MG(R) Richard W. Thomas, MD, DDS- Surgeon, Soldier, Educator, Leader- Shaping the Future of Military Medicine

  Dr. Thomas describes his career pathway from training and practicing as a dentist and later attending medical school and becoming a board-certified ENT-Head and Neck Surgeon.  He explains the similarities and differences between Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and ENT and how their missions are complimentary.  Dr. Thomas relates his experiences while stationed at Fort Campbell, KY where he served as the 101st Airborne Division Surgeon and later as the Commander of the Blanchfield Army Community Hospital.   MG(R) Thomas has deployed to Panama, Iraq and Afghanistan in a variety of clinical and leadership roles.  He shares some interesting anecdotes and what he learned in each of these assignments.   MG (R) Thomas also served as the Chief of the Army Medical Corps and describes some of the challenges faced by Military Physicians and the steps he made to ensure doctors were prepared to handle deployment requirements and stay proficient in their practices.  He also played a major role in the execution plan to stand up the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and describes the obstacles and opportunities he encountered in setting this organization for success in its role in the Military Health System.   Following his retirement from Military Service, Dr. Thomas served as the President of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Science- America’s Medical School.  He talks about the purpose and benefits of having a military medical school and some of the barriers he faced in ensuring this institution continued to produce excellent military medicine team members prepared to support the military’s mission at home and in combat.    He shares many insights and lessons learned over a distinguished career and provides some valuable advice for all listeners. You don't want to miss this episode!                 To find out more about Dr. Thomas at wardocspodcast.com/guest-bios and join our mission to preserve military medicine achievements WarDocs at wardocspodcast.com. The WarDocs Mission is to improve military and civilian healthcare and foster patriotism by honoring the legacy, preserving the oral history, and showcasing career opportunities, experiences, and achievements of military medicine. Listen to the What We are For Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible, and 100% of donations go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in military medicine.   WARDOCS documents the experiences and contributions of all military medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Doc" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield; only we can do what we do.           Follow Us on social media Twitter: @wardocspodcast Facebook: WarDocs Podcast Instagram: @wardocspodcast