James O. Shirk, FACOG, MD

Dr. James Shirk has a particularly calming, steadying effect on his patients. His demeanor stays relaxed through most topics, except for when discussions turn to delivering babies. That’s his favorite part, and even then, his excitement is marked only by a slightly broader, brighter smile. When most physicians chose to move around the globe, testing job markets, physician groups, and new towns or cities, Dr. Shirk’s medical training and career have stayed as consistent as the man himself. His medical milestones are all in Upper East Tennessee. Dr. Shirk received his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He then attended medical school at East Tennessee State University, College of Medicine in Johnson City. His residency in obstetrics and gynecology was at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, UT Medical Center. In 1997 Dr. Shirk began his professional career with Women’s Care Group. Though he originally considered orthopedic surgery, Dr. Shirk would become convinced that obstetrics was for him after one rotation in the specialty. ”Delivering babies was a much better route to take. It’s a happy specialty,” Dr. Shirk states with obvious delight. Healthy pregnancies and deliveries are certainly an upside to the profession, but he doesn’t shy away from providing consistent, quality care that’s appropriate to each of his patient’s needs. “We do good care here. We have always provided good care, no matter how technology or the field may have changed in the past twenty or so years. We’ve always given good care – then and now.” Some things – and some people – can always be counted on. Dr. Shirk is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is also a member of the Tennessee Medical Association and has been appointed as a clinical instructor and assistant professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.