2 years of experience·★★★★★5.0(5 verified reviews)
8,070+
Patients seen
2
Years in practice
9
Publications
1
Languages spoken
PROFILE SUMMARY
About Dr James Douglas Aitchison at a glance
Dr James Douglas Aitchison is a Cardiothoracic Surgery practitioner based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, practising at Universidad de Sevilla Teaching Hospital. They have 33+ years of clinical experience. Procedures focus on gp consultation, annual physical exam, vaccination administration, minor procedure (skin). Educated at Universidad de Sevilla (MD, 2021). Serves patients in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and the surrounding area.
VERIFIED PHYSICIAN PROFILE · UPDATED MAY 2026
About
Dr. James Douglas Aitchison is an esteemed Consultant Thoracic Surgeon, certified in Cardiothoracic Surgery. With an impressive clinical background, he played a pivotal role in establishing the new Thoracic Surgery Service at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City Hospital (SSMC) in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Mayo Clinic.
Having served as the Head of Thoracic Surgery at SSMC and Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor in Surgery at Khalifa University, Dr. Aitchison boasts extensive experience within the UAE. Prior to his tenure in Abu Dhabi, he worked for over a decade at The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre, Basildon Hospital, England, where he pioneered a successful minimal access lung cancer surgery service.
Dr. Aitchison's expertise spans adult cardiac and thoracic surgery, including procedures like coronary artery bypass grafts, aortic valve replacement, and surgery of the aorta. In thoracic surgery, he excels in lung cancer surgeries, utilising minimal access techniques like uniportal surgery and thoracoscopy whenever possible. His skills also extend to emergency rib and sternal fixation for major trauma, pleural disease surgeries, chest wall resection, mediastinal tumour excision, and lung nodule excision.
A distinguished researcher, Dr. Aitchison holds a research MD with distinction on Lung Transplantation from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. He has contributed to prestigious medical journals and is an active member of the Thoracic Surgery Chapter of Emirates Thoracic Society (ETS) and the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery (UK).
Dr. Aitchison's qualifications include First Class Honours for his bachelor's degree in Cardiac Electrophysiology from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, MBBS, and FRCS from London and Edinburgh. He underwent comprehensive training in cardiothoracic surgery in prominent medical institutions, including Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, and Papworth Hospital, Cambridge. He completed a clinical fellowship in Cardiothoracic Surgery in Washington University in St. Louis at Barnes Jewish and Christian Hospital NorthEast.
With a passion for education, Dr. Aitchison also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. He has been actively involved in training and leadership roles throughout his career, serving as the Negotiating Committee Chair and Foundation Programme Director at Basildon Hospital, England.
Dr. Aitchison's special interests include thoracic surgery, particularly lung cancer surgeries, uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery, localization biopsy of lung masses, chest trauma, mediastinoscopy, mediastinal staging, Endobronchial Ultrasound and biopsy (EBUS), chest wall tumours, mediastinal tumours, thymoma, pneumothorax, and decortication for empyema. His commitment to providing exceptional care, along with his pioneering approach to surgery, makes him a highly sought-after expert in the field.
“Evidence-based care tailored to each patient — taking the time to explain options and shared decisions.”
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Recent reviews
★★★★★ ✓ Verified
Very thorough first visit — explained every step. Booking was easy and the staff were welcoming.
★★★★★ ✓ Verified
Took time to listen and reviewed all my previous results. I would absolutely recommend.
★★★★☆ ✓ Verified
Professional and knowledgeable. Wait on the day was a bit long, otherwise excellent.
SPECIALTIES & PROCEDURES
Dr James Douglas Aitchison's Areas of Specialty
Each specialty below reflects the conditions and procedures Dr James Douglas Aitchison treats, with the size of the national pool of United Arab Emirates doctors offering the same care.
Medical practice in United Arab Emirates is governed by country-specific licensing, professional standards, and patient-safety regulations. Practitioners listed here are registered with the relevant United Arab Emirates medical authority and operate within national rules on scope of practice, prescribing rights, and continuing professional development. Care delivered in Abu Dhabi carries the additional benefits of local language support, in-person follow-up, and direct coordination with regional hospitals and labs. A verified profile means EuroClinics has cross-checked the practitioner or clinic against an official source (national medical register, public licence database, or the practitioner themselves), and that the data shown here matches that source as of the last verification date above.
Quick answers to the questions patients ask most. The same answers are surfaced to AI assistants via structured data.
What does James Douglas Aitchison specialise in?
James Douglas Aitchison specialises in Cardiothoracic Surgery in Abu Dhabi, AE. 33 years of clinical experience.
What conditions does James Douglas Aitchison treat?
James Douglas Aitchison treats conditions within Cardiothoracic Surgery. View the full conditions-treated list on the profile.
Where does James Douglas Aitchison practise?
James Douglas Aitchison practises in Abu Dhabi, AE. The profile page lists all practice addresses, phone numbers, and clinic affiliations.
What languages does James Douglas Aitchison speak?
James Douglas Aitchison speaks English.
How do I book an appointment with James Douglas Aitchison?
Use the "Request a booking" button on the profile to send an appointment request. Most appointments are confirmed within 24 hours; many slots are bookable instantly.
What do patients say about James Douglas Aitchison?
James Douglas Aitchison has a verified rating of 5/5 from 5 patient reviews. Read the most recent reviews on the profile page.
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