in medicine, I believe we have an opportunity to create meaningful change for future generations. I am passionate about mentorship, advocacy, and ensuring women feel empowered to succeed while also maintaining fulfilling family lives.

If you were not a physician, what career would you pursue?

I would probably own a large garden center focused on cultivating and propagating rare plants. Gardening brings me joy, creativity, and grounding.

In many ways, gardening balances oncology for me. Medicine often involves uncertainty and circumstances we cannot fully control, while gardening reminds me to appreciate patience, growth, and resilience.

What is one goal you still hope to accomplish?

One of my biggest goals is to help improve access to mental health support within oncology care, particularly for underserved and minority communities.

Cancer affects not only physical health, but also emotional well-being, and I believe every patient deserves comprehensive support throughout their journey.

How do you define success?

To me, success means going to sleep knowing that you gave your very best to others that day – with compassion, honesty, and integrity – and waking up willing to do it all over again the next morning.

I also believe success means recognizing when to ask for help, continuing to grow, and never losing sight of humanity in medicine.

What is the greatest lesson your patients have taught you?

My patients constantly remind me to stay present and never take time for granted. They teach me daily about resilience, gratitude, courage, and the importance of human connection.

I learn something from every patient I care for, and those lessons continue to shape me both as a physician and as a person.  

As Sansum Clinic begins a new chapter as part of Sutter Health, we remain united by a shared mission: to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to the communities we serve. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare on the Central Coast.

Sponsored by Sutter Health | Visit www.sutterhealth.org