Thornton is a recent fellow of The Royal College of Pathology Australasia, having completed his joint haematology and haematopathology advanced training through The RACP and RCPA in early 2025. Training at the centres of The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Thornton carries a special interest in non-malignant haematology including red cell disorders and coagulopathies. Currently enjoying a year of long-service leave, Thornton plans to travel to London in 2026 to complete a non-malignant fellowship at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.