Paul Thomas (United States, WK 70-74)

What years did you attend Waterford Kamhlaba? (What forms/year group?)

1970- 1974 finished O-levels (Form 4 I think we called that)

Please tell us what you have done or are doing at the moment? (e.g.. what you studied and what field you are currently working in)

After high school at Waterford:

1975-1979  BA biology (Universithy of the Pacific, Stockton Ca)

1979-1981 MS Biology (University of the Pacific, Stockton Ca)

1981- 1985 MD (Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover NH)

1985 – 1988 Residency in Pediatrics

1988 – 1993 Taught residents and medical students Portland Or

1993- 2008 Pediatrician at Westside Pediatrics Portland Or

2008 – present Opened my own clinic: Integrative Pediatrics

2009 – present Opened Fair Start – a clinic to help opiod addicts

2016 Published the Amazon Best Seller The Vaccine-Friendly Plan

2018 August 13-19 I am host of The Addiction Summit:

Sept 4 2018 My new book The Addiction Spectrum

Could you tell us what inspired you to pursue your career path.

I recall my advisor at Waterford Kamhlaba advising me to go into geology. I was strong in science and geography, but I always was interested in medicine and becoming a doctor. While in medical school, I realized I was not cut out for surgery (I hated wearing masks, and I fell in love with pediatrics when I realized how honest kids were and how fun it was working with kids.

Did Waterford in any way play a role in your career path choice?

Waterford was instrumental in helping me develop an attitude that I could do whatever I wanted to do.

If yes: then what has that role been?

The diversity at WK helped me in connecting with patients regardless of their background.

What advice would you have for aspiring students who would want to be involved in
similar areas of expertise?

Practice listening skills and not being judgemental of others. Try to enjoy people and stay active in educating yourself. I have learned th emost important things since medical school by listening to patients, and doing my own research. Challenge the status quo if it doesn’t make sense and be ever aware of conflicts of interest.

Do you have any fond memories of Waterford? Could you possibly share one with us and could we also ask you to send us one or two pictures of your time at WK?

I have many fond memories. Running from peak to peak and cross country. Soccer , field hockey, squash and soccer, track and field and high jump!  Teachers were for the most part very friendly, supportive and encouraging. Walks in the countryside, movie nights, friends – wonderful times with friends.

Most embarrassing moment at Waterford?

Well – I was kicked out of school right before my O-levels for sneaking out at night and meeting a girl in the sick area.  I was 13 when I played my first spin the bottle game and had never kissed a girl (I was not confident and very hesitant and embarrassed)  I had grown up a missionary kid rather isolated.

WK crush?

Anne and then Lynne Anderson who ended up being my girlfriend for three years while there.

What’s your favorite ’90s jam?

Whiter shade of pale.

Who was in your WK #squad (friend group)?

Mark Rorison

Favourite teacher/Most hilarious teacher?

Eington

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