Dr Stephanie Thomas

Dr Thomas has been a Consultant Medical Microbiologist at the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) since 2010. In 2012, she was selected by the Royal College of Pathologists to engage in an overseas pathology services scheme to improve higher education, funded by the Department for International Development (DFID). In 2015, she was selected on merit for a three-day observership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) based at UN City in Copenhagen. In 2021, she carried out a one-year sabbatical with the Laboratory & Testing Cell of Public Health Scotland, working on the COVID-19 response. For the past 18-months she has held the role of Deputy Director for the UKHSA Public Health Microbiology Clinical Network Laboratories.

Dr Thomas manages patients with sepsis/blood stream infection, surgical site infections (particularly complex vascular infections including diabetic foot infections) and infections in patients requiring Intensive Care support, including those undergoing extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). She has a special interest in infection risks associated with climate change. She is an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Manchester.

Dr Thomas’ main research interests lie in the management of sepsis, in particular inpatients who are critically ill and requiring intensive care support. She is currently Principal Investigator in a multi-centre study on the in-vitro activity of ceftolozane/tazobactam against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (INVICTUS Study), sponsored by MSD. In 2015, Dr Thomas was Co-Investigator for the Public Health England (PHE) TRACE Study, an international (UK-USA) study into the forward Transmission of carbapenemase producing enterobacteriaceae in hospital (TRACE). In 2014, Dr Thomas was Primary Investigator for the REMEX 506NH Study, a European epidemiological study of carbapenem-resistance in the enterobacteriacea population.

Dr Thomas has a sustained commitment to medical education, actively contributing to a variety of programs over many years. This includes consistent yearly teaching on the Manchester University MSc (Medical Microbiology) as an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer, the North West Deanery Core Surgical & Microbiology trainees’ program, and the 3rd year medical students’ program at Wythenshawe Hospital, as well as contributions to the Salford University MSc (Podiatry). Dr. S delivers regular introductory microbiology lectures to FY1/FY2 doctors and yearly lectures for Junior Doctor inductions and the Infection Prevention Link Nurses Study Day. Further contributions include leading the monthly departmental Journal Club (2017-2021), developing e-learning modules (including 3 on CNS infections) for Junior Doctors, and delivering a parasitology lecture series for laboratory staff. Dr. S is also an invited speaker at the International Vascular Conference (Abu Dhabi).

Dr Thomas has 26 publications under her name and has presented numerous papers at scientific conferences. She has been an invited speaker both nationally and internationally.

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Dr Thomas demonstrates a progressive leadership trajectory within Microbiology and Public Health from 2010-2024. Beginning with roles focused on specialist decontamination and, crucially, as Trust Lead for the Public Health England National ECMO Infection Group (2012-2024) – a position held for over a decade - Dr Thomas established expertise in complex infection control and national collaborative initiatives. Alongside this, experience as Trust Specialist Training Lead (2013-2018) and Foundation Program Director (2016-2017) highlights a commitment to developing future medical professionals. From 2018, Dr. T’s focus broadened into service leadership, progressing from Specialty Lead at Wythenshawe Hospital, through Head of Service for the Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership (2021-2023), to the current role as Deputy Director, UKHSA Public Health Microbiology Clinical Network Laboratories (2023-2025). This progression demonstrates a consistent ability to manage increasingly complex services at both a local and national level, underpinned by a long-standing dedication to specialist microbiological practice and public health.

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