Born in Bremerton, Washington, John completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Washington, Seattle where he was involved in research. During this time, he collaborated with several Australian gastroenterologists who made him aware of medical schools in Australia and as they say… the rest is history.  Next he knew he was on a 15 hour flight to Australia where he was enrolled in medicine at the Australian National University Medical School.  While in medical school, John was fortunate to have the opportunity to work again with one of the professors he had collaborated with in Washington and during this time had several journal articles published.  John enjoys reading, and has a great interest in sports…both watching and playing.