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James Davis CV

Associate Professor of Medicine
Medicine, General Internal Medicine
Office hours I see patients on Fridays 
Call 919-613-QUIT  
CV

Overview


Dr. James Davis is a practicing physician of Internal Medicine, and serves as the Medical Director for Duke Center for Smoking Cessation, Director of the Duke Smoking Cessation Program and Co-Director of the Duke-UNC Tobacco Treatment Specialist Credentialing Program.  His research focuses on development of new pharmaceutical treatments for smoking cessation.  He is principal investigator on several trials including a study on “adaptive” smoking cessation and several trials on new medications for smoking cessation. The new medications leverage more novel neurobiological mechanisms - NMDA receptor antagonism, nicotinic receptor antagonism, which impact addiction-based learning and cue response. Additionally, Dr. Davis serves as co-investigator on trials on lung cancer screening, e-cigarettes, minor nicotine alkaloids, imaging trials, lung function trials and others. Dr. Davis leads the Duke Smoke-Free Policy Initiative, is co-author on a national  tobacco dependence treatment guideline, and provides training in tobacco dependence treatment for the Duke School of Medicine, Duke Internal Medicine, Family Practice and Psychiatry residency programs.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor of Medicine · 2024 - Present Medicine, General Internal Medicine, Medicine
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 2013 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers

In the News


Published October 15, 2019
Vaping: Crisis or Lost Opportunity?
Published July 25, 2017
Do Filtered Cigarettes Lower the Risk of Lung Cancer?
Published August 13, 2014
From the Tobacco Fields to the Lab: DCI Faculty Tests 'Now'-Center Approach to Quitting Smoking

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Recent Publications


Association of Communication With Smoking Attitudes and Behaviors Among Patients Undergoing Lung Cancer Screening: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Journal Article Chest Pulmonary · June 1, 2025 Background: Many patients who undergo lung cancer screening (LCS) actively use cigarettes. Research Question: What are the longitudinal, patient-reported smoking attitudes and behaviors across the LCS process in routine care settings, and are these smoking ... Full text Cite

Smoking Cessation for Patients With Cancer: State of the Evidence

Journal Article Jnccn Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network · May 1, 2025 Although it is generally well-known that smoking poses numerous risks to physical health and well-being, it carries additional risks for patients with cancer. Therefore, smoking cessation is of particular concern among this patient population. At the NCCN ... Full text Cite

Longitudinal Assessment of Communication With Patient-Reported Outcomes During Lung Cancer Screening.

Journal Article Chest · March 2025 BACKGROUND: Many organizations recommend clinicians use structured communication processes, referred to as shared decision-making, to improve patient-reported outcomes for patients considering lung cancer screening (LCS). RESEARCH QUESTION: Which component ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


DELFI - Investigating the Clinical Utility of DELFI L301 Evaluation of Lung Cancer Screening

Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Delfi Diagnostics, Inc. · 2023 - 2028

CASCADE - Lung

Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Delfi Diagnostics, Inc. · 2022 - 2027

Comprehensive Research Program Development and Aerosol Acceptability PIL & Technology Comprehension Study

Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Predictably Human, Inc · 2021 - 2026

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Education, Training & Certifications


Southern Illinois University, School of Medicine · 1997 M.D.