Donald L. Thomas Jr. PT, DPT, CLT-LANA, CWT has been a Lymphedema therapist for about 11 years after graduating Widener University in 2013. Donald currently works at Good Shepherd Penn Partners/Penn Therapy and Fitness treating a variety of patient populations including but not limited to patients with Lymphedema, Wounds, Oncology, cancer related fatigue. He has recently received his wound care certification in April 2021. To date he has also received the title of Expert Clinician as per the NLN in 2021. Currently, Donald also cohost a Virtual Lymphedema support group once a month to further educate patients on various topics relating to Lymphedema. Additionally, he has presented on several Jobst and Compression Guru Forums, The Midwest Lymphedema Symposium, NLN Micro-conference (August 2023), and at the NLN conferences (2022 and 2023) as well as cohosts a Virtual Oncology Focus Group once a month for the NLN. Donald has also helped with the LE&RN Philly Zoo Walk (2022 and 2023).

Physical Therapist Assistant (32 yrs.)
Lymphedema Therapist  (30 yrs.)
Certified Wound Care Specialist for (4 yrs.)
Cancer Exercise Specialist (3 yrs.)

I currently serve as a lymphedema and wound care specialist at Good Shepard Penn Partners. In this role, I leverage my expertise in managing complex lymphedema conditions and providing comprehensive wound care to enhance the quality of life for my patients. Patient care varies from; wound care, lymphedema, oncology, Breast Cancer Cancer/ Related Fatigue, and Pelvic floor focusing on runners.

Our journey in the field of lymphedema has equipped us with insights and experiences that we believe will benefit LE&RN.

• Co-chair of the lymphedema support group 
• C0-chair of the NLN Oncology Focus Group
• Serving as ambassadors for the NLN for several years
• Receiving the title of Expert Clinician for the NLN,
• Co-leadership for the NLN 2023 patient fashion show
• Presented at several lymphedema and wound care conferences.

As Certified Lymphedema Specialist, we have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by individuals dealing with lymphedema. This has fueled my desire to promote awareness, improve treatment methodologies, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for those affected.

Joining the Lymphatic Education & Research Network represents an opportunity for us not just to learn and grow but also to engage actively with a community dedicated to impactful research and advocacy. We are particularly drawn to the collective effort of leveraging evidence-based practices and innovative strategies addressing the complexities of lymphedema management. We are eager to collaborate, share knowledge, and contribute to ongoing research initiatives,  focused on raising awareness and educating healthcare professionals and the public about this often-overlooked condition.