James K. O'Brien, MD, FACP, FCCP

James K. O'Brien, MD, is a pulmonologist at National Jewish Health. Dr. O'Brien is in the Section of Critical Care Medicine and Department of Medicine.

Special Interests

Clinical research and teaching interests are in COPD, alpa-1-antitrypsin deficiency, asthma, critical care, and practical medical ethics.

Education

Awards & Recognition

Former visiting scholar at the Penn Center for Bioethics, Philadelphia, PA

Board Certification

Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine (ABSM)

Professional Memberships

Fellow in the American College of Physicians, Fellow in the American College of Chest Physicians, and member of American Thoracic Society

Hospital Affiliations

Rose Medical Center
St. Joseph Hospital - Denver
Swedish Medical Center

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Contact Information

Office: 877.225.5654

Locations

National Jewish Health Main Campus
1400 Jackson Street
Denver, CO 80206

Patient Ratings

Data Integrity Press Ganey Certified The Patient metric-rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our independent metric-rating system, the Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. This survey is about the patient care experience and does not address crucial characteristics like medical decision-making, prescribing the best therapy, and patient outcomes.

Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Learn more about our patient satisfaction survey.

Friendliness

4.8

Likelihood of recommending this provider

4.5

Provider explained things clearly

4.6

Provider showed concern

4.7

Provider included you in decisions

4.6

Amount of time spent with you

4.7

Confidence in your doctor

4.6

Spoke using clear language

4.7

Patient Comments

Comments are collected in our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Surveys. Patients are de-identified to protect confidentiality and patient privacy. Learn more about our patient satisfaction survey.

National Jewish Health Patient – November, 2023

Dr O'Brien was fantastic!
National Jewish Health Patient – June, 2023

Dr. O'Brien has provided us with really exceptional care. The circumstances of my husband's health are complex, and he took more time to explain things to us and answer questions. He also made recommendations based on his experience to help us navigate the decisions we are facing.
National Jewish Health Patient – June, 2023

I was a patient of Dr. O'Briens before he left the clinic for a bit. I was so excited to hear he was back and that I can continue my care under him. He listens and tells me what is necessary and why. He's the best doctor I've ever had.
National Jewish Health Patient – June, 2023

Over the last 15 years I have been to at least 10 specialists and was still sick in bed 1-2 weeks every month. Dr. O'Brian ordered several tests, correctly diagnosed my two problems, and began interventions that have kept me well. He Is still checking on me often and tweaking treatments. I have not been sick in bed for 7 months! It's like he gave me my life back. I'm volunteering at both the Springs Rescue Mission and the Humane Society, walk the dogs twice a day, etc.
National Jewish Health Patient – May, 2023

During the virtual visit Dr. O'brien mentioned starting Symbicort to me but he didn't mention adding Albuterol. When I read his notes after the visit, he added Albuterol as a treatment and I'm not sure that I need it. And In his notes he discussed having a couple more tests that he did not describe to me. I'll have to ask him about those before they are scheduled. He's very easy to talk to and he addresses all your concerns.
National Jewish Health Patient – May, 2023

I assume this question refers to Dr. OBrien, who I only saw for 10 minutes of the hour that I was in the room. He gave me very little information, seemed rushed and eager to leave. He did not follow up with me after my tests, said he didn't have time to give me results over the phone and to make an appointment. I ended up having to get results from a nurse.
National Jewish Health Patient – May, 2023

This was my first time seeing this provider don't know yet how I feel about him. He gave me a kind of different diagnosis then *Dr. Katalie did scared me. But tests he ordered going to wait and see how tests turn out. Can't get appointment with him again until June.
National Jewish Health Patient – April, 2023

Dr. O Brien is really really good and I trust him as a medical provider
National Jewish Health Patient – March, 2023

Dr. O'Brian is the best doctor I've ever seen, he's the only one that has ever listened to me entirely while thinking outside the box. I appreciate how I am not just dismissed even for small things. I am responded to and included in my care plan. I very much trust him as a physican and wouldn't want anyone else as my pulmonologist
National Jewish Health Patient – March, 2023

Professional and empathetic
National Jewish Health Patient – January, 2023

Very pleased with Dr. O Brien.
National Jewish Health Patient – January, 2023

I felt very comfortable with Dr. O'Brien. He actually took the time to listen and validated my experience in comparison to others in my home state that would just blow off my concerns saying I'm young and healthy. He showed concern and explained things very well. He included me in the plan and allowed my husband to participate via phone. Best doctor I have seen in a long time.
National Jewish Health Patient – November, 2022

*Dr. O'Brien was great!
National Jewish Health Patient – November, 2022

Dr. O'Brien answered my questions clearly and completely and was always respectful of my opinion and concerns.
National Jewish Health Patient – November, 2022

Dr. O'Brien was very respectful, empathetic and listened well.
National Jewish Health Patient – October, 2022

Trust him to do a thorough workup to find the problem.
National Jewish Health Patient – September, 2022

Very committed to getting to the root of the problem.
National Jewish Health Patient – August, 2022

I was very impressed by the care providers, as the survey responses indicate.
National Jewish Health Patient – August, 2022

An amazing doctor
National Jewish Health Patient – August, 2022

Glad Dr. O'Brien is back - nice to have continuity of care.
National Jewish Health Patient – July, 2022

I think Dr O'brien is a top notch physician.
National Jewish Health Patient – July, 2022

Dr. O'Brien was kind, thorough and exceeded my expectations.
National Jewish Health Patient – June, 2022

First time seeing Dr. O'Brien. He diagnosed me with asthma, put me on medical treatment and I feel so much better. He is pleasant, knowledgeable and I really felt he wanted to help me. I have felt so badly with severe allergy symptoms and evidently not breathing as well as I should. My symptoms were in some ways not typical but he absolutely was right on. I feel so much better because of his care. You can't believe how thankful I am. National Jewish Health is such a wonderful place. I have other issues as well and every specialist I saw were such experts. It was such a great decision to become a patient. I feel they are saving my life.
National Jewish Health Patient – May, 2022

We didn't talk about treatment just tests to get some answers
National Jewish Health Patient – May, 2022

I am sp glad thst Dr, O'Brien is back at NJH.

Patient Ratings

Programs and Services

Specialties & Conditions

Special Interests

Education

Awards & Recognition

Board Certification

Professional Memberships

Hospital Affiliations