Bio
Dr. Reena Thomas, MD, PhD, is a Clinical Associate Professor in Neuro Oncology at Stanford Medicine leading a translational research team in immune-based therapy for cancer. Holding dual degrees in medicine and molecular immunology, Dr. Thomas has worked for more than two decades to integrate clinical expertise with a deep understanding of cellular immunotherapy mechanisms and burgeoning technologies such as CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T lymphocyte) cell therapy. These scientific advancements center foremost on improving outcomes for her patients with central nervous system tumors and all those impacted by neurologic complications of cancer.
As a leader in translational research, Dr. Thomas recently secured a $12 million award to spearhead CAR-T cell therapy innovation for glioblastoma brain tumors, working with her team to revolutionize treatment possibilities and outcomes for patients. She brings more than a decade of experience serving as principal investigator on several NIH funded research programs and trials including a study that established the new standard of care for using checkpoint inhibitor immune therapy for melanoma brain metastasis. Her dedication to advancing medical knowledge is grounded in providing hope to families and bringing her diverse lived experience and scientific accomplishments to bear in the fight against cancer.
Beyond research, Dr. Thomas is nationally recognized for her excellence in medical education, for her role in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals in her tenure as Fellowship Program Director of Neuro Oncology and subsequently as Associate Dean of Diversity in Medical Education at Stanford Medicine. Her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in medicine is evident through her advocacy for health equity, striving to dismantle systemic barriers and ensure equitable access to care for all patients. Beginning August 1, 2024, Dr. Thomas will be the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education at Stanford Medicine.
Dr. Thomas continues to lead in education program development, principally via a transformative $25 million gift fueling the REACH initiative (Racial Equity to Advance Community Health). This initiative reflects Dr. Thomas’ outcome focused approach to addressing health disparities and to promoting community well-being through innovation and collaborative solutions.
