Dr. Karen Barbosa, DO, FACOS, was recently dismissed from Beebe Healthcare’s Center for Breast Health. The organization used to have an office in Milford but now sees patients in Georgetown and Lewes. On December 31, Barbosa was informed that her contract would not be renewed. This has spiked outrage from her patients, some of whom say she is not the first progressive doctor to be let go in the past three years.
“Effective 12/31, Beebe has abruptly removed Dr. Karen Barbosa of the Center for Breast Health,” a post on a private group in Lewes read. “She is no longer allowed to see patients or perform surgeries, leaving countless women blindsided just days or weeks before appointments and life-altering procedures. These are not inconveniences. These are women facing breast cancer, fear, uncertainty and suddenly left without the surgeon they trusted. No regard for the emotional and physical toll this decision has caused across Sussex County.”
Barbosa still appears on the Beebe Hospital Center for Breast Health website. She is a graduate of the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She went on to pursue a rotational internship at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, followed by surgical residency training at Peninsula Hospital Center in New York, where she was appointed Chief Surgical Resident. Barbosa’s clinical training concluded with a breast oncology fellowship at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic. Barbosa has done extensive oncoplastic training internationally.
“Beebe did not renew my contract and has given me six months notice,” Barbosa said when asked why she was no longer with Beebe. “I was told they don’t want me seeing patients at Beebe during the six months.”
In November, Dr. David Tam commended Barbosa on her outstanding patient care in an op-ed piece in another publication. His announcement came at the time Beebe was informed of possible state funding to improve healthcare in rural areas. Amalia Kastberg provided a copy of a letter she wrote to the same publication supporting Barbosa.
“I was pleased to read Dr. Tam’s letter to the editor in response to Governor Matt Meyer’s. healthcare priorities for Delaware,” Kastberg wrote. “With women living longer than men, the United Nations World Population Prospects 2024 says there is a need to prioritize gender-specific healthcare needs, and build stronger social support systems to mitigate potential caregiving burdens. A great example of focused area is the Beebe Center for Breast Health. It is such an asset in our local community, and it needs ongoing investment in new technologies and top doctors. Doctors like Dr. Karen Barbosa, a renowned and compassionate breast cancer doctor and surgeon who is always looking for new and better ways to serve and treat her patients. What an asset to have her right here in our community.”
A complaint was filed with the Delaware Medical Board over the sudden dismissal of Barbosa by an employee at Beebe. The report was anonymous as the person is still employed at Beebe.
“It has come to my attention that Beebe Healthcare is not renewing the contract for Dr. Karen Barbosa, a well-known and loved breast surgeon,” the complaint reads. “She was told in December that she can’t see any of her patients, let alone operate on them. Her patients have put their trust in her and they are now being pushed onto another surgeon. This has happened because one of the senior surgeons doesn’t like her. I worked in that office and saw how they treated her and created a toxic environment.”
The complaint continued.
“Biopsies would be scheduled with the other two doctors before her most of the time,” it said. “There was an article in the paper about her two weeks prior and then she is told she cannot see the patients anymore. She loved her patients. Something is very wrong how this is happening. Beebe already has a shortage of doctors and does this to a well-respected breast surgeon. I can tell you there are many women very upset and angry about this.”
The complaint was correct. A Facebook page, set up before Barbosa was dismissed, is filled with comments from patients who are angry that the surgeon they trusted with what are sometimes very difficult decisions regarding breast health is no longer permitted to treat them. Some of those who commented felt that Barbosa was the only doctor in their cancer journey who listened to them.
“Dr. Barbosa is a great doctor and also patient-focused,” Linda W. said. “She’s intelligent, highly skilled and trained, AFC certified, takes her time with every patient and answers all your questions and is compassionate. We need this kind of progressive breast surgeon in our area.”
Maria S. saw a different surgeon initially for her treatment before going to Barbosa and was very thankful to have found her.
“It was a no brainer to make the switch once I met her and I was fortunate to have her perform my surgery,” Maria said. “Her dismissal from Beebe is a major loss for me and all her past and future patients.”
Several on the Facebook page believe that Barbosa was simply more talented than other doctors in the practice, so she was pushed out. One stated that she felt it was unacceptable that politics intervened in what could be life and death healthcare. The poster stated that it is happening in other Beebe specialty groups, noting that three very progressive doctors hired in the last three years had been terminated.
“Dr. Barbosa is not just any doctor,” a Change.org petition demanding that Beebe continue her contract, read. “She is a highly trained oncoplastic surgeon who has served the women of our community with immense dedication and skill. Her expertise in oncoplastic surgery, a highly specialized field that combines cancer surgery with plastic surgery to ensure the best aesthetic outcomes, is unparalleled in our area. Throughout her time at Beebe Healthcare, she has been synonymous with excellence, providing care that adheres to today’s standards and beyond.”
