James J. O’Connell

Dr. James O’Connell retired from 42 years of active medical practice in 2015. His experience includes private family practice and oversight of the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Unit at a Veterans Administration medical center. During his VA tenure, he provided direction and supervision to the unit’s 115 bed/1,100 yearly admissions, including detoxification, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient services and an extended care program. He also served as acting chief of psychiatry in the absence of the chief of psychiatry.

He received a master of science in health administration from the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. His doctor of medicine was awarded by the University of Iowa. He also holds an M.A./Anatomy from the University of North Dakota, and a B.A. from Carroll College in Helena, Montana.

James maintains Life Member Status in the American Academy of Family Medicine. He is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He is a member of The American Academy of Family Practice, American Medical Association and Tennessee Medical Association. He is also a Fellow of The American Board of Family Practice and a 10-year recipient of the American Medical Association’s Physician Recognition Award.

James has served as an executive board member and Chief of Medicine with Memorial Hospital and a medical advisor to Memorial Home Health Care. He was given a Special Contribution Award for the psychiatric care to Persian Gulf War patients and is the recipient of the 1991 Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service Director’s Award.