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Dr. Clifford James III, MD

Dr. Clifford James III, MD

Pediatrics*
25+ years of experience

Dr. Clifford James III, MD is a pediatrician in Oak Ridge, TN and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from TEXAS TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY in 1997. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as East Tennessee Children's Hospital and Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.5 Star Rating
Based on 65 reviews 4.5 Star Rating (65 reviews)

Kids Central Pediatrics, Oak Ridge TN

575 Oak Ridge Tpke Ste 120 Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Telehealth available

Care Philosophy

"Children rarely enjoy a visit to the doctor, but that is not the case at Kids Central Pediatrics, where they provide pediatric services with a different approach. Kids Central Pediatrics is the brainchild of Clifford..."

- Dr. Clifford James III, MD

Patient Favorite Award

Dr. James III is a patient favorite Pediatrician

The Patient Favorite badge is awarded to top-performing providers who surpass average ratings and comments, reflecting their commitment to exceptional patient care. Read our methodology

  • Area of Expertise
    Dr. James III specializes in the area of Pediatrics. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Hospital Satisfaction
    Patients said they were highly satisfied at this doctor's hospital. See hospitals
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Dr. James III' Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. James III

4.5
65 ratings, 36 with a written review
5 star
88%
88%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
2%
2%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
11%
11%

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Lacking in empathy.
We always had great experiences at the West Knox office - Morgan and Dr. Baker, in particular, were wonderful. However, our visit to the Oak Ridge location was disappointing, so we left a 2-star review about that office while still expressing appreciation in that review for the West Knox office.Unfortunately, Dr. Clifford James called us afterward, and instead of a professional discussion, the conversation felt hostile and berating. In our opinion, his tone lacked empathy, and his language was inappropriate for a pediatrician. Rather than addressing our concerns constructively, we were discharged from the practice entirely because of our review.While we understand negative feedback isn’t pleasant, we expected a more professional response. If you want a practice that values open communication, we highly recommend the Kids Central Pediatrics team at West Knox - Morgan and Dr. Baker have always been fantastic. I wouldn’t recommend the Oak Ridge office, though.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
Helpful
Feb 14, 2025
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Wonderful Pediatrician
We love Dr. James! My parents took my sister and I to see him when he was at his old office then of course we moved with him once he opened his own practice. Dr. James was also my husbands pediatrician. We are so thankful to be able to now have Dr. James as our daughters pediatrician.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 26, 2023
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Best of the best!
My 6 kids (ages 27, 25, 21, 18, 11, 1) have had the privilege of growing up with Dr James. When my oldest children started aging out of pediatrics they were literally distraught. There is just no one like him. We are grateful to have found him so many years ago!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 24, 2023
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Help mommy Help baby
Dr James truly cares for every patient. I called him at 3 in the morning about my two week old daughter and he answered right away and followed up later on that morning. He never makes you feel like you have stupid questions and he really listens. I trust him completely with my child and I’d never go anywhere else.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 24, 2023
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Wouldn’t trust my kids to anyone else.
Great accessibility, great staff, friendly and knowledgeable clinicians!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 23, 2023
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We love Dr. James!
Dr. James has been wonderful with our daughter since she was born! He always takes the time to ask if we have any questions and then gives us honest answers. We truly felt heard when we had questions or concerns. Dr. James and his staff at KCP are all wonderful!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 23, 2023
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Terrible doctor, terrible staff.
Dr. James is arrogant and pretentious. He cares more about his social media presence than his patients. He should spend less time marketing help mommy and more time in the office with his patients. Diagnoses are missed, follow-up care is not done, and appointments are rushed. Nurses are rude and would rather take early lunches than return phone calls to parents. “Office Manager” or “Director of Operations” as she’s called, shouldn’t even be working with the public, must less in a pediatric office.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 23, 2023
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Best Pediatrics doctor ever
Hands down Kids central is the best! They take wonderful care of my son ever time, they explain everything that goes on and actually listen to my concerns
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 22, 2023
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Dr. James is a very attentive and fun pediatrician! He has never once made me feel stupid for asking questions, and he always educates me on what is going on with my kids. Instead of just diagnosing something he offer more details and background information. The nurses are absolutely wonderful too! I trust Dr. James and his suggestions for all 3 of my kids! Would highly recommend them!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Nikki Adkisson – Sep 03, 2021
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We love Kids Central! They found my daughter’s milk allergy and reflux and stopped her pain fast. Mel will always call back even late in the evening if I have any questions. They are just great people all around!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Lindsay Armes – Sep 02, 2021
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Dr. James and the staff at Kid Central are the best and truly care for kids. We wouldn't take our kids anywhere else!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Cristy – Aug 30, 2021
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Dr James is an awesome pediatrician. He can make the most shy girl feel comfortable. He is knowledgeable and caring. You feel like he really cares about your child-not just as a patient but as a person.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
OakRidgeMomma – Aug 30, 2021
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Great Doctors and great office! Always friendly and super efficient. Love everything. About this practice!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Megan Amos – Aug 30, 2021
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Very thorough, Dr.James really takes the time to make sure you understand everything before you leave, he talks through everything and really listens to my concerns
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Misti – Aug 30, 2021
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We love Dr.James, he is great with our little girl!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Aug 29, 2021
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We love Dr. James & Mel! Amazing practice that takes such good care of my babies !
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Ashley – Aug 29, 2021
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After moving from out of state with a toddler, 7 year old, and 10 year old, I was very worried about choosing a pediatrician who would accommodate three crazy anxious boys. Dr. James and his staff are exceptional, knowledgeable, patient, kind, and FUN! We now have four children, a few with lifelong health concerns and the staff continues to be knowledgeable, patient, and kind. We never feel rushed. Dr James has consulted my son about college choices and given more than medical advice. He absolutely treats us like he cares for his own family. I’d be sad to go anywhere else! I recommend this practice every chance I get!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Tracy Phelps – Aug 29, 2021
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We have been patients of Dr. James/Kids Central Pediatrics for almost 20 years. The care and compassion Dr. James, Mel, and the rest of his staff have for each and every patient here is unmatched. There is no one else I would trust the care of my children to.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Sarah – Aug 29, 2021
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I absolutely love the whole Staff here!! As a first time mom I was concerned about a lot of stuff. I would call and they would ease my mind completely no matter what time it was!! No pediatrician or doctor will do that! Every visit they listen to me with everything I need help with. I could have a huge list and they would answer everything in depth for me to understand better. It’s a super friendly environment. Everyone is super happy which is amazing cause you can tell they all have fun doing what there doing. I am so happy I have found my sons pediatrician and will suggest them to anyone! Follow there Facebook page for a lot of amazing factual videos to get some really good info of stuff that could be happening with your child! Love this place!!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 01, 2021
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My daughter is TERRIFIED of just about anyone other than her family, so doctors visits are a constant cry-fest. Not only does Doctor James treat us with the BEST medical care, but he takes his time with my daughter, has literally rocked her in the parking lot to help her warm up to him, and never rushes through our visits. We are so thankful for his care and for all the wonderful people at his practice 10/10 experience every single time.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Michelle T – Feb 23, 2021
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About Me

