James Thomas, MD, PhD is the Associate Director of Translational Research at the MCW Cancer Center. He is a professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology Professor.  Dr. Thomas came to MCW in 2010 from Ohio State University. He is responsible for integration and translation of MCWCC basic science research into the clinic and of clinical research into the community.  He identifies clinical oncology leaders with clinical research experience and interests, and assists with strategic recruitment plan development, interacting with the senior leadership. He also mentors investigator-initiated trial development. Dr. Thomas works to promote clinical collaborations to bring preclinical work to the clinical trial setting.

A gastrointestinal medical oncologist, Dr. Thomas served as CTO medical director from its 2012 inception until 2021. Prior to this appointment, he served as medical director for the Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center CTO. At the Medical College of Wisconsin, he is responsible for the integration and translation of basic science research into the clinic and clinical research into the community. He ensures that personnel at every level carry out robust policies, procedures and best practices related to clinical trials.

"As a physician, I want to offer my patients the best options possible. As a cancer redox biology scientist, I seek to answer scientific questions to better understand cancer and make regimens less toxic and more effective. This, in essence, is what we all do each day. Using rigorous science, we continually improve treatments and enhance the lives of our patients,"   James Thomas, MD, PhD