About
Dr. James O'Keefe is a board-certified internist and the founder of Excel Health Primary Care in Atlanta. He earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 2010, then completed his internship and residency at UCLA. He served as Chief Resident at UCLA from 2013 to 2014 and went on to hold a faculty appointment as Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine there. From 2015 to 2022, Dr. O'Keefe served as Assistant Professor of Medicine at Emory University, practicing across General Internal Medicine, Executive Health, and the Emory Special Diagnostic Clinic. He currently holds an Adjunct Assistant Professor appointment at Emory.
The American College of Physicians elected Dr. O'Keefe as a Fellow in 2022, and he earned the Rollins Distinguished Clinician honor from Emory Healthcare in 2019 and the Diamond Provider designation in 2021. He has spoken nationally for the American College of Physicians on general medicine topics and recently joined a 15-member national scientific committee for the ACP 2026 meeting, one of only three general internists selected. His clinical approach centers on understanding each patient's full health story, including personal goals and life context, and building a care plan around that picture. He stays current on primary care research, draws out what the science actually supports, and works with patients on lifestyle planning alongside evidence-based medication use when appropriate. Outside medicine, he is a husband, father, amateur gardener, and traveler.
Education & Training
Medical School
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, M.D. (2010)
Residency
Internship & Residency, University of California, Los Angeles (2013); Chief Resident, UCLA (2013-2014)
Additional Training
Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, UCLA; Assistant Professor of Medicine, Emory University (2015-2022); Adjunct Assistant Professor, Emory University (current)
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. O'Keefe right for?
Dr. O'Keefe is a strong fit for adults who want a thorough, evidence-based approach to primary care. Patients managing chronic conditions or cardiovascular risk benefit from his internist background. Executives seeking comprehensive annual assessments with advanced diagnostics will find a natural match here. He also serves patients in Florida through telemedicine. Those who value direct physician access and longer appointments tend to thrive under his care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. O'Keefe treats a broad range of adult conditions through internal medicine. His focus includes chronic disease management, cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and preventive care. He also conducts comprehensive executive health assessments covering body composition, EKG, lab work, and cardiovascular screening.
Yes, Dr. O'Keefe holds board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine. He earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed his residency at UCLA, where he later served as Chief Resident.
D. from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 2010. He completed his internship and residency at UCLA and served as Chief Resident there from 2013 to 2014. He then held faculty appointments at both UCLA and Emory University.
Dr. O'Keefe builds each care plan around the patient's full health picture, including personal goals and life context. He follows current primary care research closely and applies what the evidence actually supports. He integrates lifestyle planning alongside evidence-based medication use when appropriate, and steers clear of trends that lead to overdiagnosis.
Yes. Emory Healthcare honored Dr. O'Keefe with the Rollins Distinguished Clinician award in 2019 and the Diamond Provider designation in 2021. The American College of Physicians elected him as a Fellow in 2022. He also joined a 15-member national scientific committee for the ACP 2026 meeting, one of only three general internists selected.
Yes. Dr. O'Keefe holds telemedicine licenses in both Georgia and Florida, so he can see patients remotely in either state. Members outside Atlanta can access his care through secure telehealth visits.
Dr. O'Keefe spent nearly a decade practicing executive health at UCLA and Emory University Executive Health before founding Excel Health. At Emory, he practiced across General Internal Medicine, the Executive Health program, and the Emory Special Diagnostic Clinic. He brings that experience directly into the comprehensive annual visits he offers at Excel Health.
Yes. Dr. O'Keefe gives members his cell phone number and a secure text line for urgent after-hours questions. This direct access is a core part of how he practices at Excel Health Primary Care.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026