Thomas P Clyde, MD

Early in his training, Dr. Thomas Clyde identified palliative care as the most meaningful path for him. He helps people with life-limiting illness live their best lives. “We essentially help people make complex decisions, reevaluate priorities and identify their goals of care,” he says. Dr. Clyde also helps patients manage symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath and nausea resulting from serious illness.
Dr. Clyde is an English and chemistry graduate of Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. He earned his medical degree at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, where he completed his internal medicine residency. At Cooper, he also served as a chief resident of internal medicine and was honored with the Excellence in Service Award. He did his fellowship in hospice and palliative care medicine at Temple University Hospital – Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia.
He says palliative care is tailored for each patient’s unique needs and wishes. “In medicine, it’s easy to get into the habit of doing more without asking why. We focus on the why, whether prolonging life or providing comfort, then take the steps needed to get our patients to where they want to go. We tend to focus on quality, not quantity. I help my patients navigate illness and empower them to live life the way they want to live it,” he says.
He considers Dr. Chris Bolich, AtlantiCare’s palliative care medical director, one of his mentors. “When I learned AtlantiCare needed a palliative care specialist, I jumped at the chance. And I like how the people here work hard to remove barriers and provide the best possible care, regardless of the patient’s circumstances,” he says.
Originally from Arizona, he met his wife in Philadelphia. They settled in Egg Harbor Township where they are raising their daughter. He is fluent in Spanish, plays guitar and enjoys tabletop games, escape rooms, reading, cooking and camping. As a family, they love spending time on the Margate beach.