Dr. Gary Thomas acknowledged by national board for decades practicing oncology in SC Low Country

The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) recently honored Dr. Gary W. Thomas with a formal recognition of his over 30 years of ongoing board certification in Medical Oncology. The ABIM certifies nearly 300,000 physicians across 20 different disciplines. Only 10 percent of those match Thomas’s 30 years of board certification and less than one percent of those are oncologists.

“I’m surprised by how much time has passed, but that’s probably because serving the residents of Hilton Head and Bluffton has been a joy,” Thomas said. “My longevity really comes from a commitment to education, life-long learning, and enjoying what I do as I try to help my community.”

The community of Hilton Head Island did not have an oncologist until July 12, 1993 when Thomas moved to the area. After he had completed his oncology fellowship at The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University, he decided to take an interview on the island. He ultimately accepted the job and embarked on his career in hematology/oncology back in his home state where he started SC Cancer Specialists.

The practice’s commitment to advancing cancer care is demonstrated by regular engagement with the national oncology community, such as when Thomas attended the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) regional meeting held in Charlotte, NC last month. "Insights gained from those discussions directly inform our ongoing efforts to advance cancer research and deliver high-quality, evidence-based care to patients here in the Low Country."

He has provided care for countless Bluffton and Hilton Head Island area residents, many of whom had relocated or retired from various northern climes. His expertise and commitment to innovation has allowed many patients to receive quality care locally rather than having to travel back to their previous homes up north.

Thomas and the practice had eventually become part of St. Joseph’s/Candler’s Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion, which brings the latest clinical trials, top specialists and new technology to cancer patients in the Low Country. He now serves as the medical director of the St. Joseph’s/Candler - SC Cancer Specialists partnership.

 “The main thing for me is the connection with the patient,” Thomas said. “Many patients come in with what I would consider mild cases of cancers that are very treatable, yet they are frightened simply by hearing the word cancer. I have always tried my best to give every patient everything I have in the tank to reassure and educate them about their treatment options so I can help alleviate those fears.”

Cancer detection and treatment has come a long way during his 33 years as an oncologist. In the pre-internet and -cell phone days, Thomas would consult the DaVita textbook or call consultants in larger cities. New technology has vastly increased the speed and volume of new insights he has access to.

”With today’s advanced treatments, people don't get as sick anymore. They don't have as much nausea or vomiting.” He also noted that diagnoses are often much more treatable and thus carry significantly higher survival rates than even 10 years ago.

“The exponential increases of targeted therapies have meant so much. I’m optimistic that cures for many cancers may be possible in the future. I would have never said that 30 years ago.”