Early Foundations
For as long as I can remember, I've always enjoyed fixing things. Some of my earliest memories involve working with my father in a garden shed, restoring extremely old motorcycles. These machines, from iconic brands like Norton, Velocette, and Harley-Davidson, often seemed beyond repair at first glance. After countless hours restoring thousands of parts, these motorcycles gleamed like showroom pieces, some even capable of safely navigating Central London—despite being made in the 1920s. This passion for restoring and fixing things, combined with a traditional upbringing, naturally led me toward a career in medicine.

First Steps Toward Medicine
My first inkling of wanting to become a doctor came when I was 12 years old. I was playing tennis when another child fell, cutting his knee severely enough that his patella was exposed. While others panicked, I remained calm, seeing it as a problem to solve: clean the wound, stabilize it, and get him to a hospital. The satisfaction I felt from helping in that moment left a lasting impression on me.

Earning My Path
Growing up, my family didn’t have the financial resources to fund medical school, so I worked in nursing homes and elderly mental health units to support myself. These experiences taught me invaluable lessons about compassion and resilience, and they set me apart from my peers, as I entered medical school with over 3,000 hours of hands-on healthcare experience. Thanks to the nurses who gave me opportunities despite my lack of qualifications, I was able to fund my education and gain a unique perspective on patient care.

Academic and Career Milestones
I studied biochemistry and physiology at Cardiff University, taking extra modules in exercise physiology, neurobiology, and genetics. I then attended medical school at Southampton. One pivotal moment came early in my career when I encountered a horrific car accident as a first responder. Despite my medical training, I felt ill-equipped to manage the chaos. That experience haunted me but also motivated me to specialize in emergency medicine. I eventually secured a residency at Cambridge University, in one of the most intellectually stimulating environments in the world. Working in the same hospital where the DNA double helix was discovered was both humbling and inspiring.

A New Chapter in Canada
After years of pursuing excellence, I realized I had been on a conveyor belt of achievement without taking the time to explore the world. Canada, with its polite and friendly people and stunning outdoors, felt like the perfect fit. Since moving here in 2013, I have been struck by the warmth and kindness of Canadians, which made the transition seamless and fulfilling.

Leading Through Crisis
Over the past decade, I’ve witnessed the increasing strain on our healthcare system. While we have groundbreaking therapies and diagnostics, our systems for supporting healthcare professionals have not kept pace. When COVID-19 hit, I volunteered as the COVID Clinical lead response for a year. It was one of the most challenging periods of my life, involving months of separation from my family and countless sleepless nights. Yet, our team’s efforts ensured that none of our staff contracted COVID-19 from workplace exposure during that first year—an achievement I am deeply proud of.

Personal Transformation
That intense period of service took a toll on my health, prompting me to embark on a journey of self-reflection and personal transformation. Through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, I corrected my own health markers, lost significant body fat, and improved my overall vitality. This experience reignited my passion for exercise physiology and genetics, fields I had studied years earlier, and solidified my commitment to helping others achieve longevity and performance.

White Pine Medical Vision
My vision is simple: I want to help people live longer, healthier, and more vibrant lives. At White Pine Medical, we use cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence to understand individual health needs and provide personalized longevity and performance solutions. By leveraging AI, we aim to analyze the vast amounts of clinical data that humans alone cannot process. I see AI as a valuable team player, helping to shoulder the burden of clinical vigilance and improve decision-making.

Closing Reflection
I’m someone who thrives on fixing the seemingly unfixable. My journey has been shaped by incredible mentors, inspiring scientists, and the challenges I’ve faced along the way. Canada has given me a new home and the motivation to develop solutions to some of the most pressing health problems of our time. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a difference and to help others achieve their fullest potential.

Live Better Longer,

Dr. James French BSc MB Dip IMC RCS (Edinburgh) FRCEM (London, UK)

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