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Thomas McNalley

Thomas McNalley

MD, MA

Pediatric palliative care and rehabilitation medicine physician
Competitive runner who loves music, poetry and the outdoors

Dr. Tom McNalley is a specialist in both pediatric palliative care and pediatric rehabilitation medicine. In his palliative care practice, he collaborates with a diverse team of providers who focus on optimizing quality of life and comfort for children with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses. The team aims to align medical care with what matters most to individual children and their families. In rehabilitation, he works with a team to address physical impairments, so that kids can function and participate in life as fully as possible. To maximize his patients’ quality of life, he may use medications, physical therapy, therapeutic equipment and various procedures.

In research, McNalley is interested in how children and their families maintain and build resilience as they contend with serious illness and hospitalization. His aim is to translate his findings into medical care that responds with compassion to each family’s unique needs.

McNalley earned his medical degree at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. He completed a residency in rehabilitation medicine at the University of Washington and a fellowship in pediatric hospice and palliative medicine at UCSF. He also has a master’s degree in German language and literature from the University of Virginia.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Internal Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 2020

    American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehab, Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, 2011

    American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2009

  • Fellowships

    UCSF, Hospice & Palliative Medicine, 2020

  • Residencies

    University of Washington School of Medicine, Integrated Physical Medicine Rehab, 2008

  • Internship

    University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Family Medicine, 2005

  • Education

    University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, 2004

  • Languages

    English

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to accompany children and their families in moments of great challenge and also great joy.

Where I see patients (3)

    Selected research

    Feeling at home

    From bedside bingo to therapy dogs, we're here to help kids smile and feel more like themselves.

    Visit Child Life services

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