James T. May, III, MD, FACP

Patient Care Philosophy:
Life is like a river...our job is to keep it in the banks, not to stop the flow.

With more than 30 years of experience in oncology, Dr. May has built a rapport with his patients and fellow physicians that is second to none. Known for his accessibility, trustworthiness, and commitment, Dr. May has greatly contributed to VCI’s reputation for excellence and empathy. Currently, he serves as secretary and managing partner and has also held many other important positions in the past including vice chairman of Johnston-Willis Hospital’s Oncology Department and medical director of Johnston-Willis’s Hospice Program.

Dr. May received his bachelor’s degree in biology from the College of William and Mary before obtaining his MD from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. He continued at VCU Medical Center to complete his residency and went on to a fellowship in medical oncology at the University of Texas in Galveston. He joined the team at VCI in 1979 and has been treating patients at our Johnston-Willis and Hull Street locations ever since. Dr. May boasts membership in many local and national organizations including the American College of Physicians, the Academy of Hospice Physicians, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Richmond Academy of Medicine, the Southwest Oncology Group, and the Medical Society of Virginia.

Dr. May’s talents and interests lie in geriatric oncology and palliative care. His treatment philosophy emphasizes that quality of life is crucial to improving all aspects of life with cancer. While many cancers are tragically incurable, he believes all are treatable to some degree. “Life is like a river,” he says, “…our job is to keep it in the banks, not to stop the flow.”

Away from the office, Dr. May enjoys spending time outdoors, fishing, or tending his garden.

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