Dr. James W. Rhee, MD

Expert Publications

• Use of clonidine in the prevention and management of neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Media Releases

Get to know Emergency Physician Dr. James W. Rhee, who serves patients in California.

Specializing in emergency medicine, Dr. Rhee evaluates individuals seeking immediate medical attention around the clock. Holding the position of Medical Director of Emergency Services at Cedars Sinai Marina Del Rey Hospital, as well as serving as a toxicology specialist at United Medical Doctors Urgent Care – Temecula, he brings a wealth of experience to his roles.

With more than 15 years of expertise in emergency medicine and medical toxicology, Dr. Rhee is a fervent and devoted leader, educator, and clinician who is committed to enhancing the quality and safety of patient care and outcomes. His mission revolves around advancing the fields of emergency medicine and toxicology, driven by excellence in teaching, research, and clinical practice.

In regards to his educational background, Dr. Rhee completed his Undergraduate Degree at the University of Michigan and received a Master of Science Degree from Georgetown prior to matriculating at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. He then completed his emergency medicine training at the University of Chicago Emergency Medicine Residency Program. During his final year of training, he served as the Residency Research Chief. 

Subsequently, Dr. Rhee pursued specialty training in medical toxicology at the Toxikon Consortium based at Cook County Hospital. He returned to the University of Chicago as a faculty member in 2006 where he founded University of Chicago Toxicology Service for which he served as its Director.

In 2009, Dr. Rhee joined the faculty at Loma Linda University where he continued his roles as a medical educator, researcher, emergency physician, and medical toxicologist. He served as the Associate Program Director for the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Loma Linda University Medical Center, and earned a teaching award from the Loma Linda University residents for his teaching efforts within the program.

Having since transitioned into emergency department medical management roles, Dr. Rhee has served in multiple medical director roles at several hospitals, most recently as the Medical Director of Emergency Services at Cedars-Sinai Marina Del Rey Hospital.

Board certified in emergency medicine and medical toxicology, the doctor is a Diplomate of the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM). The ABEM is one of 24 medical specialty certification boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. It certifies emergency physicians who meet its educational, professional, and examination standards.

Among his professional affiliations, Dr. Rhee is a member of the California Medical Association, a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians, a Fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine, and a Fellow of the American College of Medical Toxicology.

Emergency medicine, also known as accident and emergency medicine, is the medical specialty concerned with the care of illnesses or injuries requiring immediate medical attention. An emergency physician is a physician who works at an emergency department to care for acutely ill or injured patients. They care for unscheduled and undifferentiated patients of all ages.

An accomplished scholar, Dr. Rhee has given numerous scientific presentations at national meetings, written several papers for publication, has produced chapters and monographs in authoritative textbooks, and has engaged many emergency medicine residents in meaningful scholarship. He is a gifted teacher who has won the highest award for teaching given by the emergency medicine residents to a single University of Chicago faculty member in his very first and second years as a faculty member!

Recommended Articles

• Copperhead Snake Bites: What Does It Look Like?

  Copperhead snake bites are one of the frequently reported snakebites annually. However, they are rarely fatal. Most of the time, snakebites happen when people accidentally step on or touch snakes, which are excellent at blending into their surroundings. When copperhead snakes are disturbed, they...

• What Could Uncontrollable Shivering Mean?

  Uncontrollable shivering is characterized by the rapid shifting between muscle relaxation and contraction. It is through these contractions that the body warms itself up when exposed to cold. Shivering is not always accompanied by fever. In some cases, shivering may occur before the onset of...

• Lightheadedness

  What is lightheadedness?Lightheadedness or feeling faint may not always be a cause for concern. However, it may also indicate an underlying health problem and can increase the risk of falling and fall-related injuries. If you feel lightheaded, drink water or fluids containing electrolytes and take...

• What Is Epistaxis?

  What is epistaxis?Epistaxis or commonly called a nosebleed is defined as a type of bleeding that occurs from the nostrils, the nasal cavity, or the nasopharynx. Nosebleeds are mostly caused by the rupture of blood vessels inside the nose. Bleeding may be spontaneous or caused by injuries or trauma....

• What Is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?

  OverviewA transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a mini-stroke, which only lasts for a few minutes. It occurs when blood stops flowing to a part of the brain for a short time. The symptoms of TIA are similar to other symptoms of stroke, but they do not last long, so TIA does not lead to permanent...

• What Are Ketones?

  Almost every cell in the body has a primary source of energy, which is usually glucose. However, when the body doesn't have enough glucose, the liver responds by producing chemicals known as ketones, converting stored fatty acids into ketone bodies. Ketones are used as a backup fuel source when...