James Irwin, MD

Dr. James Irwin graduated from the University of Utah in 1980 and did his residency in Family Medicine at Family Medicine Residency of Idaho – Boise (now Full Circle Health FMRI – Boise).  He has served as faculty with the University of Washington since 1983.  He is currently a Clinical Associate Professor with the University of Washington and Clinic Director for the Full Circle Health FMRI – Magic Valley Rural Program in Jerome, Idaho.  He is a recent recipient of the Full Circle Health Alumni Community Service Award. Dr. Irwin was also Jerome Citizen of the Year for 2010. He was chosen as the Idaho Academy of Family Physicians’ Physician of the Year for 2011.  He was recognized as Health Hero by South Central Public Health District in 2017.  He was also the recipient of the 2022 WRITE Excellence in Teaching Award. In addition to his many recognitions, he also served as medical consultant to the Regional Child Development Center for 29 years.

Dr. Irwin loves the full spectrum of family medicine.  He is especially interested in evidence-based medicine, including alternative therapies to the optimal care of each individual.  Dr. Irwin is actively involved in keeping our environment healthy.  He has been instrumental in organizing cleanup for the Snake River Canyon between Centennial Park and Pillar Falls for the past 35 years.  He has helped numerous Boy Scouts achieve their Eagle Scout award through involvement with cleanup efforts and other projects such as wood duck boxes.  He was recognized in 2022 by Jerome County for countless hours of community service by naming the Carl Nellis and Jim Irwin walking trail, partly in his honor.  He and his wife Lorna have been married for more than 48 years and have 3 children, a profoundly deaf daughter who graduated with a PhD in physiology from Univ of Utah, one son who is a sign language interpreter, and another son who is a high school teacher.  His non-medical interests include hiking, hunting, fly fishing, photography, scuba diving, and playing with his “gorgeous” mules.