Donald E. Thomas, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, RhMSUS
‘Dr Thomas and the entire staff are so caring and professional. Waiting time to see the doctor is minimal and Dr Thomas doesn’t rush through your visit, but instead is very patient in listening to you.’ V.G. actual patient
Dr. Thomas has been a board-certified rheumatologist in our practice since June 1998. He teaches at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD. He is a Fellow member of the American College of Physicians (FACP). He is among the inaugural group certified by the American College of Rheumatology in the use of ultrasound to diagnose and treat rheumatic diseases (RhMSUS). In 2024, he was inducted into the Academy of Medicine, Washington, DC.
He authored the leading lupus education book, The Lupus Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Health Care Providers, ed 2 from The Johns Hopkins University Press, is a Chair Emeritus of the Medical and Scientific Advisory Board of the Lupus Foundation (DC/MD/VA) chapter, was a member of the Medical Advisory Council of The Arthritis Foundation Mid-Atlantic Chapter, President of the Rheumatism Society of the District of Columbia 2016-2017, and is Immediate Past Chair of the National Board of Directors of the Sjogren’s Foundation. He also serves on the Board of the American College of Rheumatology of which he is a fellow member.
He received his M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX (1989) and his rheumatology fellowship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (1995).
Awards include the AMA’s Physician Recognition Award yearly since 2000, with “Commendation” added from 2007 to 2015, and the Lupus Foundation of America MidAtlantic Chapter's "Lupus Hero Award," 2016. He has been rated one of America’s Top Physicians by the Consumers’ Research Council of America numerous times since 2004 in rheumatology. Numerous recognitions from The American Registry in conjunction with Vitals.com include “Top 10 Doctor DC Metro Area” and “Top 10 Doctor-State of Maryland” in 2014, “On-Time Doctor Award” 2014-2015, “Patient’s Choice Award” 2008-2015, and with the “Compassionate Doctor Recognition” 2011-2015. Washingtonian Magazine recognized him as one of Washington DC’s “Top Doctors” for rheumatology in 2010, 2012, and 2015.
