We are pleased to celebrate the appointment of Dr. Inas Thomas, MD as the new Director of the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, which became effective August 1, 2022. Dr. Thomas now oversees and leads the clinical, research, and education missions of the Division as well as the administrative functions. She will assist the Department Chair in providing guidance on strategic decision making for faculty recruitments, promotions, and program initiatives. When asked about her new role, Dr. Thomas shared that she has been enjoying getting to know her colleagues in a different light, and is looking forward to learning and growing in this role.
Dr. Thomas also continues to serve in her role as Associate Director for Pediatric Clinical Research and Diabetes Program with the Caswell Diabetes Institute, supporting the overarching mission to support rigorous science and its integration with patient-centered clinical care - leading the way to prevent, treat and cure diabetes, its complications and related metabolic diseases. She will continue as the Medical Director for the Pediatric Diabetes Program which is certified by the American Diabetes Association to provide comprehensive care which includes the latest medical treatments and technology with the overarching goal of improving the health and quality of life for children and adolescents with diabetes.
Furthering the education mission is paramount in Dr. Thomas’ approach to her work, providing clinical and didactic training to a variety of learners including medical students, residents, pediatric endocrinology fellows, pediatric gynecology fellows and adult endocrine fellows. She teaches endocrine fellows in the clinical setting and has mentored them with career development. Additionally, Dr. Thomas dedicates time and expertise to the education of patients, their families, and the community about type 1 diabetes mellitus, including volunteering as the Medical Director for the American Diabetes Association Midicha Day Camp, a role that is near and dear to her heart. This past year at camp, Dr. Thomas shared that one of the moms of a 5-year-old said that he asked if there was going to be a cure for diabetes soon. The mom said, “I think so.” The child said, “Can it wait until the end of this week?”
Dr. Thomas’ research has primarily centered on prevention, detection, or improvement of quality of life for children with type 1 diabetes. She is the principal investigator (PI) for the University of Michigan’s TrialNet research study (www.diabetestrialnet.org) which is a National Institutes of Health funded long-term international collaboration that is dedicated to the study, prevention, and early treatment of type 1 diabetes in those at risk for developing type 1 diabetes. Presently, she directs several clinical studies which include the Pathway to Prevention, Abatacept Prevention Trial, and Hydroxychloroquine Intervention Trial. In the near future, she will also be directing new-onset type 1 diabetes studies that are aimed at preserving insulin production in individuals who are newly-diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
Congratulations, Dr. Thomas!!