Dr. Thiels is a cancer surgeon and researcher who specializes in the surgical management of patients with sarcomas, pancreatic cancer, and metastatic colon cancer. He also has extensive training and experience in the treatment of appendiceal cancers, neuroendocrine tumors, pancreatic cysts, gastric cancer, and GIST. Dr. Thiels has special expertise in multimodality treatment of advanced or metastatic cancers, in which surgery is combined with radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.

Dr. Thiels utilizes minimally invasive techniques to perform a variety of operations (including robotic surgery) and is trained in the placement and management of Hepatic Artery Infusion Pump Chemotherapy for the management of unresectable liver tumors.

Dr. Thiels' lab focuses on improving outcomes for patients undergoing surgery and those with rare and advanced cancers.