A/Prof James French is a specialist breast surgeon and head of breast surgery at the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute; and he also has a private practice run via Specialist Services. James operates at Westmead Private Hospital, Norwest Private Hospital and now at Lakeview Private Hospital. All consultations in private rooms (for both public and private patients) now take place at Lakeview Private Hospital.

After completing general surgical training, James undertook two further fellowship years of training in breast and thyroid/parathyroid surgery. For the past five years, James has concentrated exclusively on breast and thyroid surgery. James is at the forefront of developing the newer ‘oncoplastic’ techniques for breast surgery. He offers a wide variety of options for women who are suitable for, or choose to undergo, breast-conserving surgery including adaptive mammoplasty and multiple options for women who choose post-mastectomy with implant-based breast reconstruction. In addition, he maintains close ties with plastic and reconstructive surgical colleagues for patients who choose or who are best suited to a tissue-based reconstruction.

James uses multi-disciplinary consultation, both in the public and private sectors, to ensure that all of his cancer patients have access to multiple specialist opinions regarding their cancer management.

As a clinical lecturer at the University of Sydney, James is also involved in teaching, from medical students to post-graduate surgical fellows. He has contributed to more than 40 peer-reviewed articles and is involved in numerous local and international clinical trials.

James is a member of the medical advisory committee for Westmead Private Hospital; the medical advisory board of Lakeview Private Hospital; and the board of the Australasian Society for Breast Disease (ASBD).

James often competes in fun runs to raise money for breast cancer related organisations; and participates in breast cancer related charity events such as dragon boat racing and the pink ribbon ride.