A graduate of the University’s School of Medicine, Dr. Thoma took his internship and residency at Saint Louis University Hospital. Except for a three-year stint as a Major in the Air Force Medical Corps, his career path led from the Radioisotopes Laboratory to the top position at the Medical Center, 1973 to 1986. He also served as Dean, professor of internal medicine, professor of hospital and health care administration and on staff at several area hospitals. Board of Governors, Alexian Brothers Health Systems; Director, Edgewater Medical Center and Edgewater Foundation; Board member, Mercy Health Systems, Detroit Region; and chairman Missouri Botanical Garden’s Arboretum committee.

A long-time Academy Trustee and Fellow of the Academy of Science of St. Louis, he served as first vice president for several years. During his presidency, the Academy has moved into its current directions of community service.