Dr. William A. Thompson III, MD, FACS

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Get to know Surgical Oncologist Dr. William A. Thompson, who serves patients throughout the State of Alabama.

A seasoned surgical oncologist, Dr. Thompson is affiliated with Alabama Oncology.

With a deep-seated belief that every patient and every cancer is unique, he approaches his practice with unwavering dedication and compassion. His patients, whom he regards as family, receive not only his expertise but also his heartfelt commitment to their well-being. For him, it is an honor to be entrusted with the care of those battling cancer, driving him to continually strive for excellence in his profession.

Academically, Dr. Thompson pursued his undergraduate and medical education at the University of Alabama before completing his surgical residency at Cornell University Medical College and Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Further enhancing his expertise, he undertook research fellowships at Cornell University Medical College and a fellowship in surgical oncology at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Distinguished as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), the doctor is board-certified in surgical oncology and general surgery by the American Board of Surgery (ABS). The ABS is an independent, non-profit organization located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded for the purpose of certifying surgeons who have met a defined standard of education, training, and knowledge.

Continuously advancing his efforts, he is actively involved in various professional associations, including the Society of Surgical Oncology, the American Cancer Society, the American Medical Association, the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, and the American Society of Breast Surgery.

Throughout his medical education, Dr. Thompson’s affinity for surgery and his fascination with the intricate challenges posed by oncology became apparent. His surgical rotations ignited a passion for working with his hands, and he recognized oncology as the final frontier in medical science. In this specialized field, he saw not only the opportunity to surgically remove cancerous tumors but also the necessity of collaborative efforts with medical oncologists and radiation therapists to provide comprehensive care to patients. Drawing parallels between his experiences in team sports and the interdisciplinary nature of cancer treatment, he values the importance of teamwork in achieving positive outcomes for his patients.

Surgical oncology is the branch of surgery applied to oncology. It focuses on the surgical management of tumors, especially cancerous tumors. A surgical oncologist removes the tumor and nearby tissue during surgery. He or she also performs certain types of biopsies to help diagnose cancer.

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