Dr. James Frater is a UK-trained medical doctor who is currently completing his PhD in Public Health at Yale University. He also holds a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management from Harvard and is focused on designing healthcare solutions that bring care closer to where people live, work, and feel most comfortable.
His previous policy work includes engaging in international policy as the UK G20 Youth Delegate for Health, Wellbeing & Sport, as well as recently completing Yale’s Leadership in Global Health Fellowship at UNICEF Jamaica. He also co-authored a book chapter on improving health outcomes in the Caribbean with Professor David Williams of Harvard and contributed to a national public health playbook supporting U.S. state health departments in addressing homelessness as a health challenge.
Background
Growing up in rural Jamaica and living with life-threatening asthma, James experienced firsthand how profoundly our environments—both physical and social—impact health outcomes. His distressing experiences led to his declaration at age five that he was going to become a doctor. He had grand ambitions to set up a backyard clinic, so he started “treating” his first patient, his late grandmother, for endless imaginary illnesses. His aim was to fix everyone. One patient at a time.
He stubbornly followed through with his promise and became a medical doctor. He realized that while a doctor could treat one person at a time, “fixing everyone” would require a more systemic understanding of health inequities. That’s what led him to Harvard and now to Yale to complete his PhD. His aim is to transform health systems in underserved communities like the one he grew up in, both by improving health care quality and access to care.
James’ professional experiences have enabled him to lead and contribute to projects in digital health, policy development, homelessness response, and educational equity. In addition, he has held governance roles in multi-million-pound organisations, designed and delivered national mentoring and outreach programmes, and advised global leaders on health equity and youth empowerment.
Awards & Recognition
He has been recognised with numerous awards for his academic excellence, leadership, and impact, including:
- Top 10 Rare Rising Star for academic achievement and leadership
- Top 100 Future Leader for contributions to UK society
- The Diana Award for social impact and youth empowerment
- The Abbas Khan Medal for exceptional service at King’s College London
- Black Heart Foundation Scholar
- Akindolie Medical Scholar
- King’s College London Distinguished Future Alumni Award
At the heart of all his work is a simple philosophy: live audaciously, choose your life, and help others do the same…
