A mission of service: Army Reserve major and interventional pulmonologist joins AdventHealth Daytona Beach

A physician who has cared for patients from Havana to Hershey, Haiti to New York, is now bringing his expertise to Volusia County. AdventHealth Medical Group announced that Dr. Wallace Thomas, a board-certified pulmonologist, fellowship-trained interventional pulmonologist, and U.S. Army Reserve major, has joined the team at AdventHealth Daytona Beach.

Thomas specializes in treating complex lung conditions such as asthma, COPD and lung cancer. As an interventional pulmonologist, he uses advanced tools to treat diseases of the lungs and airways in ways that are less invasive than traditional surgery. This includes procedures like placing stents to keep airways open, using robotic bronchoscopy to find and biopsy small nodules deep in the lungs, and techniques to help patients with severe COPD breathe more easily. These approaches give patients quicker answers, shorter recoveries and, in many cases, a better chance at earlier treatment when it matters most.

Originally from Haiti, Thomas has practiced medicine in academic centers, VA hospitals, and community facilities across the U.S. He also served on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic, caring for critically ill patients in overwhelmed ICUs. He is fluent in English, Spanish, French and Creole, which helps him connect with patients from many backgrounds. In addition to his clinical work, he continues to serve as a major in the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps.

“Dr. Thomas is the kind of physician every community hopes for,” said Dr. David Sinclair, CEO of AdventHealth Daytona Beach. “He brings skill, compassion, and a willingness to go the extra mile for his patients. Having him here means more of our neighbors can get the care they need without leaving Volusia County. His leadership in pulmonology and dedication to underserved communities make him an invaluable part of our vision for whole-person health.”

Respiratory health is a critical need in Volusia County, where rates of respiratory disease remain higher than the state average. To combat this, the AdventHealth East Florida Division launched a comprehensive lung program that includes low-dose CT screenings, AI-driven lung nodule tracking and advanced robotic procedures to catch cancer earlier and save lives. Thomas’ expertise strengthens this program, ensuring patients have access to advanced care in their own community. Adding Dr. Thomas to the team strengthens the region’s lung and critical care services, giving families more options without leaving the area.

“Caring for people isn’t just my profession, it’s my purpose,” Dr. Thomas said. “When someone is fighting for breath, it affects every part of their life. Here in Volusia County, where lung disease and lung cancer take such a heavy toll, my goal is to use every tool and every bit of training I have to help patients find relief and hope close to home.”

Thomas earned his medical degree from the Latin American School of Medicine in Havana, Cuba, and completed his residency at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in New York. He also holds a master’s degree in healthcare delivery and leadership from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. His fellowship training includes pulmonary and critical care, advanced Diagnostic Bronchoscopy, Interventional Pulmonology, and obesity medicine.

AdventHealth Medical Group is a network of nearly 450 physicians and advanced practice providers across Flagler, Lake, Sumter, and Volusia counties. Together they care for more than a million patients a year, reducing waiting times, and improving access to specialty care.

Thomas will care for patients at 305 Memorial Parkway, Suite 307, Daytona Beach, Fl. 32117 To make an appointment, please call Call386-231-4351.