About
Dr. Karen James, M.D., graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1999 and completed her Family Medicine residency at Swedish. She returned to UW's clinical faculty in 2002. Two years later, she earned the Medical Director role at the Swedish Family Medicine First Hill Clinic. That same year she completed the University of Washington Faculty Development Fellowship. Dr. James holds board certification in Family Medicine and serves as an Associate Clinical Professor at UW School of Medicine. She also chairs the Swedish Family Medicine Gynecology Curriculum and remains active as a faculty member in the Swedish Family Medicine Residency. Her clinical interests include preventive care, sports medicine, and women's health. A Washington native, Dr. James is a competitive cyclist who races at Marymoor Park Velodrome in summer and cyclocross events in winter. She also enjoys hiking, backpacking, and gardening with her husband David and daughter Ella.
Education & Training
Medical School
University of Washington School of Medicine (1999)
Residency
Family Medicine, Swedish
Fellowship
University of Washington Faculty Development Fellowship
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. James right for?
Dr. James is a strong fit for adults who want a preventive-first approach to primary care. Patients with women's health concerns, including gynecologic care and menopause, benefit from her deep clinical background. Active adults and athletes find her sports medicine expertise particularly valuable. Her faculty experience at UW and Swedish gives her a broad, evidence-based perspective on chronic disease and wellness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. James focuses on family medicine, preventive care, sports medicine, and women's health. She manages chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. She also provides gynecologic care and supports patients through menopause.
Yes, Dr. James holds board certification in Family Medicine. She earned her degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine and completed her residency in Family Medicine at Swedish.
Dr. James serves as an Associate Clinical Professor at UW School of Medicine. She also chairs the Swedish Family Medicine Gynecology Curriculum and participates actively in the Swedish Family Medicine Residency program.
Dr. James graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1999 and completed her Family Medicine residency at Swedish. She became Medical Director at the Swedish Family Medicine First Hill Clinic in 2004. That same year she completed the University of Washington Faculty Development Fellowship.
Yes, sports medicine is one of Dr. James's primary clinical interests. Her experience as a competitive cyclist gives her practical insight into athletic training, injury prevention, and performance health.
Dr. James built her career around preventive care and long-term patient relationships. Her work in faculty development, curriculum leadership, and clinical teaching reflects a sustained commitment to the full scope of family medicine.
Yes, Dr. James has a strong focus on women's health. She chairs the Swedish Family Medicine Gynecology Curriculum and sees patients for preventive gynecologic care, menopause medicine, and related concerns.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026