Thomas W. Gaither, MD, MAS
Education
- BS/BA, 2010, Indiana University, Bloomington, Neuroscience and Psychology
- MD, 2018, University of California, San Francisco, Medicine
- Residency, 2024, University of California, Los Angeles, Urology
- Fellowship, 2025, University of California, Los Angeles, Reconstructive Urology
Biography
Dr. Thomas W. Gaither, MD, MAS, completed his undergraduate studies at Indiana University, Bloomington, earning dual degrees in neuroscience and psychology with highest distinction. Following a brief tenure as a chemistry and biology teacher through Teach for America, Dr. Gaither pursued his medical degree at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he graduated with distinction and obtained a Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. His educational and professional journey has been marked by numerous honors, including induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society, research awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and accolades for excellence in teaching and clinical research. He further refined his surgical expertise during a urology residency at UCLA and went on to complete a fellowship in health services research with a clinical focus on urologic reconstruction and gender-affirming surgery. Dr. Gaither is deeply committed to advancing clinical care, research, and education in urology and health equity.
Clinical Interests
Dr. Gaither’s clinical interests encompass a wide range of urological conditions, with a particular emphasis on reconstructive urology, gender-affirming care, and sexual medicine. He is adept at managing complex cases involving ureteral obstruction, urethral strictures, and radiation-induced cystitis/fistulae. His expertise extends to gender-affirming surgeries, including vaginoplasty, vulvoplasty, and metoidioplasty, as well as addressing sexual dysfunction, incontinence, and chronic pelvic pain syndromes. Dr. Gaither is especially passionate about providing inclusive care for LGBTQ+ patients and fostering culturally competent practices in urology. He is trained in advanced surgical techniques, including robotic-assisted procedures using the DaVinci XI and SP platforms.
Research Interests
Dr. Gaither’s research interests lie at the intersection of clinical epidemiology, health services, and sexual medicine. His scholarly work focuses on improving health-related quality of life for patients with complex urological conditions, particularly those undergoing reconstructive surgery or gender-affirming care. He has a strong background in quantitative research methodologies, including predictive modeling, diagnostic test evaluation, and psychometric validation. Dr. Gaither has contributed significantly to understanding the impact of sexual orientation and gender identity on urological health, publishing extensively on topics such as genital dissatisfaction, sexual function, and health disparities. His current research explores anorectal sexual function and its implications for urologic and colorectal diagnoses, with the goal of developing validated health-related quality of life measures. Dr. Gaither is committed to advancing evidence-based practices and fostering equity in health care through rigorous and impactful research.