James Finklea, M.D.

Meet Dr. Finklea

Pulmonology Specialist

Pulmonologist James David Finklea Jr., M.D., takes care of patients in many stages of health.

Dr. Finklea specializes in the care of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients as well as general pulmonology and liver critical care patients in the intensive care unit. In all of his roles, he sees patients with different needs, each of which require his help in different ways.

"I take care of patients in their greatest time of need.”

Because cystic fibrosis presents ongoing challenges, he sees his CF patients regularly throughout the year to maintain their health.

“I want these young patients to lead normal lives, and, as newer medicines become available, I hope our patients can achieve a normal life span,” Dr. Finklea says.

CF affects not only patients’ lungs, but also their pancreas, liver, and other organ systems.

“Cystic fibrosis is a very difficult disease to treat because it’s a multisystem problem,” he says. Dr. Finklea and the team that makes up UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program treat all problems related to CF.

His liver critical care work presents more immediate needs. He sees some of the sickest patients in the hospital during a period of time  when they need the most  help.

“Their condition can change in minutes,” he says.

It’s the job of the liver critical care team to get patients to the ultimate treatment they need: a liver transplant. As part of the team, Dr. Finklea takes care of patients on a ventilator and manages the various infections that can arise, before and after transplant.

Regardless of the setting, Dr. Finklea’s goal remains the same for each patient: to help them resume their lives with the best possible health.