The next time you encounter a “trouble-maker,” remember the name James Nguyen. James has come a long way since his days as an elementary school prankster. Inspired to become a physician because of his father’s massive heart attack; after watching the medical team save his Dad’s life, James knew he wanted to become a cardiologist. At the age of 12, James made history as Santa Ana College’s youngest freshman. His first semester, he developed the Pre-Med Club, became a student Senator and tutored classmates twice his age. At 14, he graduated and transferred to the University of California, Irvine.  

At UCI, James made strides as a Pre-Med student, making the Dean's Honor Roll every quarter. After commencement, he enrolled in medical school, completing his internship and residency training in Florida. By 25, James had achieved numerous professional milestones, including presenting research to the American Heart Association, taking top tribute in a regional competition for the Florida Chapter of the American College of Physicians for his chest pain research, and beating out 420 presenters to receive the title of Champion at the National American College of Physicians' Internal Medicine Conference in 2009. 

James is currently an Interventional Cardiologist at the Bradenton Cardiology Center in Bradenton, Florida.

“As President John F. Kennedy said, 'We choose to go to the moon...not because it is easy, but because it is hard,'” says James. “God has blessed me with the talent and knowledge to pursue cardiology. I have to use those gifts.”    

Santa Ana College, Class of 1998