Brett J. Theeler

Brett J. Theeler is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) School of Medicine. He maintains an active Neuro-Oncology practice at the John P. Murtha Cancer Center within Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and serves as a Clinical Collaborator with the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Neuro-Oncology Branch in Bethesda, MD.

Dr. Theeler earned his B.S. from Black Hills State University (1996-2001), M.D. from Uniformed Services University (2001-2005), completed Neurology residency at Madigan Army Medical Center (2005-2009), and a Neuro-Oncology fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center (2010-2012).

His research focuses on rare primary central nervous system neoplasms including pilocytic astrocytomas, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas, diffuse midline gliomas and other brain cancers with increased incidence in adolescent and young adult populations. Dr. Theeler has been instrumental in advancing molecular classification of brain tumors and developing targeted therapies for rare CNS tumors through his leadership in the NCI-CONNECT program. His work bridges clinical practice with translational research, emphasizing both patient care and scientific advancement in neuro-oncology.

Dr. Theeler's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on rare CNS tumors, quality of life issues, molecular classification of gliomas, and innovative therapeutic approaches, with significant contributions to understanding tumor biology and improving clinical outcomes.

• Dean's Award for Academic Excellence, 2001-02 (USUHS)
• Malcolm B. Carpenter Award, Excellence in Fundamentals of Neuroscience, 2001-02 (USUHS)
• Captain Calvin B. Early Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2018
• Honorary Doctorate of Science from Black Hills State University, 2019
• 'A' Proficiency Designator by US Army Medical Command, 2019
• Inducted into Order of Military Medical Merit (O2M3), 2020
• Master Clinician, Neuro-Oncology, 2023

Dr. Theeler has held significant leadership roles including Associate Residency Program Director, Deputy Chief, and Chief of Neurology at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center before becoming Chair of Neurology at USUHS in 2021. He served as Theater Neurologist in Afghanistan (2013) and currently chairs the Programmatic Review Panel for the Rare Cancers Research Program (FY2024-FY2026). His military service as a Colonel in the Army Medical Corps complements his academic and clinical work.

As an active participant in the NCI-CONNECT program, Dr. Theeler has co-chaired workshops on rare CNS tumors, particularly focusing on histone mutated midline gliomas. His clinical work at the Murtha Cancer Center provides specialized neuro-oncology care to military personnel and their families, integrating military medicine with cutting-edge academic research.