Dr. James Jones, PhD, Physician Associate Certified
I am an experienced and dedicated healthcare professional with over 37 years of service in the U.S. Army. My educational journey includes a Master of Physician Associate Studies specializing in Family Medicine from the University of Nebraska (2000), a PhD in Health Science from Trident University, California (2009), and a Master of Strategic Study degree from the Army War College (2021). Additionally, I completed advanced training as a tactical medical officer at the White House (2010) and a Protective Medicine Fellowship specializing in cardiopulmonary critical care resuscitation at the Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ (2015).
I currently Command/Direct an Executive Medical team in the National Capital Region, and serve as the 11th Army Physician Associate Consultant to The Surgeon General (TSG). Recently completed a tour as the Commander of Public Health Command, West. My previous roles include Director, Medical Capability Development and Integration Directorate, Branch Chief of the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) (2018-2021), Chief Medical Advisor appointed by the President on the COVID Task Force (2020-2021), and various positions at the White House (2009-2018) including PA to the President and Director of Operations.
My extensive military career includes commanding roles such as IPAP Program Manager at US Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) (2005-2009), 187th Company Commander (2003-2005), Director of Health Services in Qatar (2002-2003), and BN Surgeon at 1-82 FA, Fort Hood TX (2000-2002). During deployments to Qatar and Al Udeid Air Base, I established preventive, routine, and emergency services for over 5000 service members and planned medical contingency operations for official visits to over 94 countries.
In academia, I have taught cardiology, served as the Editor-in-Chief of Cardiology STAT Pearls, and published numerous peer-reviewed clinical articles and four PA cardiology review textbooks. I have also led international research initiatives while deployed.
My military accolades include the ‘A’ Proficiency Designator (PA), Secret Service Life Saving Award, Presidential Service Badge, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and Joint Commendation Medal. I have earned the Expert Field Medical Badge, Flight Surgeon Badge, and the Gold German Armed Forces Efficiency Badge, and am a member of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara, the Order of the Spur, and the Order of Military Medical Merit. I was honored with the 2021 American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Military Service Award and AAPA 2025 PA of the Year!
I am an experienced and dedicated healthcare professional with over 37 years of service in the U.S. Army. My educational journey includes a Master of Physician Associate Studies specializing in Family Medicine from the University of Nebraska (2000), a PhD in Health Science from Trident University, California (2009), and a Master of Strategic Study degree from the Army War College (2021). Additionally, I completed advanced training as a...
Physician Associates (PAs) in military and operational medicine are frequently placed in environments where clinical expertise must be matched with adaptive leadership. Traditional leadership models often fail to meet the demands of modern healthcare delivery, particularly in preparing for Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO), humanitarian missions, and crisis response. Drawing on over 36 years of military medical leadership and diverse operational experiences—from trauma bays to forward...
In the wake of loss—whether due to trauma, death, or professional disruption—individuals in military medicine must find pathways to personal and operational recovery. This article presents a novel resilience framework centered on three foundational commodities: time, knowledge, and financial wisdom. Drawing from clinical leadership, combat medical practice, and personal survival, this piece proposes actionable strategies and includes the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI)...
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First, all glory to God! 2025 was an extraordinary year for Venom and Valor, and 2026 is already off to a powerful start. I am deeply grateful for your honest feedback, prayers,...
At Best of Best Review, we proudly recognize those whose work doesn't just inspire, it equips. That’s why Venom and Valor by Dr. James Jones, PhD, PA-C, has been named the Best...
About the Author: Dr. James J. Jones, PhD, PA-C, is a senior healthcare leader, clinician, educator, and U.S. Army officer with decades of experience in military medicine, executive leadership, and public health. He currently serves in senior leadership roles supporting executive, protective, and clinical medical operations and teaches graduate-level healthcare administration and public health courses.
Disclaimer: This article is written in a personal capacity. The views and...