Paul Thambi

Background

About Paul Thambi

A love for solving problems led me to engineering school and then to work at a defense contractor and technology consulting firm. Both experiences were exciting and impactful, but I desired a change. I wanted a more direct impact on the problems people face and medicine was one way to do this. During my residency an oncologist showed me that the pain and sadness that comes with helping people battle cancer also leads to incredible relationships and insights. My fellowship was an exploration into the science of therapeutics and the depth of relationships that develop. I was in a private oncology/hematology practice for 18 years where I created meaningful connections with people going through this disease. I saw the emotional and physical distress they feel through their treatments. The emotional suffering at times was more than the physical. Several events led me to the literature on psychedelic therapy to treat exactly those emotional, perhaps existential, issues. A course taught me more about these therapies and intensified my interest. Doing work in the area of therapeutics for emotional and mental health for patients with cancer is part of the next chapter of my life.