In Loving Memory of Dr. John P. Thomas, M.D.

The Dallas ATLS community mourns the passing of a remarkable surgeon, educator, and humanitarian, Dr. John P. Thomas. His sudden departure on August 31, 2025, leaves a void not only in the hearts of his family, friends, and colleagues, but also across the broader medical and surgical community. For those of us who had the privilege of working alongside him, Dr. Thomas was far more than a director—he was a mentor, an innovator, and above all, a servant-leader whose life exemplified the very best of our profession.

A Distinguished Surgical Career

Dr. Thomas’s career in surgery was marked by technical excellence, compassion for patients, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. Born in Houston TX, raised in Texas and resided in Lubbock TX, he trained rigorously and went on to establish himself as a nationally respected surgeon. His operating room was known not only for precision, but also for the calm confidence he inspired in his colleagues and staff. Patients trusted him implicitly, and younger surgeons looked to him for guidance. He believed that surgery was not merely a skill, but a calling—one that demanded humility, vigilance, and lifelong learning.

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Thomas contributed to the advancement of surgical education. He presented at conferences, published in professional forums, and mentored residents and fellows who would later carry forward his commitment to excellence. His colleagues often remarked that his greatest legacy lay not only in the thousands of patients whose lives he touched, but also in the generations of physicians he trained and inspired.

Dedication to ATLS

For many in our ATLS community, Dr. Thomas will be remembered as a dedicated director, instructor, and advocate for trauma education. He championed the mission of the Advanced Trauma Life Support program with energy and conviction. He often reminded participants that “every second counts when trauma strikes”, and he embodied that urgency in the way he taught and led.

Under his directorship, Dallas ATLS staff & programs flourished. He insisted on rigorous standards, ensured fidelity to the ACS curriculum, and encouraged innovation in simulation and teaching methods. His ability to balance discipline with warmth made him a beloved instructor. Participants routinely shared that Dr. Thomas’s teaching style—anchored in both technical mastery and genuine empathy—transformed their approach to trauma care.

His commitment extended beyond the classroom. Dr. Thomas understood that ATLS was not just a certification, but a culture of preparedness and responsibility. He frequently reminded his colleagues that our role is to be ready for the most critical sixty minutes in a patient’s life. His voice, his stories, and his unwavering belief in the value of ATLS will remain a guiding light for our community. He had also established ATLS internationally - Arbil, Kurdistan, Iraq.

Operation HOPE: Healing Outreach for People Everywhere

Perhaps the most profound expression of Dr. Thomas’s heart for service was his founding of Operation HOPE in 1999. Through this initiative, he organized and led 35 international medical missions, bringing surgical care to more than 7,000 individuals in underserved regions across seven countries.

Those who accompanied him on these missions recall not only the long days in makeshift operating rooms, but also the nights spent talking with families, listening to their stories, and offering reassurance. For Dr. Thomas, Operation HOPE was not charity—it was a moral obligation to extend healing beyond borders. He often said that medicine should be “a bridge between privilege and need,” and he lived that conviction through every mission trip.

Operation HOPE remains a living testimony to his faith and compassion, and his colleagues are determined to ensure that the work continues in his honor.

A Life of Faith and Integrity

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Thomas was defined by his character. He was a man of deep faith, rooted in his Judeo-Christian convictions, which informed both his personal and professional life. His integrity was unquestionable, his word always dependable, and his humility disarming in a world where ego too often overshadows service.

Colleagues admired his ability to balance a demanding career with devotion to his family—his beloved wife, Keri, and son, Andrew. He was a husband, father, and friend who radiated warmth and kindness. His smile, his laughter, and his readiness to support others made him a pillar in every community he touched.

A Legacy That Endures

The loss of Dr. John P. Thomas is felt deeply across multiple spheres—the operating room, the ATLS classroom, mission hospitals abroad, and the communities of faith and friendship he nurtured. For the surgical community, his passing is a reminder of the extraordinary impact one individual can have when technical skill, compassion, and vision come together in one life.

As we remember him, we also commit to carrying forward his legacy: to serve with excellence, to teach with passion, and to heal with love. His voice may no longer guide us in the classroom or operating room, but his influence will resonate for decades to come.

“If you are lucky, you will meet someone who changes your life. For many of us, Dr. John Thomas was this someone.”

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Operation HOPE—a cause that defined Dr. Thomas’s life’s work and one that will continue to bless lives for years to come.

We, at Dallas ATLS, will miss him dearly, but we remain forever grateful for the privilege of walking part of the journey with him. His life was a testament to service, faith, and healing—a legacy we will honor by continuing the work he so passionately began.

We at DallasATLS.org salute you!

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Many people come in and out of our lives, but only a few leave footprints. You sir were, such a person. I wish I had known you more than a year. I will cherish our talks over coffee, the meals and banter. You sir, will be dearly missed. Your friend, your colleague, your mentee - Dr. Junaid Channa.