Health Systems and Population Health

Research Interests

Dr. Thomas previously conducted studies of smallpox and other infectious diseases. His current interests are in cancer epidemiology. His areas of research include studies of the etiology of gynecologic and breast cancers, and studies of early breast cancer detection in developing countries.

Bio

Dr. Thomas previously conducted studies of smallpox and other infectious diseases. His current interests are in cancer epidemiology. His areas of research include studies of the etiology of gynecologic and breast cancers, and a randomized trial of the efficacy of breast self-xamination. He also participates in the School’s International Health Program.

Dr. Thomas is former Head of both the Epidemiology and Breast Cancer Programs at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and former Director of the Cancer Surveillance System of Western Washington which is a population-based cancer registry. He published a commentary in 2002 advocating selective rather than universal cancer registration in the United States.

Education

MD University of Washington, 1963
DrPH Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, 1972
MPH Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, 1969
BS Oceanography, University of Washington, 1959

Academic Programs and Affiliations

• Department of Global Health, (MPH Program)