Eddie Thara, DO

Dr. Eddie Thara is a personable and compassionate doctor who moved from Thailand to the United States when he was in high school. He attended the University of California, Irvine where he earned two bachelor degrees in biological sciences and music performance. Dr. Thara continued his education and received his medical degree from Touro University in northern California. During his undergraduate and medical school years, he was involved in many science research projects in which some were presented at various national conferences. Dr. Thara completed his residency and medicine internship at the University of Southern California Los Angeles Medical Center. After his exposure to patients with malignancies and blood diseases, he found himself intrigued by the biological process of cancer development and hematologic disorders. Dr. Thara was also inspired by several internationally renowned mentors. He continued his training in hematology/oncology subspecialty at USC Norris Cancer Center and served as Chief of Oncology Fellowship Program. He wrote several review papers which were published in major journals including Cancers, Expert Opinion in Biological Therapy, British Journal of Cancer, and Blood covering subjects in both solid and blood malignancies. Many research abstracts he was involved with were presented at ASCO meetings.

Dr. Thara is a loving husband and devoted father to two young girls. He earned a Bachelor of Art degree in music performance because of his love for music. As an active church member, he regularly serves during worship service as musician and music director at his church. It is important for Dr. Thara to reserve time to spend with his wife and children, play the guitar, play basketball and exercise at the gym.

Dr. Thara cherishes his personal relationships and interaction with patients and enjoys knowing them personally. Coming from a developing country, he has come to appreciate the difference he can bring to his patients through the advance medical treatment in the United States., which should be utilized to its highest potential. He believes in individualized treatment plans that are designed based not only on the type of tumor or the disease the patient has but also on the patient’s wish and social circumstance. As the impact of fatal disease like cancer often extends to a patient’s family mentally, physically, and financially, effective counseling and guidance can bring healing not only to the patient, but also to the loved ones. While focusing on the quality and prolongation of life, he pays close attention to providing encouraging hope and realistic expectations.

Dr. Thara is also fluent in Thai.