When did you first know you wanted to be a doctor?
Dr. Jones hadn’t answered that question in a long time, even still her answer was unwavering. Dr. Jones had a fortunate upbringing; her mother Josephine Isabel-Jones was a Pediatric Cardiologist and would take her on weekend rounds. She describes seeing the cyanotic newborns and calling them Smurfs. “I want to go take care of the Smurfs” She would tell her mother.
Medicine and helping people was always intriguing to her. An ambitious child, she debated being a scientist or astronaut as well as a doctor but, “It was always a doctor” she states. She always wanted to be a doctor. “I always liked to help people, I was fascinated with the human body.” Dr. Jones continues. She compares her experience cheerleading and draws a parallel between being a physician and “cheering” people on to achieve their health and “being the best that they can be”.
Medicine and helping people was always intriguing to her. An ambitious child, she debated being a scientist or astronaut as well as a doctor but, “It was always a doctor” she states. She always wanted to be a doctor. “I always liked to help people, I was fascinated with the human body.” Dr. Jones continues. She compares her experience cheerleading and draws a parallel between being a physician and “cheering” people on to achieve their health and “being the best that they can be”.
Who encouraged or mentored you on the journey to becoming a doctor?
The first person that came to mind was initially her mother. Because her mother recognized young Dr. Jones’ longing to become a doctor, she was able to utilize her connections to support her on her journey into medicine. Her mother was able to get her involved and exposed to medicine each summer. Dr. Jones mentions summer programs that she took part of as a teenager. She goes on to mention her under-graduate experience and her mentor Dr. Thompson who she met during summer research. Dr. Thompson was able to name Dr. Jones as a co-author on a publication. Dr. Jones’ mother was a cofounder of an organization called Association of Black Women Physicians, and was very fortunate to be surrounded by opportunities that helped mold her into the physician she is today.
Dr. Jones was eager to attend medical school and chose to attend Xavier University in Louisiana.
In what way do you think BPOU will benefit Utah?
“We need an organization of black physicians to be examples for young people coming up who are interested in medicine, or any other health science. To let them know that it is possible to reach high goals and have a successful family life. It is always helpful to see people who have been successful who you can relate to or you feel like you can see yourself in their shoes.”
