About
Dr. James Hood brings a unique background to primary care after a 25-year surgical career. He earned a chemical engineering degree from Auburn University before his medical degree from UAB. He then completed a general surgery residency at LSU Medical School. His training concluded with a cardiothoracic surgery residency at Jefferson Medical College.
Dr. Hood practiced cardiac surgery in the Bay Area for over two decades. He was recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for eight consecutive years. In 2022, he retrained in Primary Care at UC San Diego to open his practice. Dr. Hood grew up on a farm in Alabama and now enjoys golf, hiking, and landscaping. He often walks to work with his Great Pyrenees, Char Char.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
BS in Chemical Engineering (cum laude), Auburn University
Medical School
MD, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
Residency
General Surgery Internship and Residency, LSU Medical School; Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency, Jefferson Medical College
Additional Training
Physician Retraining and Reentry in Primary Care, UC San Diego, 2021-22
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Hood right for?
Dr. Hood is an excellent fit for adult men between 30 and 80 who want a proactive, science-driven approach to their health. Patients with cardiovascular risk factors, metabolic concerns, or a family history of heart disease benefit from his surgical and preventive background. He works well with active individuals who want sports medicine support alongside thorough annual care. Patients who value longer appointments and direct physician access will find his model well-suited to their needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Hood spent 25 years as a cardiac surgeon before transitioning to primary care. That surgical career gives him a deep, hands-on understanding of cardiovascular disease. He applies that expertise to catching and managing risk factors early, before they ever require intervention.
Dr. Hood treats a broad range of adult conditions, including hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease risk. He also provides sports medicine care, cancer screening, and comprehensive preventive health management. His background in cardiac surgery informs his approach to heart health and metabolic wellness.
Dr. Hood completed training in general surgery at LSU Medical School and a cardiothoracic surgery residency at Jefferson Medical College. He also completed a formal Physician Retraining and Reentry program in Primary Care at UC San Diego in 2021 and 2022, preparing him specifically for this new phase of his practice.
Dr. Hood earned Castle Connolly Top Doctor recognition for eight consecutive years during his surgical career in the Bay Area. That recognition reflects sustained clinical excellence over more than two decades of practice.
Dr. Hood takes a scientific, data-driven approach to prevention. He uses advanced tools including cardiac calcium scans, EKGs, comprehensive laboratory testing, and wellness fitness testing to build a detailed picture of each patient's health. His goal is to identify and address risk before it becomes disease.
Private Medicine Lafayette primarily serves adult men between 30 and 80 years old. Prospective patients outside that demographic should contact the practice directly to discuss whether it is a good fit.
Dr. Hood earned a BS in Chemical Engineering, cum laude, from Auburn University before pursuing his medical degree. That engineering foundation shapes how he thinks about the body, favoring systematic analysis and quantifiable data in his clinical approach.
Dr. Hood performs minor office surgery at Private Medicine Lafayette. Procedure costs vary based on complexity. He no longer performs cardiac or major surgery, focusing now on primary and preventive care.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026