Philosophy of Care

Patients often describe feeling overwhelmed as they try to navigate through a new diagnosis of cancer or blood disorder. My goal is to empower each patient with clear and accurate information about their disease and treatments available. This field pushes me to be thorough, accurate, and up-to-date. Each patient reminds me why I went into medicine in the first place – to facilitate healing of the whole person, wherever life’s journey leads them.

About

Academic Honors & Professional Achievements

Leadership: Dr. Thurmes is the President of Minnesota Oncology

Dr. Thurmes was the recipient of a scholarship from the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Medical Honor Society, and also received the Walter and Virginia Sohre scholarship for geriatrics. In addition to serving as a member of the Medical Ethics Committee at Hennepin County Medical Center, Dr. Thurmes served an elective rotation in San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala, in 2001.

Research/Publications

Dr. Thurmes has authored several research papers reflecting his professional hematology work and has had several manuscripts and abstracts accepted for publication in professional journals.

Board Certification

• Internal Medicine
• Medical Oncology
• Hematology

Affiliations

• American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
• American Society of Hematology (ASH)
• International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)

Paul Thurmes, MD, joined Minnesota Oncology’s Edina Clinic in 2007 after completing a fellowship in oncology and hematology at Mayo Graduate School of Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Dr. Thurmes earned his Medical Degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis. He has a Master of Arts in Theology along with Doctoral Studies from Pontifical North American College in Vatican City and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.

Dr. Thurmes is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Hematology. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, and the Board of Directors for A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation. He is active in providing patients access to clinical trials and has a primary interest in melanoma with a secondary focus on lung cancer. As Quality Medical Director, Dr. Thurmes played a critical role in securing the recent 5-year agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota to change the way cancer care is paid for and managed in order to deliver optimal health outcomes at lower costs. In addition to practicing oncology and hematology at several Minnesota Oncology locations, Dr. Thurmes was Site Medical Director for the Edina Clinic as well as Quality Medical Director for the practice.

In September 2019, the Minnesota Oncology Board of Directors named Dr. Thurmes Practice Medical Director for the practice. As Medical Director, Dr. Thurmes was responsible for leading Minnesota Oncology’s clinical applications, programs, and medical staff. In 2023, Dr. Thurmes was named Minnesota Oncology President. He also continues to see patients at our Minneapolis and Plymouth locations.

Personal

As a lifelong resident of Minnesota, I appreciate the change of seasons. (There’s no such thing as a bad day!) I enjoy hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. I came to medicine as a second career after seminary training and parish ministry. My partner and I enjoy gardening and cooking at our home in Minneapolis.