About
Dr. Jim Phanucharas is a board-certified internist and Fresno native who trained at UCSF-Fresno and has served the Central Valley for roughly two decades. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from California State University, Fullerton, then pursued graduate studies at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. There he completed both a Master of Science in Medical Microbiology and Immunology and his Doctor of Medicine degree. He returned to California for his Internal Medicine residency at UCSF-Fresno, where he was selected as Chief Resident and helped train Internal Medicine, Family Practice, and Psychiatry resident physicians. He first achieved board certification in 2004 and has maintained it through recertifications in 2014 and 2024 as a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Dr. Phanucharas holds active hospital staff privileges at Community Regional Medical Center, Clovis Community Hospital, and St. Agnes Medical Center. He served as Medical Director for three hospice and home health organizations over a span of more than a decade, deepening his expertise in palliative and end-of-life care. He sat on admissions committees for both Creighton University School of Medicine and the UCSF-Fresno Residency Training Program, and served on the St. Agnes Staffing Review Board for physician hospital privileges. His peers have recognized him with the Fresno-Madera Medical Society Chester Rowell Fellow Award and Fresno Magazine's Best Doctor Award. He is passionate about complex medical disorders, disease prevention, travel medicine, and palliative care. Outside medicine, Dr. Phanucharas enjoys cooking, world travel, skiing, tennis, photography, and oil painting.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
California State University, Fullerton, B.S. Biochemistry
Medical School
Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE
Residency
Internal Medicine, UCSF-Fresno, Dept. of Internal Medicine; Chief Resident Medical Education Program
Additional Training
Master of Science, Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University, Omaha, NE
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Phanucharas right for?
Dr. Phanucharas suits adults and adolescents aged 12 and older who manage complex or chronic medical conditions. Patients who need thorough evaluations, proactive follow-up, and direct physician access will find his approach a strong match. He works well with busy professionals who value same-day appointments and after-hours or home visit options. Those facing serious diagnoses, surgical coordination, or end-of-life planning benefit from his deep background in palliative and hospice care. Patients interested in travel medicine or disease prevention also fit well within his clinical focus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Phanucharas focuses on internal medicine and preventive care, treating a broad range of adult and adolescent conditions. He has particular depth in complex medical disorders, heart valve disease, chest pain, shortness of breath, and chronic disease management. He also provides travel medicine counseling, palliative care, and hospice support.
Yes. Dr. Phanucharas holds active board certification in Internal Medicine as a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He first earned certification in 2004 and completed recertifications in both 2014 and 2024.
Dr. Phanucharas earned his MD from Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. He also completed a Master of Science in Medical Microbiology and Immunology at Creighton. He trained in Internal Medicine at UCSF-Fresno, where he served as Chief Resident.
Yes. Dr. Phanucharas makes home and work visits as part of his concierge membership. Members can arrange appointments outside of standard office hours, including evenings and weekends.
Members reach Dr. Phanucharas directly by cell phone or pager at any hour. He manages most appointment requests the same day. This direct access extends to emergencies, including communication with specialists and hospital teams when needed.
Dr. Phanucharas actively monitors correspondence between consulting physicians and tracks their medical interventions. He reviews specialist records, follows up on test results, and coordinates care directly to support continuity and reduce errors.
Yes. Dr. Phanucharas holds current staff privileges at Community Regional Medical Center, Clovis Community Hospital, and St. Agnes Medical Center.
Dr. Phanucharas served as Medical Director for three hospice and home health organizations over more than a decade. His roles included Medical Director of Optimal Hospice Care from 2007 to 2012, Bright Horizon Hospice from 2014 to 2015, and Valley Regional Home Health, Palliative Care and Hospice from 2018 to 2019.
Dr. Phanucharas sees adolescents and adults, generally starting at age 12. Internal medicine training prepares physicians to manage a wide range of conditions from straightforward outpatient concerns to complex and serious medical situations.
Doctor profile last updated June 9, 2026