James P. Thomas, MD is a physician and surgeon in Portland, Oregon whose practice is limited entirely to laryngology — disorders of the larynx and voice. He grew up in Michigan and Pennsylvania, earned his B.S. (with distinction, Biology) and M.D. from Pennsylvania State University, and completed his otolaryngology residency at Southern Illinois University.
He migrated westward to Portland, practicing general otolaryngology briefly before traveling through Europe and the United States to study under established laryngologists. He completed a fellowship in professional voice disorders under Robert W. Bastian, M.D. at Loyola University, Chicago (1998), then returned to Portland to build a subspecialty practice devoted exclusively to voice and laryngeal care.
How I Got Here
I have enjoyed science from as early as I can remember. Upon entering 9th grade, physics teacher Ted Barnhart allowed me to enter independent study a year early — he just opened the door to a lab full of lasers, transistors, patch panels, and measuring equipment and let me loose. I found an unused darkroom and began processing black and white photos, shooting and editing for the yearbook, and discovered a carbon arc projector in the projection room above the auditorium. By senior year, physics research on the aerodynamics of tractor-trailer trucks led me to the International Science Fair.
During eight years at Penn State (B.S. and M.D.), I built a hammer dulcimer and played in an old-time string band — perhaps developing an ear for music. Studying acoustics during residency, Ron Konrad gave me free rein to study ear anatomy, neurosurgery, and push the boundaries of otolaryngology. I ultimately switched after residency to the nascent field of laryngology, as video and digital computer equipment were beginning to intertwine.
Searching for a mentor in laryngology, an otologist colleague led me to Robert Bastian in Chicago, and through him I learned how to hear a voice disorder. Now, as I take my turn teaching fellows about laryngology, I can see in retrospect how all this past fascination with music, aerodynamics, physics, sound, computers, film, anatomy, surgery, nerves, video, and photography actually fits together like a puzzle — formulating what has become a passionate career in the diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders.
Training & Credentials
| Board Certification | American Board of Otolaryngology, March 1993 |
| Fellowship | Professional Voice Disorders, Loyola University Medical School, Chicago (under Robert W. Bastian, M.D.) — July–December 1998 |
| Studies Abroad | Dr. Marc Bouchayer, Lyons, France (1998); Sun Yat Sen School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China (1991) |
| Residency | Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Southern Illinois University (1987–1991); General Surgery, Southern Illinois University (1985–1987) |
| Medical School | M.D., Pennsylvania State University, Hershey (1981–1985) |
| Undergraduate | B.S. with distinction, Biology — Pennsylvania State University (1977–1981) |
Academic & Teaching
Dr. Thomas served as Assistant and Clinical Professor at OHSU (Oregon Health & Science University), Department of Otolaryngology (1992–1999). He has directed a postgraduate fellowship in laryngology since 2002 and has served as a laryngology preceptor for first- and second-year OHSU medical students since 2000. He taught Principles of Clinical Medicine at OHSU (1999–2005) and gross anatomy (1994–1996).
Professional Memberships
American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery (1985–present) · European Laryngology Society (2008–present) · Oregon Academy of Otolaryngology, including President 1997–1998 · Oregon Medical Association · American Medical Association · Pacific Voice and Speech Foundation, Board of Directors (2010–2016) · National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association Medical Board (2004–2010)