James is a diplomate in both small animal surgery (orthopaedics, soft tissue and neurosurgery) and canine sports medicine and rehabilitation. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2010 and , following internships and training programmes became a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2018, and shortly afterwards was recognised as a specialist in small animal surgery by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. In 2021, he became certified as a canine rehabilitation therapist by the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. James became a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2022. He maintains a strong interest in clinical research and training Surgical Residents.