Meet Dr. James
A Surgeon’s Passion for Flight
Hey there—I'm James, also known as The Flying Ortho. Born in Beaufort, South Carolina at the U.S. Naval Hospital and raised in Newberry County, I’ve always had a love for adventure, precision, and a deep connection to my roots. I’m proud to call myself a Gamecock, having attended the University of South Carolina for undergrad before heading to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston for medical school. I completed my Orthopaedic Surgery residency in Greenville, SC and then came back home to serve the community that raised me.
While my days are often spent in the operating room, my heart has always been in the skies. Since I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a pilot—and in 2022, I made that dream a reality. Today, I hold my Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot License. Flying is more than a hobby—it’s a way to connect with the world from a different perspective and share that awe-inspiring experience with others.
Meet N518BP
My aircraft, N518BP, is a 2007 Cirrus SR22TN that I’ve personally reimagined from the ground up—fully customized inside and out. It’s sleek, powerful, and built for adventure—just like the journey that brought me here.
The Flying Ortho is about more than aviation. It’s about inspiring others to pursue their passions, exploring the skies with purpose, and showing what happens when precision meets passion. Whether you're here for aviation, medicine, or motivation—I’m glad you’re flying along with me.
Our Mission & What We Stand For
The Flying Ortho is more than just videos and merchandise — it's a movement. It’s about challenging the idea that professionals must stay in one lane. It’s about pushing boundaries, telling stories, and building bridges between worlds that rarely meet. My mission is to:
- Inspire others to follow multiple passions without compromise
- Create educational, family-friendly aviation content
- Offer an authentic look into the life of a pilot-doctor
- Connect with brands, followers, and fellow enthusiasts through collaboration and creativity
Whether you’re here to watch, learn, partner, or shop, thank you for being part of the journey.