Dr. James McInnis, Lt. (N), MD, CCFP, is a seasoned family and emergency medicine professional with a decade of specialization in emergency and trauma care, complemented by 16 years as a family physician. Beyond his medical practice, he is a devoted father to four, an athlete, a lieutenant (N) in the Canadian Armed Forces, a Navy reservist, and a dedicated volunteer.
Born and raised in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, and the eldest of four siblings, his athletic spirit was evident early on. Growing up, he played hockey, baseball, tennis, and golf, competing at high levels in hockey and baseball. Junior A hockey and evaluations by the Boston Red Sox for a pitcher role highlight his athletic journey. His sports enthusiasm continued into adulthood, with weightlifting joining his various activities.
From a young age, he demonstrated a strong work ethic, starting with a paper route at ten and working full-time at McDonald's at 13.
His academic journey is extensive, beginning with a B.B.A. from Mount Saint Vincent University in 1992. After a break traveling across the United States, he earned a BSc (Honors) in Biochemistry and Genetics from Dalhousie University in 1997. He furthered his studies in Epidemiology at the same university before entering Dalhousie Medical School in 2000, earning his MD in 2004. His internship and postgraduate studies in Emergency and Family Medicine were completed at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.
Over the years, he has acquired several vital certifications: MCC (Licensure of Medical Council of Canada), commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Navy, C.C.F.P. (Canadian College of Family Physicians), and later promoted to Lieutenant (N) in the Royal Canadian Navy.
Honors and Awards
His achievements have been recognized through various accolades, including the Prince Edward Island Top Medical Student Scholarship, the Burke Certificate for Promise in Family Medicine, research on Prolia's effects on Osteoporosis, a Special Citation for Meritorious Service in the Canadian Armed Forces, a C.M.E. Research Presentation on "Physicians in the Military," and an Honorable Discharge from active Canadian Armed Forces service.
Dr. James McInnis has served in several academic roles, such as 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 C.F.B. Borden, Ontario.
He served nine years as a Lieutenant (N) in the Canadian Armed Forces and remained an active Class B reservist. His tenure included roles as a medical officer for domestic and deployed soldiers, a member of the Disaster Assistance Response Team (D.A.R.T.) during Operation PLATEAU, a consultant in bio-terrorism medicine, a liaison for Canadian Forces and the Canadian Medical Association, and a clinical instructor for the Canadian Armed Forces Physician Assistant Program.
He spent four years as an Emergency Physician at McMaster University Hospital before directing 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.
Volunteering has been a constant in his life, beginning in medical school at the Barrington Street Shelter in Halifax and continuing with work in homeless shelters in Hamilton and Toronto. His volunteer efforts extend to helping individuals exit the sex trade and providing education and safety, as well as tutoring children in group homes.
He is the father of three daughters (ages 24, 19, and 9) and one son (age 22). He enjoys outdoor activities with them, sharing his love for sports. His involvement in their lives includes coaching minor hockey and volunteering with their figure skating and dance activities.
Dr. James McInnis is a practicing Christian, attending Mapleview Christian Church weekly with his children, reflecting his deep-rooted faith.