James Wheeler, MD

Becoming a doctor was the first thing James Wheeler, M.D., thought about doing, when he realized that being a superhero was "out." In high school, his favorite subjects involved science and his favorite activity was service club. In undergraduate school at Lipscomb University, Dr. Wheeler continued to participate in school and church activities focused on serving the needs of others. The path of a pediatrician became the clear choice as he grew older and entered formal medical training at Vanderbilt University for Medical School. The natural bond and empathy that comes from working with children made the allure of other fields of medicine pale in comparison.

In the summer of 1994, Dr. Wheeler started seeing children in Bedford and has been blessed to have the same practice since that time. The privilege of seeing kids from the day they were born (literally in many cases) until graduating from high school is an honor he never grows tired of.

Dr. Wheeler's wife, Lisa, has been a wonderful support on the home front. Their 3 adult daughters continue to make them very proud, after being the best source of educational anecdotes for which he could ever have asked. He always hopes sharing his challenges as a parent will help other parents avoid or overcome pitfalls in their child-rearing journey. The other male in the house, their French bulldog, Obadiah Juan, "Obi" for short, is the newest addition to the family and is the perfect de-stressor after a long day in the office.

Travel to anything "Disney" and playing games, like Magic the Gathering (which he has been playing longer than many of his opponents have been alive), take up lots of leisure time, but just being with family helps most in preparing for the next work day.