Dr. James McInnis, Lt. (N), MD, CCFP, is a seasoned family and emergency medicine professional, boasting ten years of specialization in emergency and trauma medicine and 16 years as a family physician. In addition to his medical career, he is a dedicated full-time father to four children, an athlete, a lieutenant (N) in the Canadian Armed Forces, a Navy reservist, and a committed volunteer.
The Early Years
Born and raised in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, and the eldest of four siblings, he has always been deeply engaged in sports. During his youth, he played hockey, baseball, tennis, and golf at competitive levels, including Junior A hockey. The Boston Red Sox once considered him for a role as a baseball pitcher. His passion for sports continued into adulthood, adding weightlifting to his activities.
From a young age, he demonstrated a robust work ethic, starting with a paper route at ten and securing his first full-time job at McDonald’s when he was 13.
Education, Professional Licensure, and Certifications
His educational journey is extensive. He graduated with a BBA in 1992 from Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. After taking a break to travel across the United States, he earned a BSc (Honors) in Biochemistry and Genetics from Dalhousie University in 1997. In 2002, he achieved his Epidemiology Certification from the same institution, followed by entering Dalhousie Medical School in 2000 and graduating with a Doctor of Medicine degree in 2004. He completed his internship at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, focusing on Post Graduate Studies in Emergency and Family Medicine.
Over the years, he has accumulated several prestigious licenses and certifications, including the MCC (Licensure of Medical Council of Canada), Commissioned Rank – Sub-Lieutenant – Royal Canadian Navy Service number – D66 403 377, CCFP (Canadian College of Family Physicians), and a promotion to Lieutenant (N) in the Royal Canadian Navy.
Honors and Awards
His achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, such as the Prince Edward Island Top Medical Student Scholarship, the Burke Certificate for Promise in Family Medicine, a research assistant role on the effects of Prolia in Osteoporosis, a Special Citation for Meritorious Service in the Canadian Armed Forces, a CME Research Presentation – “Physicians in the Military,” and an Honorable Discharge from active service in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Academic Experience
Dr. James McInnis has held several academic positions, including Associate Professor with the Department of Biological Laboratory Studies at Dalhousie University, Senior Post Graduate Clinical Instructor at McMaster University, and Senior Professor and Evaluator at the Canadian Forces School of Physician Assistants in CFB Borden, Ontario.
Serving His Country
He served as a Lieutenant (N) in the Canadian Armed Forces for nine years and remains an active Class B reservist. During his service, he was a medical officer for soldiers both domestically and on deployment, was a deployed member of the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), part of Operation PLATEAU, a consultant in bio-terrorism medicine, and a special consultant and liaison for the Canadian Forces and the Canadian Medical Association.
Clinical Experience and Medical Practice
He served as an Emergency Physician at McMaster University Hospital for four years before taking on the role of Director of Care at the Wasaga/Angus Community Health Center – Family Practice.
In 2010, he joined the Medical Division of the Canadian Armed Forces as a Class B reservist.
Volunteer Work
Volunteering is a cornerstone of his life. During his medical school years, he volunteered at the Barrington Street Shelter in Halifax, assisting people experiencing homelessness with medical exams. His volunteer work continued in homeless shelters in Hamilton and Toronto, Ontario, including at an STD clinic linked to the shelter.
A Family Man, A Man of Faith
He is the proud father of three daughters (ages 24, 19, and 9) and one son (age 22). He cherishes time spent with them, especially enjoying outdoor activities and his lifelong passion for sports.
He is deeply involved in all aspects of his children’s lives, supporting their extracurricular activities through extensive volunteering. He has coached minor hockey in the Wasaga Beach and Barrie Minor Hockey Associations for over ten years, assisted with Simcoe Figure Skating for over five years, and volunteered at his daughter’s dance troop for over five years.
Dr. James McInnis is a devout Christian, regularly attending Mapleview Christian Church with his children.
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