"Since returning to his hometown in 1998, Dr. Jim Cummings has carried on the tradition of excellent, compassionate medical care started in Asheville in 1963 by his father, Dr. Charles E. Cummings. He practiced in Asheville for 12 years before establishing Asheville's first and only concierge medical practice in 2010 with Dr Clay Ballantine. Focused on developing close relationships with his patients, Dr Cummings appreciates the additional time the practice model of Blue Ridge Premier Medicine allows him to dedicate to getting to know you and optimizing your health. Recognizing that cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two major causes of death in America, he will concentrate on preventive measures and appropriate screening aimed at risk reduction in these primary areas, while also working to help you achieve optimal health in all aspects of your life.
He is board certified in internal medicine. After graduating from the University of Virginia with an undergraduate degree in chemistry, he attended medical school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received two merit scholarship awards for scholastic achievement. Dr. Cummings then completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond (MCV), where he served an additional year as chief medical resident. He worked in the MCV emergency room as an attending physician for one year before heading to Seattle, WA for fellowship training. He was recognized with several teaching awards from housestaff and medical students during his residency and fellowship training.
Dr. Cummings served as the Director of Critical Care at Mission Hospitals for seven years, making him intricately knowledgeable of the local hospital system, its medical staff, and regional services. He has been responsible for developing treatment protocols which have been integral in bringing Mission Hospitals recognition as a top 100 hospital in the nation by several rating agencies. The nature of Dr. Cummings' former consultative work and his leadership position has fostered close associations as well as respect from Asheville's subspecialist physicians. Thus, he is keenly aware of how to get you the best specialty care this outstanding medical community has to offer in an expeditious fashion.
When not practicing medicine, Dr. Cummings enjoys spending time with his wife and three children pursuing outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping. His true passion is fly fishing, and if he's not in the office or with his family, that's where you're likely to find him. He also enjoys exercise, golf, hunting, tennis and skiing. He is active in his church, the Buncombe County Medical Society, Asheville Buncombe Christian Community Ministry Clinic, and likes building homes with Habitat for Humanity when his schedule allows."
