Graduating MBBS with Honours from the University of Queensland in 1981, Dr John Adkins completed his Internship at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. After 2 further clinical years at the QE II Hospital Dr Adkins returned to the Royal Brisbane Hospital, completing his training in Anatomical Pathology in 1989.

Joining QML Pathology in 1990, Dr Adkins became a Consultant Pathologist at the Buderim Laboratory, providing pathology services across the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay regions. He was is now the Pathologist in Charge of the Buderim Laboratory. His special interests centre on general surgical pathology.