Home for the Holidays: A Physician’s Gratitude for Patients, Families, and Health

As the holiday season wraps up and 2024 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year that has been both transformative and rejuvenating. This year has been different from any I’ve experienced before—a year of intentional living, personal growth, and deep gratitude.

For the past 13 years, I was rooted in a permanent role at a cancer center where clinical research was my driving passion. The work was demanding—5 days a week, often bleeding into 6 or 7—but it was never routine. Clinical research offered new challenges every day and the thrill of contributing to something larger than myself. I was energized by the thought of developing treatments that could change lives on a global scale. Losing that opportunity this year when our institution’s research program was shuttered was a turning point, and for the first time, I was solely a clinical oncologist. While I respect and admire those who dedicate themselves entirely to clinical practice, I missed the innovation and collaboration that defined my career.

This year, I chose a new path—a locum tenens role and other non-clinical opportunities that allows me to work two weeks on and two weeks off (commercial real estate development, medical Informatics, remote med file reviews, disability reviews, medical malpractice, and even consideration for opening a franchise.. more to come in another blog article). It has been a revelation, giving me freedom I hadn’t known before. With this time, I’ve been able to focus not only on my work but also on myself and my family. The result? Some of the most incredible experiences of my life.

In 2024, I explored parts of the world I had long dreamed of seeing. Two weeks in Iceland, touring its otherworldly landscapes; three weeks in Japan, immersed in its culture and history; and four weeks in Montana, basking in the rugged beauty of the West. These were not just vacations but moments of connection—with nature, with my family, and with myself. Next summer of 2025, I am moving my family there for two months to explore Oregon, Washington, Glaciers, Dakotas, Colorado.

This year, I’ve embraced a life that feels intentional and balanced. I cherish the time I now spend planning my two weeks off—whether it’s for adventures with my wife and four children, tackling personal projects, or simply recharging. It’s a gift to know that I can prioritize what truly matters while still practicing the oncology I love.

But I haven’t forgotten the work that brought me here. I am grateful for the patients who have trusted me with their care, for the colleagues who have shaped my journey, and for the privilege of contributing to a field that changes lives. While I hope to return to clinical research one day, I end this year filled with gratitude for the opportunity to reset, reflect, and rediscover my passions.

As we enter 2025, I carry forward this sense of purpose and hope—hope for new opportunities, for continued growth, and for the privilege to make a meaningful impact in the lives of my patients and family. To all who have shared this journey, thank you. Here’s to a year of gratitude, growth, and new beginnings. Happy New Years!

About the author

Dr. Sajeve Thomas is a distinguished medical professional and a compassionate guide in the field of oncology. With over a decade of dedicated experience as a board-certified medical oncologist/internal medicine specialist, Dr. Thomas has become a trusted expert in the treatment of melanoma, sarcoma, and gastrointestinal conditions. He brings a wealth of expertise to the complex and challenging world of oncology.