care philosophy

Children rarely enjoy a visit to the doctor, but that is not the case at Kids Central Pediatrics, where they provide pediatric services with a different approach. Kids Central Pediatrics is the brainchild of Clifford James III, MD. Dr James grew...read more

biography

Children rarely enjoy a visit to the doctor, but that is not the case at Kids Central Pediatrics, where they provide pediatric services with a different approach. Kids Central Pediatrics is the brainchild of Clifford James III, MD. Dr. James grew...read more
  • Pediatrics

  • Neonatal Medicine

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Texas Technical University

    Medical School, 1997
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Pediatrics®
Pediatrics
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.
Patient Favorite Award

Dr. James III is a patient favorite Pediatrician

    Read our methodology

    Locations

    Kids Central Pediatrics, Oak Ridge TN

    Kids Central Pediatrics, Oak Ridge TN575 Oak Ridge Tpke Ste 120 Oak Ridge, TN 37830
    1

    Affiliated Hospitals

    • East Tennessee Children's Hospital

      2018 Clinch Ave
      Knoxville, TN 37916
    • University of Tennessee Medical Center

      1924 Alcoa Hwy
      Knoxville, TN 37920
      Recipient of 4
      hospital awards

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      86%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      2% higher than the national average

      80%
      Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

      4% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    • Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge

      990 Oak Ridge Tpke
      Oak Ridge, TN 37830
      Recipient of 2
      hospital awards

      Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2023)

      Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

      Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2022)

      Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

      View all awards

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      85%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      1% higher than the national average

      82%
      Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

      6% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality