It is with great sadness that the Major League Baseball Team Physician Association (MLB TPA) announces the passing of Dr. Bruce Thomas, a longtime member of the MLB TPA from complications of spinal surgery. He was a team physician for the Washington Nationals for over 20 years and before that when they were the Montreal Expos. He was also a team physician for the Miami Marlins for a time. He touched many people during his career in his role of mentor, physician, and friend. The TPA wishes to express our condolences to his family and all those who worked with him over the years. He will be greatly missed.
Dr. Daryl Osbahr, who worked with him at the Nationals, wrote a very poignant tribute to Dr. Thomas that he would like to share with the TPA. “There are moments in all of our lives when triumphs and tragedies cause us to reflect on not only what we have accomplished but… what was our goal… and most importantly, who was on our team!
Today is one of those days for me and so many others concerning a member of our TEAM as we reflect upon the death and legacy of Dr. Bruce Thomas. Dr. Thomas was an absolute LEGEND in the Sports Medicine World. Given his humble yet charismatic demeanor, I would not be surprised if those who did not have the opportunity to work directly with Bruce were not aware of what an amazing person and colleague he was every day of his life. Also known as Dr. T, he was one of our FOUNDING FATHERS of primary care sports medicine and has certainly left a hole in my heart and our profession that will never be completely filled. With that said, I will certainly challenge all of our colleagues to step up and live their personal and professional lives through the same lens as Dr. Thomas. In fact, I always find myself lovingly saying WWBD.
What Would Bruce Do! I was always amazed at how Dr. Thomas always did everything the right way with the right actions and the right words! He was THE BEST person, husband, father, colleague, doctor, mentor, and friend. I LOVE and MISS him so much, and I’m only comforted by the fact that God must have a special place reserved in the Heavens for Dr. T!
