Bio
Dr. Reena Thomas, MD, PhD, is a Clinical 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 secured a $12 million award in 2023 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.
In parallel to ongoing research efforts, Dr. Thomas has embraced leadership roles in medical education. As the Fellowship Program Director and Education Chief for Neuro-Oncology at Stanford Medicine, Dr. Thomas mentored and trained the next generation of neuro-oncology specialists, fostering a culture of excellence in both clinical care and research. Her commitment to medical education expanded through subsequent roles as Associate Dean and most recently Senior Associate Dean of Medical Education for Stanford Medicine. In these positions, Dr. Thomas has worked to enhance curriculum design, integrate cutting-edge research into clinical training, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that our trainees are well-equipped to lead the future of academic medicine and beyond.
Dr. Thomas' administrative experience has enabled her to build collaborative teams, secure research funding, and manage large-scale, multi-institutional research programs. Additionally, her deep involvement in education has provided her with valuable perspectives on how to mentor young scientists and clinicians, helping them to navigate the complex intersections of patient care, research, and academic development. This commitment to continuing the pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries in brain tumor immunology while shaping the academic and clinical leaders of tomorrow is the driving force of her career in medicine.
