James Rice, MD

James Rice, MD, is a nephrologist specializing in kidney transplantation and the management of acute and chronic kidney disease. He is the medical director of the kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant programs at Scripps. With more than 30 years of experience, he uses his thorough understanding of clinical transplantation and immunology to manage transplant patients both before and after kidney transplant.

Dr. Rice actively participates in national forums and is a member of the American Society of Transplantation Kidney Pancreas Community of Practice Committee. He is at the leading-edge of efficient management of complex medical issues unique to the kidney, including simultaneous kidney-pancreas and combined liver-kidney transplants.

Dr. Rice has participated in and received national funding for research focused on immune response in the kidney to acute kidney injury from urinary tract infections and ischemia — common injuries in the early post-kidney transplant process. Additionally, he participates in ongoing research studies utilizing immunosuppressive regimens to optimize the outcome of kidney, kidney-pancreas and liver-kidney transplant patients.

Dr. Rice believes in an active, collaborative approach through a comprehensive medical team. He feels strongly that transplant candidates and recipients are best served when included as critical members of the transplant process. He believes active listening, education and sharing clinical findings leads to better decision-making.