FirstHealth of the Carolinas is proud to announce that James Walker, M.D., neurosurgeon at FirstHealth Neurosurgery & Spine, has been awarded the FirstHealth Ambulatory Physician of the Year Award. This award recognizes Dr. Walker’s exceptional commitment to patient care, his contributions to FirstHealth and its team of health care professionals and his dedication to delivering an uncompromising person-centered experience.

The FirstHealth Ambulatory Physician of the Year Award celebrates physicians who excel in achieving optimal patient outcomes, fostering teamwork and embodying the mission, vision and values of FirstHealth. Selection criteria include exemplary patient care, effective collaboration, proactive problem-solving and serving as a role model for the FirstHealth community.

Dr. Walker was praised in numerous nominations for his tireless dedication to both patients and colleagues. 

According to a press release, one colleague noted, “Following Dr. Walker’s example has made me a better provider.” 

Dr. Walker joined FirstHealth Neurosurgery & Spine in 2018, bringing a wealth of experience in general neurosurgery, minimally invasive spine surgery and brain tumor surgery. He graduated with high honors from Auburn University, earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed his neurosurgery residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), where he served as chief resident. 

Dr. Walker also spent a year as a neurosurgery instructor at UMMC, where he developed a groundbreaking training device for minimally invasive spine surgery and authored multiple neurosurgical publications. His leadership roles have included serving as president and treasurer of the Mississippi Neurosurgery Society, as well as holding board positions with both Baptist Memorial Group and the UMMC Alumni Society.

Prior to relocating to North Carolina, Dr. Walker practiced in private neurosurgery in Oxford, Mississippi, and provided consultations for Ole Miss Athletics, treating sports-related neurological injuries.

At FirstHealth Neurosurgery & Spine, Dr. Walker continues to advance neurological treatment and improve the lives of patients across the region. He was published recently in Surgical Neurology International Journal for pioneering a new minimally invasive approach to a rare spinal cord lesion. The case was confirmed as the first-ever described minimally invasive

approach for treating such a lesion worldwide.

“FirstHealth is honored to recognize Dr. Walker as this year’s Ambulatory Physician of the Year,” said Dan Barnes, D.O., president of FirstHealth Physician Group, in a press release. “His tireless dedication, leadership and excellence embody the very best of FirstHealth and our commitment to patient care.”