Dr James Whitaker is an Osteopathic Physician (D.O.) or osteopath. He is a board certified physiatrist and specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (also known as PM&R or Physiatry).
Dr. Whitaker grew up in Kuna, Idaho, raised by a single, disabled mother in Section 8 housing on food stamps. Despite these challenges, he graduated from Boise State University while also earning his certification as a Massage Therapist. His journey has instilled in him a deep compassion for people from all backgrounds, showing that with determination and empathy, anything is possible.
After graduation from Boise State, Dr. Whitaker chose to attend A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, the founding school of Osteopathic Medicine. While attending medical school in Missouri, Dr. Whitaker elected to spend an additional year completing a fellowship in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM aka OMT). OMM is similar in many ways to the manipulative treatments that chiropractors/chiropractic or physical therapists utilize. During his fellowship, Dr. Whitaker worked in an OMM Outpatient Clinic, gaining hands-on experience, and also had the opportunity to teach first- and second-year medical students, further deepening his knowledge and commitment to patient care.
After graduating from Medical School, Dr. Whitaker completed his Internship at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He then completed residency at University of Missouri – Columbia, where he served as Chief Resident in his final year.
Finally, Dr Whitaker returned to Idaho in 2014 and opened Idaho Joint and Spine. He is excited to be able to serve the needs of Boise, Meridian, Mountain Home, Eagle, Star, Nampa, Kuna, Caldwell, as well as the rest of the Treasure Valley. To see what services he is able to offer click here.
While Dr. Whitaker enjoys his professional life immensely, he loves his family even more. Family is the reason he returned to Idaho to open his own specialty practice. He truly enjoys serving his patients and treating them like family. Dr. Whitaker is a proud husband and father. He enjoys spending quality time with his family, serving in his church, and is an enthusiastic Boise State fan.
