James E Clayton, MD

Languages:
English
Service: Pulmonary Medicine
Board Certifications:
Board-certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Pulmonology
Areas of Clinical Interest:
I am interested in all aspects of pediatric pulmonology and consider myself a general list in this field based on 40 years of clinical experience as a pediatric pulmonologist.
Education:

Fellowship: University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson Arizona Year (1982–1984)
Internship: Madigan Army Medical Center Year (1976–1977)
Residency: Madigan Army Medical Center Year (1978–1979)
Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine Year (1972–1976)
Undergraduate: University of California at Davis (1967–1972)

Awards & Recognition:

Top Doctors Recognition: Arlington Magazine, Northern Virginia Magazine, Washingtonian
Top Pediatric Student Creighton University School of Medicine Awarded by Nebraska chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (1975)
Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society (1975)
Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society (1976)
 

Patient Reviews:
"Dr. Clayton has been my son's pulmonologist since he was a baby, and my son is now 10. He explains everything clearly. He's very easy to understand and he really connects with his patients. He's just a wonderful, wonderful physician. He works great with kids and he's very thorough with parents."

"He was amazing. He was extremely thorough and knowledgeable. I will be referring Dr. Clayton to all family and friends that have children with pulmonary issues or asthma because he is a wonderful physician. I cannot recommend him enough."

"Dr. Clayton is very knowledgeable and an excellent pulmonologist. I felt like he was very thorough in explaining the different treatment options for my daughter, and he really took the time to listen and offer suggestions. I was very satisfied with the treatment plan that he created." 

Clinic Locations: Fairfax

Service: Pulmonary Medicine
Why did you become a doctor and why did you choose your specialty?
I grew up in Modesto, California. At the time this was a small central California town with an agriculture-based economy.
I decided I wanted to be a doctor somewhere around 1960. I cannot actually remember what reasons I had at the time but I know I made a good choice since I am still doing it and I cannot imagine doing anything else. It turns out that the only thing difficult about medicine is getting out of bed in the morning and going to work. Most of us in medicine are always happy to be working integrating science, observational skills, and personal communication into a career.
How long have you practiced in the Washington, DC area and what do you like most about it?
I have been in Washington, DC since 1984 when I came here as a pediatric pulmonologist at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I started at Inova in 1986 in the pediatric intensive care unit and practiced pulmonary medicine for Inova. I have been here ever since in many different roles but always with a focus on personalized care.
What do you most enjoy doing outside of your clinical practice, when you’re not working?
I spend most of my waking hours practicing medicine. When I am not working I like to hang out with my wife and any or all of my 5 kids and 7 grandkids when they are around.
Describe your proudest accomplishment as a provider and/or in your personal life:
Every waking moment turns out to be a reward in itself. The best accomplishments are the little ones that go unnoticed.
If you weren’t a doctor, what profession would you most likely be doing and why?
If I was not a physician I would probably be an anthropology professor, an artist, or a photographer.