Dr James Noake qualified in Medicine from Birmingham University in 2002. After a year as an anatomy lecturer he completed his surgical training (with a focus on Trauma & Orthopaedics) and MRCS(Ed), then undertook a Masters Degree in Sport & Exercise Medicine (SEM) at QMUL, Barts & The London in 2006/7. He then made the switch to become a specialist in SEM after 2 years Acute Medicine training and gaining MRCP(UK).

He is a fellow of the UK Faculty of Sport & Exercise Medicine and now works in the NHS full time in and around London, including at the military rehabilitation centre DMRC Headley Court (Epsom), Charing Cross, Whittington and Homerton Hospitals. He is also clinical lead in Orthopaedics and SEM for the Hertfordshire Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group and heads an innovative musculoskeletal interface service in primary care in the region.

In rugby union he has worked with the Women's RFU at different age groups and spent 3 years with Esher RFC as team doctor. He has also worked with UK Athletics, English Institute of Sport (St Marys University & Lee Valley), GB & England Disability Football, England Hockey & British Gymnastics, as well as undertaking clinics and match day cover at Cranleigh School. He worked at the Olympics and Paralympics in the athlete village Polyclinic SEM department and also as a field-of-play team leader around several arenas.

James has been passionate about rugby since his early school days and played at Regional and University level, but numerous injuries forced him to give up and channel his enthusiasm and energy into the medical care of players. He has a special interest in foot & ankle and upper limb injuries as well as interventional musculoskeletal ultrasonography, recently completing a PGC in MSK USS.