John grew up in Athens, Georgia where he also attended the University of Georgia (2021 National Champs, Go Dawgs!) and majored in English Literature and Cellular Biology. Through his studies, he became fascinated in stories and how people understand their illnesses within a particular narrative. John then attended the Medical College of Georgia where he developed an interest in Pediatric Cardiology and Medical Ethics in particular, focusing on how we understand suffering in medically complex children. Between his third and fourth year of medical school, John refined these interests as a Theology, Medicine, and Culture Fellow at Duke University's Divinity School, obtaining a Masters in Theological Studies.

In his spare time, John enjoys reading, writing, and hiking with his wife, Maggie, and their dog, Penn. You can also find him at a local bike shop procrastinating before rides and following World Tour Cycling a bit too closely.