Dr. John M. Clarke was educated in the public schools of Norfolk, Virginia and was admitted to the University of Virginia, where he majored in French. By attending summer session, he was also able to complete the science requirements for Medical School in three years. He was one of only two students admitted to the School of Medicine that year without an undergraduate degree.
After graduating from Medical School, Dr. Clarke began a Surgery Residency at the University of Florida. After one year, he entered the US Air Force and was assigned to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Service at an Air Force Hospital, where he practiced that specialty until returning to the University of Florida to complete his Surgery training. He was also an attending surgeon at Shands Teaching Hospital until his transfer to the US Air Force Hospital at Andrews Air Force Base, Washington, DC. While there he obtained additional experience and training in Thoracic and Vascular surgery. He was a rated Flight Surgeon and rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel before returning to the University of Florida to complete his surgery training. He went on to obtain additional experience and training in thoracic and vascular surgery.