John grew up in rural Victoria. He completed his Medical Degree with Honours at Monash University. He subsequently completed Basic Physician Training at the University Hospital Geelong and then Advanced Training in Rheumatology at the Royal Hobart Hospital, Monash Health and Barwon Rheumatology Services. He is currently undertaking research in Lupus at Monash Health.

He has an interest in adult autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and systemic lupus erythematosus.