Biography

James "David" Finklea Jr., M.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center and a member of its Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. His clinical interests include vitamin D deficiency, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, and transplant critical care.

Cystic fibrosis is a very difficult disease to treat, but it's my goal to help patients resume their lives with the best possible health.

Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Finklea holds a bachelor's degree in health and exercise science from Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana. He earned his medical degree at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and completed internal medicine residency training at Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas. Dr. Finklea then obtained advanced training through a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in pulmonary and critical care medicine, Dr. Finklea joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 2012. He serves as Associate Director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program and the 8 Green Medical Director at Clements University Hospital.

At UT Southwestern, Dr. Finklea is a member of the Antibiotic Stewardship Committee, the Preclerkship Committee, the CUH Sepsis Initiative Committee, and the Code Blue Committee.

Dr. Finklea is a member of the American College of Chest Physicians.

Education

Medical School
University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (2004)
Residency
John Peter Smith Hospital (2006), Family Medicine
Residency
Scott and White Memorial Hospital (2009), Internal Medicine
Fellowship
Emory University School of Medicine/Grady Memorial Hospital (2012), Pulmonary Diseases & Critical Care Medicine

Research Interest

  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Pulmonary Diseases

Publications

Featured Publications LegendFeatured Publications

Vitamin D and chronic lung disease: a review of molecular mechanisms and clinical studies.
Finklea JD, Grossmann RE, Tangpricha V Adv Nutr 2011 May 2 3 244-53
Predictors of mortality in hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis.
Finklea JD, Khan G, Thomas S, Song J, Myers D, Arroliga AC Respir Med 2010 Jun 104 6 816-21

Honors & Awards

  • Program for Adult Care Excellence Award
    Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (2014-2017)
  • Will Rogers' Institute Fellow
    (2010-2011)
  • 3rd Place
    Poster Presentation, Internal Research Day, Scott and White Hospital (2008)
  • Gold Headed Cane Award Finalist
    UT Medical Branch, Galveston (2004)
  • Most Active Student Award
    St. Vincent's Clinic (2001)

Professional Associations/Affiliations

  • American College of Chest Physicians (2009)