Charles R Thomas Jr

Charles R. Thomas Jr., MD, is Professor of Medicine and Founding Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology & Applied Sciences at the Geisel School of Medicine and Dartmouth Cancer Center, a position he began in July 2024. He previously served as Professor and Chair of Radiation Medicine at the Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University. He is Deputy Editor of JAMA Oncology and holds triple-board certification in Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, and Internal Medicine.

• Dartmouth College, BA, 1979
• University of Illinois College of Medicine, MD, 1985

Dr. Thomas’s research spans clinical and translational cancer research with emphasis on gastrointestinal and thoracic malignancies, SMMART trials, radiomics, cancer emergency medicine, and health services research in mentorship, diversity, and patient communication. He is deeply committed to academic leadership development and equity in medicine.

His recent publications (2024–2025) reflect a strong focus on oncology clinical trial methodology, statistical rigor, research funding trends, and workforce diversity. Themes include proportional hazards violations, secondary endpoint reporting, NIH funding disparities, and gender differences in specialization. His work bridges radiobiology, clinical oncology, and health policy.

Scientific awards include:

• ASTRO Mentoring Award (2022)

Dr. Thomas has received funding from the NIH, NSF, foundations, and industry. He actively mentors early-career investigators and has developed mentorship and gender equity toolboxes. He has served on numerous national committees including ASCO, ASTRO, NCI, and the American Board of Radiology. He is the author or co-author of over 360 publications and multiple textbooks.

He leads initiatives in mentorship and sponsorship at Dartmouth Cancer Center and previously at OHSU, focusing on pipeline development for underrepresented minorities in radiologic sciences and academic productivity enhancement.