The petition continued, explaining that her care is no longer available to women in the area.
“Those of us who have had the privilege of being her patients know how vital her contributions to healthcare are,” the petition continued. “She blends compassion with extensive medical knowledge, ensuring her patients not only receive the best medical care but also feel supported and understood during what is usually a very trying time. Breast cancer and reconstruction are deeply personal journeys. The surgeon you trust along this path always plays a pivotal role in how well you cope and recover. Dr. Barbosa understands this profoundly, having improved countless lives through her exceptional work. Her absence is keenly felt, and it is perplexing and concerning that such a valuable resource is no longer with Beebe Healthcare.”
Patients are insistent that the loss of Barbosa is more than just a change of doctors. They all point to the difficult decisions that must be made when facing breast cancer. Losing one or both breasts, possible deformity caused by lumpectomies and other devastating side effects of chemotherapy and radiation require patients to be very comfortable with their doctor. Abruptly removing Barbosa has left many of them reeling.
“It’s not just about missing familiar care. It is about realizing that our community deserves access to the best, and we are now deprived of this due to her departure,” the petition read. “Dr. Barbosa’s skills are not easily replaced; her approach to patient care and her innovative approach to surgery have made her irreplaceable. We urge the leadership at Beebe Healthcare to reconsider and bring Dr. Barbosa back, to refocus on delivering high-standard care to the community they serve. By signing this petition, you are advocating for quality, consistency, and the best possible medical care for the women in our community. Let’s bring Dr. Barbosa back to Beebe Healthcare and continue benefiting from her unmatched skills and dedication.”
In addition, a search online for oncoplastic breast surgeons did not find any results in the Milford area. Requests for information from Beebe Healthcare went unanswered.
Patients who would like to see Barbosa remain can sign the petition online.
Dr Barbosa is the only reason I kept my cancer care at Beebe. This has been going on way too long. One surgery (lumpectomy and reconstruction) is efficient and quality. Hmm one surgery may upset the plastics and others that don’t know how to do it. Not to mention two surgeries could be more lucrative to Beebe. This dismissal has nothing to do with quality it has all to do with Beebe politics!
I *heard* Dr Barbosa was brought on to be the head Dr in the practice, but the head person decided not to leave.
Patients should come before office politics. Bring her back!
I would like to see her back at Beebe she is a phenomenal doctor that care for her patients. She is very concerned about her patients. I was one that had a double mastectomy due to her care I’m cancer free. She is needed back to treat that horrible disease called breast cancer.
I have made a great deal of effort phone messages, letters and calls to Dr Tam. President and Dr Winkfield, Exec Dir of Oncology Surgery along with signing the public petition.
I respectfully say that WE, HER PATIENTS & HER COLLEAGUES, have made our feelings and needs very clear! It would be a reputation-saver for Beebe Healthcare to make a statement as to why they terminated her. It will not be surprising for them to avoid stating it was a personality, ego centered issue. YES, NOT a reason to lose a skilled professional we desperately need. I personally have cancelled the “surgeon fill-in” for my March 26 follow up visit. My trust is shaken and my breast cancer future is unknown.
As a patient, this decision has been deeply upsetting. Dr. Barbosa provided a level of expertise, compassion, and trust that is not easily replaced, especially in something as personal and life altering as breast cancer care. Being abruptly forced to change surgeons mid journey is not a small disruption. It is emotionally destabilizing and medically concerning.
After carefully reviewing the remaining options available within Delaware, I do not feel there is a comparable or viable alternative for the level of specialized breast care I need. As a result, I will be seeking care out of state. That should give pause to anyone who believes this dismissal has no real impact. When patients are driven across state lines for essential care, something is clearly broken.
Beebe should seriously reevaluate what it means to claim a commitment to this community while making decisions that leave patients without trusted, high quality specialty care. At minimum, leadership should acknowledge the harm caused here and the reputational shame that comes with prioritizing internal decisions over the stability, dignity, and wellbeing of the patients they serve.
This is not about politics or personalities. It is about patient outcomes, continuity of care, and access to top tier medicine. Our community deserves better.
Beebe’s judgment isn’t surprising. After working there 13 years and knowing countless previous employees that dedicated more than 20+ years all to be let go. They have sadly lost many wonderful doctors. It’s disheartening to hear of all the women impacted by this, as if they aren’t already experiencing a traumatic time in their lives. Personally if I were Dr. Barbosa I wouldn’t trust returning. Sounds as though she will be an amazing asset to one of our other local hospitals!