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Keith Thomas is the Chief of Staff at VA Western Colorado Healthcare System. Dr. Keith J. Thomas began his VA service as Chief of Surgery for the Grand Junction VA Western Colorado

Healthcare System.  In April of 2021, he was appointed acting chief of staff and became chief of staff on March 17, 2022.    He is a board-certified general surgeon and Fellow of the

American College of Surgeons (ACS).  Prior to joining VA, he held leadership positions both locally and nationally within the ACS organization and was elected and served as former President

of the Oregon ACS.  In addition, he represented Oregon ACS for several years as an advocacy chair and councilor for the ACS National Health Policy Advocacy Council. Thomas also held multiple

hospital leadership positions in New York and Oregon including surgical instructor, chief of medical staff, chief of surgical services, trauma medical director and EMS medical director.  

After completing the American Association for Physician Leadership Physician Executive curriculum, he achieved the designation of certified physician executive, a credential that is awarded

by the Certifying Commission in Medical Management. He earned his Doctorate of Medicine from the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and served as chief resident during his

surgical residency program at Monmouth Medical Center/Jersey Shore University Medical Center.  Veteran health care was the most rewarding aspect of his surgical practice during his years in

Oregon, leading him to seek an opportunity within the VA Healthcare System.  Thomas is grateful to be working with the Western Colorado Healthcare System team to fulfill the mission of

serving our country’s Veterans.