Prior to her legislative service, Dr. Thomas worked as psychiatrist in the private sector as well as for the State and Federal government. Dr. Lisa has experience with inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment settings. During her nearly 9 years as a staff psychiatrist at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, she was particularly proud of utilizing telepsychiatry to expand the reach of outpatient behavioral health treatment to veterans living a considerable distance from the main hospital.

Rep. Dr. Thomas is currently the Medical Director of the Missouri Physicians Health Program, serves on the Governing Council of the Missouri State Medical Association, is a member of the American Medical Association, and recruits medical specialists for rural hospitals and clinics. She is a former Board Member and Mental Health Specialist for a local chapter of the American Red Cross and was a past President of her local medical society. Dr. Lisa is active in her community, including being a member of Rotary and the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, a Board member of both the Lake Arts Council as well as her Homeowners Association, and she attends Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Lake Ozark.

Rep. Dr. Thomas is a life-long Missourian who was born in St. Louis, graduated from Kirkwood High School, then earned her BA in both Biology and Psychology as well as her MA in Clinical Psychology from Washington University. She attended medical school at Mizzou where she completed her Psychiatry residency followed by 2 fellowships- Child/Adolescent Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry.