About Donald Thomas, MD

Donald E. Thomas, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, RhMSUS is a board-certified rheumatologist with decades of experience evaluating and treating patients with rheumatologic, musculoskeletal, and systemic autoimmune diseases. He provides objective medical-legal case review and expert witness services for attorneys in matters involving lupus, Sjögren’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, scleroderma, myositis, vasculitis, fibromyalgia, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, diagnostic mistakes, medication complications, disability, causation, prognosis, and standard of care.

Dr. Thomas is the author of “The Lupus Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Health Care Providers” and “Lupus: The Essential Guide” and is nationally recognized for his expertise in lupus and Sjögren’s disease. His clinical, academic, writing, and leadership experience allow him to explain complex rheumatologic issues in clear, practical language for attorneys, judges, juries, and other medical professionals.

Dr. Thomas reviews and accepts both plaintiff and defense matters, equally. He views his role as serving the integrity of the medical case rather than advocating for either side. His opinions are objective, evidence-based, and guided by the medical record, the clinical context, and accepted standards of rheumatology practice. He focuses on identifying the key medical issues, clarifying the strengths and weaknesses of the record, and providing opinions that are understandable, well-supported, and useful in the litigation process.

Professional Background

• Full-time clinical rheumatology practice at Arthritis and Pain Associates of Prince George’s County in Greenbelt, Maryland, caring for patients with rheumatologic and systemic autoimmune diseases

• Board-certified rheumatologist for over 30 years

• Fellow of the American College of Physicians

• Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology

• Certified in musculoskeletal ultrasound through the American College of Rheumatology

• Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD

• Author of The Lupus Encyclopedia and Lupus: The Essential Guide

• Over 35 years of clinical experience caring for patients with rheumatologic and autoimmune diseases

• Experienced in lupus, Sjögren’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, vasculitis, scleroderma, myositis, osteoarthritis, spinal disorders, trauma-induced arthritis, fibromyalgia, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and related conditions

Medical-Legal Experience

• Medical legal expert work for over 20 years

• Medical record review and analysis of complex rheumatology, arthritis, and autoimmune disease cases

• Case merit review

• Causation analysis

• Standard-of-care opinions

• Disability and functional impairment review

• Prognosis and future care opinions

• Expert reports

• Deposition testimony

• Trial testimony

• Plaintiff and defense case review