Bio

I was raised in Northern Nevada in a family of caregivers: my mom is a nurse, my dad is a minister, one of my brothers is a physician and the other is a CPA (financial health is important, too). As a child, I needed to be hospitalized on a couple of occasions, which furthered my budding interest in medicine as a career. After attending the University of Nevada School of Medicine, I was drawn to the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and moved to Portland for residency training at Providence Portland Medical Center. I have loved living here ever since.

I spent the first 17 years of my career as a hospitalist, a doctor who cares only for hospitalized patients. In 2008, I was named one of the top 10 hospitalists in the nation by the American College of Physicians, and in 2009 I became a Fellow in Hospital Medicine (FHM). At The Portland Clinic, I use this experience to ease the transition of our patients back to normal life after a hospitalization and to ensure that they avoid going back to the hospital. I also provide care for patients with acute medical needs on a same-day basis. I believe that it’s my responsibility to make sure my patients fully understand their medical situation and treatment options, and to work together with them, as a team, to determine the best solutions.

Although medicine is a serious business, I’m known for trying to make it as comfortable and lighthearted as possible. Please don’t be surprised if you hear a bad joke or two when we meet. Bonus points to anyone who can come up with a joke about my name that I haven’t heard (yes, that is my real last name)!

In addition to my practice at The Portland Clinic, I volunteer at Outside In Project Erase doing laser tattoo removal focused on erasing hate- and gang-related tattoos. I also take pleasure in caring for and improving my 1926 bungalow, where I live with my partner, our three cats, and one dog who thinks he’s a cat.

Please note: Dr. Thunder sees patients on a same-day basis and can’t be chosen as a primary care physician.