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John G. Thomas, MS, PhD In 1998, Dr. Thomas was encouraged to expand his unique role in Translational Research and became Director of the Clinical Research Laboratory of Microbial Pathology, focusing on the integration of dental, medical and environment diseases through four linked pathways: BIOFILMS, ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE, CLINICAL AND FINANCIAL OUTCOMES, and GLOBAL ORAL HYGIENE. The theme: “Bench to Bedside.” Dr. Thomas has research collaboration with CollaGenex Pharmaceuticals (Periostat®), which led to the establishment of the Mountain State Oral Facial Laboratory, one of only 7 dental laboratories in the US and also integrated it into the clinical laboratory of WVUH. Success resulted in the subsequent development of the Biofilm Research Laboratory (BRL) for Translational Studies in Medicine, Dentistry and Industry with significant funding via biomedical grants from Tyco Healthcare/Nellcor, Tyco Healthcare/US Surgical, Pfizer Healthcare, and NIDCR, the latter focusing on oral epidemiology studies of Appalachian patients. Primary focus is anti-biofilm management of endotrachs/ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP), soft tissue infections, and oral diseases. He has engineered three biofilm models duplicating the clinical stress and nutritional environment. He has recently addressed the connection between oral and systemic diseases. Biofilm quantitative and imaging analysis focuses on FISH, COMSTAT and flow cytometry. An Outcomes Model has been developed to track the cost of antibiotic resistance using 74 parameters emphasizing “Microbiology Management by Outcomes.” The BRL is a centerpiece of the new WVU Center for Immunopathology and Microbial Pathogenesis (CIpMP), on of the five WVU Medical School of Medicine initiatives created in 2005 to stream-line and focus University research. Professor Thomas is an international traveler and speaker throughout the US, Europe, and Asia-Pacific (see Photo Galleries). He is recognized for his numerous publications, symposiums, book chapters, innovative research collaborations and enthusiastic teaching style. He sponsors a yearly Microbiology Symposium, which started in 1993. Dr. Thomas recently completed a much heralded 6 country, 14 lecture tour covering more than 29,000 miles across Asia-Pacific. Dr. Thomas, a Vermonter, is an avid skier and member of the National Ski Patrol, hockey goalie and father of 3 daughters; he and his wife Penny have been married 34 years. He is also an enthusiastic runner and kayaker in the whitewater and mountains of West Virginia. Recently, the Dental Tribune wrote an article describing Dr. Thomas's dual passion for microbiology and skiing Dr. Thomas’ achievements have been recognized by awards in research, teaching and contribution to the State of West Virginia healthcare.
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