A New Jersey native, Thomas graduated from the Rutgers University/UMDNJ Physician Assistant Program in 1993. He is one of the first licensed PAs in the state of NJ holding the 53rd licensing certificate. Upon graduation, he introduced the state to physician assistants by working for the Medical School at University Hospital in Newark in the field of trauma surgery. After a few years, he joined the neurosurgical faculty under the direction of Dr. Peter Carmel where he began his specialization. He has assisted with multiple publications and academic presentations and has presented at local and national conferences. While at UMDNJ in Newark, he was involved with one of the first intraoperative MRI systems, providing clinical, technical and functional assistance with its introduction. He also worked closely with Dr. Michael Schulder with functional neurosurgery performing deep brain stimulation. A lot of his time involved utilizing surgical navigation which was evolving in neurological and spine surgeries. His clinical time was frequently spent with the residents providing first-line care to patients in the emergency room, operating room and surgical wards. He was awarded the title of Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Associates and belongs to multiple professional organizations and associations.
Thomas also worked at UMDNJ’s sister hospital, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, providing similar services until he joined a pediatric neurosurgical practice where he treated children with multiple neurosurgical issues.
Thomas joined Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine and Orthopedics in 2023 where he continues to provide his patient-centered care with his 30 years of experience. When not working, Thomas enjoys fishing, camping and traveling with his wife and three sons.
