Dr. James Schindler, MD, MPH: A Leader in Family Medicine
Introducing Dr. James Schindler, MD, MPH: A Leader in Family Medicine
We are thrilled to introduce Dr. James Schindler, MD, MPH, the founding program director for the Methodist Family Medicine Residency program in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. With 38 years of experience serving patients as a primary care physician, and over 20 of those years being in East Tennessee, Dr. Schindler is leading a new wave of medical training and care at Methodist Medical Center, part of Covenant Health.
The Inaugural Family Medicine Residency Class
On July 1, 2024, the inaugural class of the Methodist Family Medicine Residency program began their journey. This marked the culmination of a rigorous two-year accreditation process, resulting in the establishment of a top-quality residency program. Starting with eight residents from across the country, the program will continue to grow, adding eight new residents each year to continue their training in family medicine.
Addressing the Family Medicine Shortage
Dr. Schindler is acutely aware of the challenges facing the delivery of healthcare, including the number of available physicians. With a predicted shortage of nearly 1500 family medicine physicians for Tennessee and up to 33,000 nationally over the next decade, the family medicine residency program aims to train well-rounded community physicians ready to fill this gap. The program’s comprehensive curriculum includes rotations in ICU, orthopedics, obstetrics, and potentially ultrasound and wound care, ensuring residents gain broad and diverse experience in patient care.
A State-of-the-Art Facility
The Methodist Family Medicine Residency program boasts a beautiful new facility complete with classroom space and a family medicine clinic, fully equipped to treat patients of all ages. In addition to providing patient care in the clinic, residents will have the opportunity to rotate through various specialties and work at esteemed institutions such as Methodist Medical Center, Parkwest Medical Center, Peninsula Behavioral Health (a division of Parkwest Medical Center), East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Hospital, and local nursing homes.
Dr. Schindler’s Passion for Building Up Others
Dr. Schindler finds immense joy in creating and leading the residency program. “I’ve always been a builder,” he says, highlighting his enthusiasm for assembling a talented team and developing a robust training environment. Known for his love of storytelling and writing, Dr. Schindler even penned a poem for the residents on their first day, reflecting on the themes of beginnings, middles, and ends.
Dr. Schindler’s Background
Hailing from North Dakota, Dr. Schindler has a diverse and accomplished family. His siblings include a school guidance counselor, an optometrist, and a dentist, and his father was also a dentist! His educational journey took him from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine to Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, followed by an internship and residency in family medicine in northern California and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
A Career of Service
Dr. Schindler’s career is marked by a dedication to serving underserved communities. He has held various leadership roles, including medical director for the Robert Wood Johnson Healthcare for the Homeless program in Denver and the Puyallup Tribe in Tacoma, Washington. His efforts in Houston and Tacoma focused on placing family practice residents and faculty in underserved areas and directing interdisciplinary primary care fellowships.
A Personal Commitment to Giving
Inspired by his late brother’s philanthropic spirit, Dr. Schindler and his wife, Marcedes, have embraced a commitment to giving and supporting others. This journey led them to Sertoma, where they have become dedicated supporters. Dr. Schindler’s altruism is also shaped by his experiences with individuals with disabilities, from his college prayer partner with autism to his wife’s childhood friend’s sister who had intellectual and developmental disabilities and lived in a group home.
A Life Beyond Medicine
When he’s not leading the residency program, Dr. Schindler enjoys spending time with his wife, attending sporting events, and singing in his church choir. His multifaceted life reflects his deep commitment to community and service.
Gratitude to Dr. Schindler and Covenant Health
We at Sertoma extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Schindler, the Methodist Family Medicine Residency Program, and Covenant Health for their unwavering support of our organization’s mission. Their dedication to training the next generation of family medicine physicians and their commitment to community service align perfectly with our mission.
We invite you to join us in celebrating Dr. Schindler’s contributions to medicine and the community. His leadership and vision are inspiring the future of family medicine in East Tennessee, ensuring a healthier and more connected community for years to come.
