Our Medical Team
Dr. Daniel Thomas has been in the cancer arena longer than most. In early childhood, Dr. Thomas had questions about cancer after both maternal grandparents died within a month of each other from cancer. As a young adult, his search for answers led him and his wife to drastically change their diet by switching to a 100% plant-based diet more than 40 years ago while living in Des Moines, Iowa.
In February of 1986, as a fourth-year medical student, Dr. Thomas completed a clinical rotation at a small hospital in Zion, Illinois, called American International Hospital, that focused on integrative treatment for cancer. Founded by wealthy investment banker Richard Stephenson, who lost his beloved mother to cancer, American International Hospital would eventually become the first Cancer Treatment Center of America and, later, part of the City of Hope.
After graduating from school in May of 1986, he and his wife, Dr. Sylvia Torres-Thomas, spent the month of June with nurse Charlotte Gerson at the Gerson Cancer Hospital in Mexico. Ms. Gerson oversaw the work started by her father, Dr. Max Gerson, who developed a dietary-based cancer treatment in the 1930s (click here). While at the hospital, Drs. Thomas and Torres-Thomas made daily clinical patient rounds with the physicians, nurses, and Ms. Gerson. They ate lunch with the patients and listened as the patients shared their remarkable experiences recovering from cancer.
From February 2018 to August 2019, Travis Christofferson, author of Tripping Over the Truth: How the Metabolic Theory of Cancer Is Overturning One of Medicine’s Most Entrenched Paradigms (click here), asked Dr. Thomas to serve as a consulting physician for Care Oncology, a London, England-based company pioneering in telemedicine and specializing in the use of repurposed medications designed to target the energy needs of cancer. Dr. Thomas helped hundreds of cancer patients worldwide during his time with Care Oncology.
In October 2019, Drs. Thomas and Torres-Thomas hosted Jane McLelland at their office. Ms. McLelland is the author of the best-selling book How to Starve Cancer (click here) and a 20-year survivor of stage-4 cervical cancer. The book outlines her approach to managing cancer, focusing on targeting the metabolism of cancer cells through diet, supplements, and off-label medications.
Over the years, to improve the care of his patients, Dr. Thomas has collaborated with some of the world’s top cancer scientists, including Robert Hoffman, PhD from the University of California San Diego and a leading expert on the role of methionine dependency in cancer (click here), and Alberto Izzotti, MD, PhD from the University of Genoa, Italy and leading expert on the use of high-ozonide ozonated oil in the treatment and prevention of cancer (click here).
Dr. Thomas is the author of How to Prevent Cancer Recurrence: A Doctor’s Guide to Holding Onto Remission and Preventing Metastatic Spread (click here). Dr. Thomas wrote this as a self-help a self-help resource for cancer patients who are unable to be under his care yet still benefit from his years of experience.
Dr. Thomas helped develop the ChromaShield line of supplements for NORI Nutraceuticals (click here). By targeting cell-free chromatin particles, these supplements are designed to focus on 21 out of 23 biomarkers representing 10 hallmarks of cancer (click here).
Drs. Thomas and Torres-Thomas take a family-like approach in their medical practice by personalizing care to meet the specific needs, preferences, and circumstances of each patient. This method fosters trust and open communication. Their deep compassion and empathy improve patients’ experiences during tough times, positively affecting their mental and emotional health. By considering the holistic aspects of well-being, Drs. Thomas and Torres-Thomas provide more comprehensive care. They serve as strong advocates for their patients, helping to navigate the healthcare system with a commitment that mirrors family-like support. This approach strengthens long-term patient-physician relationships and boosts patient satisfaction and engagement with treatment plans.
Dr. Daniel Thomas, DO, MS
Educational background:
- Fellowship in Integrative Cancer Therapy at the Metabolic Medical Institute
- Post-Doctoral Master of Science in Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine from the University of South Florida College of Medicine
- Hospital Internship at Northwest General in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) from Des Moines University
- Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Andrews University
As a thought leader, Dr. Thomas’ strengths lie in his scientific curiosity, innovative thinking, and forward-thinking perspectives. He believes that learning does not end when a physician completes medical school. Despite the rigors of a full-time medical practice, to stay at the forefront of medical innovation and continuously improve the care of his patients, Dr. Thomas dedicates 20-30 hours a week to reviewing the scientific literature to uncover groundbreaking research and potentially promising treatments. He also reaches out to leading cancer scientists for collaborative relationships.
Note: For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the difference between an MD and a DO degree, doctors of osteopathic medicine, or DOs, are fully licensed physicians who specialize in all areas of medicine and surgery, like MDs. However, osteopathic physicians know there’s far more to good health than the absence of disease. DOs are educated and trained to focus on prevention by gaining a deeper understanding of the impact of diet and lifestyle rather than just treating your symptoms. For more information on the distinct advantages of osteopathic medicine, please (click here).
Dr. Sylvia Torres-Thomas, PhD, APRN, FNP-C
Educational background:
- Post-Doctoral Certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Southern Indiana
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing from the University of Central Florida (less than 1% of nurses have a PhD)
- Master of Science degree in Nursing Education from the University of Central Florida
- Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Andrews University
While a doctoral student, she received the prestigious Order of Pegasus Award (click here), the highest academic award conferred by the University of Central Florida. Selection is based on exemplary academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Dr. Torres-Thomas is a former professor and clinical nursing instructor. She has given numerous scientific presentations at regional, national, and international conferences.
Dr. Torres-Thomas is dedicated to continual learning and strives to better understand the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and improved health. Insights gained through experience and knowledge serve well in her quest to break down and explain complex health information in a simple and meaningful manner so that patients and their families can make informed choices that lead to better outcomes.