For almost 50 years, Dr. James Atkins, Professor of Internal Medicine and a cardiologist, has played an integral role in Dallas emergency medicine. He has been a leader in advancing emergency medicine services at UTSW, served the Dallas Fire Department EMS program for four decades, and chaired the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions.

A member of the Texas EMS Hall of Fame, Dr. Atkins has received awards from the American Heart Association, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Most recently, the American College of Emergency Physicians honored him with its Outstanding Contribution in EMS Award.

“It is always a great honor to be honored by your peers,” Dr. Atkins said. “In this case, the award is not for my main profession but in my avocation. I am a cardiologist who dabbles in emergency medicine.”

A 1967 graduate of UTSW Medical School, Dr. Atkins became Chief Resident of Internal Medicine at Parkland Memorial Hospital in 1971. In 1972, he joined the UTSW faculty in the Division of Cardiology. Six months later, he was approached by Dr. Donald Seldin, then-Chair of Internal Medicine, and Dr. Jay Sanford, Vice Chair of Medicine at the time.

“They said the ER was not working as well and asked me to supervise the ER in addition to being a cardiologist,” Dr. Atkins said. “I did this for five years.”          

During that time, Dr. Seldin also asked Dr. Atkins and Dr. Erwin Thal, who would go on to become Professor of Surgery, to work with the Dallas Fire Department to develop a paramedic program. (Dr. Thal died in 2014.) In all, starting in 1973, Dr. Atkins served as a co-Medical Director of the Dallas Fire Department EMS program for a decade and Medical Director for about 30 years.

Looking back over his career, Dr. Atkins said he has enjoyed the variety of his roles. “I became involved in many state and national organizations and helped develop programs around Texas and the nation as well as abroad. The many friendships with leaders were especially rewarding for a small town Texas boy.”