Dr. Thomas J. Miner
Chief of Surgical OncologyAffiliated Treatment Facilities
Doctor Overview
Dr. Thomas J. Miner is the Chief of Surgical Oncology at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. He also serves as an Associate Professor of Surgery and the Associate Surgical Residency Program Director at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.
Dr. Miner’s research focuses on improving outcomes for people with advanced cancer. One of his main interests is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). This type of chemo treats abdominal cancers, including peritoneal mesothelioma.
He is also recognized for his work in palliative surgery. Dr. Miner led one study that analyzed more than 1,000 palliative procedures for advanced cancer. His research aims to help surgeons balance treatments with symptom management and quality of life.
At The Warren Alpert Medical School, Dr. Miner teaches surgical oncology, advanced cancer care and palliative techniques. He has also served on national committees, including the American College of Surgeons Palliative Working Group. Dr. Miner’s commitment to education has earned him several awards from Brown.
Before his academic career, Dr. Miner served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, where he achieved the rank of Major. He received multiple honors, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and National Defense Ribbon.
Today, Dr. Miner cares for patients at Rhode Island Hospital. He treats complex cancers of the abdomen, liver and stomach. He also continues to research how to improve survival and quality of life for people facing mesothelioma and other advanced cancers.
Doctor Fast Facts
Main Specialty: Surgical oncology
Other Interests & Specialties: Gastric cancer surgery, general surgery, hernia repair, HIPEC, melanoma, peritoneal mesothelioma, sarcoma and upper GI surgery.
Certifications, Awards & Accolades: American Board of Surgery, Chairman’s Award for Clinical Research from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award from The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Education & Experience:
- Medical Degree from Brown University
- Internship in Categorical Surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center
- Residency in General Surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center
- Fellowship in Surgical Oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Publications
The appropriate use of gastrostomy tubes in palliative surgery. Ann Palliat Med. 2024 Nov;13(6):1449–57.
Palliative surgery and the surgeon’s role in the palliative care team: a review. Ann Palliat Med. 2022 Feb;11(2):907–17.
Who should decide when palliative surgery is justifiable? AMA J Ethics. 2021 Oct 1;23(10):E761-765.
