Biography

Dr. James Q. Simmons (he/him/his) is a Board-Certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, frontline healthcare provider, and highly sought after medical expert recognized for making complex health topics accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. With appearances on NBC, FOX, CBS, ABC, KTLA, Yahoo!, Scripps News, Sirius XM, Loveline, DASH Radio and countless more, Dr. James is one of the most dynamic and influential voices in healthcare today. He is also the Founder/CEO of Simmons Medical & Media Consulting, and creator of a thriving online community where his followers can "Ask The NP" and connect with him directly on social media @DrJamesQSimmons. Dr. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications from Drake University, a Master of Science in Nursing from University of Illinois Chicago, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of California Los Angeles, where he is also a guest lecturer and research consultant. A prolific and in demand speaker, Dr. James captivates audiences at conferences, retreats, and industry events with his impactful presentations on healthcare, wellness, Black Health, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. Known for his gift of simplifying complex health information into practical, actionable insights, Dr. James empowers both professional audiences and community groups alike. His expertise, charisma, and dedication make him a trusted and influential voice in the healthcare space, bridging the gap between medical knowledge and everyday understanding with energy and authenticity. A lifelong athlete and sports enthusiast, Dr. James has played basketball, volleyball, flag football, and tennis at highly competitive levels. He’s won national championships with the National Gay Basketball Association (NGBA), National Gay Flag Football League (NGFFL), and North American Gay Volleyball Association (NAGVA), making him a true force on and off the court. At Division I Drake University he honed his skills on the practice squads for both the Men’s and Women’s basketball teams. His passion for sports extends to coaching middle and high school teams and co-directing national sports tournaments. Whether he’s emulating Serena Williams’ intensity on the tennis court, dominating the basketball court with his mid-range jumper, or cheering on his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Knicks, or LA Sparks, Dr. James brings a unique blend of energy and expertise that is the perfect bridge between healthcare and sports media. Dr. James appeared in Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul Hive Certified” video and has received multiple professional accolades, including the Public Health Champion Award from Reach LA, the Sharp Cutting-Edge Award from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the Creative Communication Award from Sigma Theta Tau among others. He is honored to be a founding and continuing Clinical Ambassador for the CDC’s “Let’s Stop HIV Together” campaign. Dr. James also serves proudly on the American Nurses Association California LGBTQIA+ Task Force and on several nonprofit boards including APAIT, which focuses on health equity for vulnerable communities, and Black Queer Town Hall, an organization led by Peppermint and Bob the Drag Queen that champions Black Queer excellence through community building and empowerment.

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