Faces of Cedars-Sinai Dr James Ha Neurologist Cedars-Sinai Skip to content Close Select your preferred language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Menu Close Call 1-800-CEDARS-1 toggle search form Close Share Email Print CS-Blog Cedars-Sinai Blog Faces of Cedars-Sinai Dr James Ha Neurologist Aug 02, 2019 Cedars-Sinai Staff Share Tweet Post Dr. James Ha, a neurologist who grew up on an apple farm, and his family. Meet Dr. James Ha, a neurologist at Cedars-Sinai! Dr. Ha grew up on an apple orchard 2 hours north of Los Angeles. When he and his wife aren't busy with their 2-month-old son and 2-year-old daughter, he still helps his parents sell fruit and vegetables at local farmers markets on weekends. We sat down with Dr. Ha to discuss how his childhood on the farm influenced his approach to medicine. James C Ha MD Neurology James C Ha MD Neurology Accepting New Patients In-person Visits 310-385-6016 Accepting New Patients Call to Schedule "I ask myself: What can I do in every way to address their whole care?" Q What do you do here James Ha: I work with a group of neurologists, treating people for brain and nerve conditions. My subspecialty is neurophysiology, which focuses on disorders of the nervous system. My colleagues are all bright and talented neurologists with their own unique focus. I learn from them all the time—we work as a team in a very efficient and person-centered atmosphere, especially for patients with challenging cases where the treatment isn't so straightforward. Read: Faces of Cedars-Sinai: Neurologist Nancy Sicotte Q Where are you from JH: I grew up on an apple farm in Tehachapi, a small town between Bakersfield and Lancaster/Palmdale. It was a good way to grow up, picking apples and hoeing weeds—I felt connected to the land and the community. My parents and relatives still sell apples, eggs, and assorted fruits and vegetables at Ha's Apple Farm stands at farmers markets across LA. My family and I go out to the farm every weekend we can. I really want my kids, when they're old enough, to learn to feed the chickens and find joy in the work. As often as they can, Dr. Ha and his family visit his parents at the farm where he grew up. Q How did your childhood influence the way you practice medicine JH: My parents are immigrants who saved up their money and bought the apple orchard so they could have a quiet, country life. They had no experience and taught themselves how to farm, and they were so generous and caring for our neighbors. Even after he'd worked himself to the bone, at the end of the day my dad would always drive the tractor out to help other people who needed it on their land. For me, that's influenced how I practice medicine. I treat everyone as a human being, as if they're my own family member. That helps me understand what patients are going through outside of just their diagnosis. I ask myself: What can I do in every way to address their whole care? In the Newsroom: Stroke Patient Makes Full Recovery, Runs Two Marathons in Five Months Q Any pro tips for shopping at the farmers market JH: Go early! Usually the best stuff sells out really fast. And if you're looking for something specific, just stop by and ask. At our farm we have a variety of apples, and some are only in season for about 2 weeks. The farmers can tell you which varieties will be picked next and when you can expect them. Tags Neurology Faces of Cedars-Sinai Share Tweet Post Popular Categories Health + Wellness Science + Innovation Community Blog & Magazines catalyst Blog & Magazines Home CS-Blog Blog CS Magazine Cedars-Sinai Magazine discoveries magazine Discoveries Magazine Embracing our Community Embracing Our Community Blog & Magazines catalyst Blog & Magazines Home CS-Blog Blog Embracing our Community Embracing Our Community CS Magazine Cedars-Sinai Magazine discoveries magazine Discoveries Magazine Popular Topics In Our Community Faces of Cedars-Sinai Patient Stories Los Angeles Behind the Scenes Make an Appointment Find a Doctor Schedule a Callback Call us 24 hours a day 1-800-CEDARS-1 Support Cedars-Sinai Make a Gift Volunteer Share Email Print Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility