Dr. Jones’ journey began when he joined the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes at the Boys Ranch in Hahira, at the young age of 12. Although (in his words), most would think that was a sad thing and some may even feel sorry for him because he lacked something or missed out on what seemed to be the ‘norm’, but he was quick to say that because of his experience at the youth home, he was given more than the norm. He reminisced and said some of his friends were even jealous of him and all that he was given at the Ranch. As he began to explain, his voice took on a whole new tone — a tone of gratitude and excitement. He went on to share that at the Boys Ranch, he had house parents (like most “normal” families), but he also had a campus full of God-parents… as well as a whole state of people working on his behalf.
“It was like the Boys Ranch just handed us endless opportunities and education on a platter and said ‘Be what you want to be; the sky is the limit.’ They gave us life chances, a home, family, and all that goes with it…plus the encouragement to always say ‘Go and make your dreams come true,’” said Jones.
“How could you not want to make something of yourself when you were given nothing but open doors and educational funds to make it happen? Without a doubt, I owe everything, I mean everything to the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes. They instilled the basics and then went on to offer more. I learned how to be civil, you know — manners; I learned work ethics, through chores — and I was taught wholesome values with a foundation in religion. They’re the very reason I am who I am and I can’t say enough about how much I owe them and how thankful I am for them,” emphasized Jones.
After graduating from high school, Jones went to Valdosta State University where he earned his undergraduate degree in premed. It was only after he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer twice during his undergrad years, that he decided to walk away from pre-law and go into the medical field. He battled and won the fight with the nasty disease and went on to Mercer University School of Medicine to graduate in 2009 with a Doctorate in Medicine (MD).
His goal was to stay in Georgia and practice in family medicine, but he became fascinated by surgery. His first surgical internship took him to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania where he spent most of the brutal internship sometimes working 30 straight hours with very little or no sleep, and had little life outside the hospital. This not only took a toll on his family life and marriage, but it also affected his health. He began to experience some neurological problems, so he decided to change his medical direction from surgery — which was so demanding — to anesthesiology. He felt it would be more conducive to a healthy life with a family so he pursued a job opportunity in Missouri. Even after his work hours became more regulated, he was still experiencing some neurological issues and was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
“It was the perfect storm of stress. My health was being challenged again, my personal life was in turmoil, and I really didn’t think I had found my niche in anesthesiology. However, God began to open some new doors for me once again just like He has always done. It’s like the cancer; I am thankful for my cancer because if I had not been diagnosed, I would have never found my way into medicine; I would have followed through with becoming an attorney and I would have been outside of my calling, but God opened up those doors and everything worked out just right,” said Jones.
With the latest diagnosis of MS, Jones began to look around and pursue some of those newly opened doors and found himself in a correctional institute working as a General Practice Physician. What started out as a temporary, one month position, turned into three years and something he really enjoys.
“Although I am the youngest doctor in the corrections industry, I feel that I am where I should be, at least for right now. I feel a sense of ‘giving back’ in some way… for the goodness of mankind, you know. I can offer theses guys (prisoners) guidance and just show them that things can change. I think about those who never had a second chance like me; people who didn’t have a chance to be a part of a Boys Ranch or youth home like I did, and have opportunities and instruction,” he kindly proclaimed.
“I want to be able to come back to Georgia and do the same; and I will! I gave people in Georgia my word, and that still means something to me. I will be back as soon as the opportunity arises!”
He went on to share that the Boys Ranch inspired him and gave him the confidence to achieve anything.
“One of my favorite quotes is by Amelia Earhart and it goes hand in hand with what I was always taught: ‘The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity,’” passionately stated Jones.
From overcoming childhood setbacks to two rounds of cancer, multiple sclerosis, and the long journey to the stars and back for his career, it is safe to say that Dr. Jones has made the decision to act, and follow through. He is a success on an array of levels. Dr. Paul Jones is a man that many look up to, inside and out. Just his passion and drive in life is inspiring let alone his success and accomplishments. Thank You Paul for making us all very proud!