Oman honours Dr Thoms for role in building healthcare system

MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman paid tribute to American physician Dr William Wells Thoms, widely regarded as a key figure in the development of the country’s early healthcare system, through a special screening of the documentary 'Dr Thoms (Al Dakhtar Thoms)' at the Ministry of Information Theatre on Wednesday.
The screening, attended by media professionals, historians, intellectuals and cultural content creators, highlighted the doctor’s life and decades-long service in Oman and the United States.
Dr Abdullah bin Nasser al Harrasi, Minister of Information, told the media that the documentary ‘Dr Thoms’ is part of the ministry’s programme aimed at documenting Omani history and showcasing the humanitarian and cultural aspects of Omani society through the production of media and documentary works presented with a contemporary vision and modern production standards.
He added, “Over the past years, the ministry has produced a number of prominent documentaries and programmes, most notably the trilogy ‘House of Wonders’ series and the ‘We Have a Legacy’ show, in addition to other works that preserve cultural heritage and national memory, and present them to new generations and Arab and international audiences in a contemporary visual style.” The film documents Dr Thoms’ work with the American mission in Oman from 1939 to 1970 and his contribution to the evolution of healthcare in Oman. It blends historical narrative with dramatised sequences and archival footage.

Abbas bin Ghulam al Zadjali, former Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) editor and designer of the bilingual magazine PDO News, described Dr Thoms as a dedicated physician who served Oman for more than three decades.
“The legacy of Dr Thoms stands today as a remarkable testament to the nobility of medicine. Despite working under a Christian missionary institution, he earned deep respect within Omani society for his understanding of Islamic values and local traditions. He remained committed to the ethics of healing and compassion rather than any attempt at religious conversion,” Al Zadjali said, noting his earlier role as a television director at the Ministry of Information.
Dr William Wells Thoms and his wife, Beth Scudder Thoms, served in the Middle East through the Arabian Mission of the Reformed Church in America from 1931 until their retirement in 1970. Both were born into missionary families with long-standing ties to the region.
Their extensive four-decade contribution is also documented in 'Faith, Hope and Love: The Hakeem’s Journey' – The Adventures of Pioneer Missionary Physician Dr Wells Thoms, FACS, in Arabia Before Oil, published by the A C Van Raalte Institute of Hope College.

Written by Dr David G Dickason, the book forms part of the Missionary Memoirs Series published by Van Raalte Press, which chronicles the experiences of Christian missionaries and their interactions with communities during periods of significant transformation.
According to Van Raalte Press, Dr Thoms was among the first eye surgeons in the Gulf, treating patients ranging from rulers to nomads. During World War II, he served as Oman’s only surgeon, while his wife contributed by training laboratory technicians and managing hospital operations within the Arabian Mission’s healthcare system.
David Bosch, son of the late Dr Donald Bosch, who worked in Oman between 1955 and 1970, also highlighted Dr Thoms’ human approach to medicine.
“What makes Dr Thoms stand out is that he made people feel comfortable and gave them hope. He interacted with patients in a positive and empathetic manner, which made them feel safe and cared for,” he said.