After pre-clinical training at Cambridge University, Dr James completed medical school at Barts & The London. As a resident doctor he conducted research on VO2 Max testing and risk assessment for surgical patients before completing specialist training in anaesthesia. In 2013 he was appointed as a consultant in cardiac anaesthesia at King’s College Hospital. He qualified in echocardiography, led on several blood transfusion initiatives and established the UK’s first Enhanced Recovery After Surgery scheme in the private sector. 

In 2015 Dr James set up an Exercise Intolerance Clinic at King’s seeing out-patients with unexplained fatigue and breathlessness. With VO2 Max or cardiopulmonary exercise testing and lengthy history taking, a wide variety of problems could be diagnosed. This led to him furthering his training in sleep medicine, functional medicine, nutrition, and blood chemistry. 

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic he moved full-time into intensive care and continues in that role today. He was struck by the degree to which poor metabolic health characterised the patients with COVID-19.  

His conversation with the Minister for Health Sajid Javid about his concerns around the vaccination mandate for NHS workers was broadcast on SKY news and led to international attention as so few clinicians were questioning the science behind this decision.

In 2024 he commenced a role at UCLH, London, to support their post-stroke team as a Consultant in Metabolic Health. He was also appointed to do similar work at Fortius Clinic in London where he runs programs for private clients.

Dr James uses an integrative approach to metabolic health and brings his training in meditation, breathwork and psychotherapy to many patients. Stress, sleep and recovery are not only central to well-being but also to pathology and he works to address these at the same time as working with exercise and nutrition.