This book is a memoir of a life marked by resilience, hard work, and the strength of family bonds. It tells the story of a man who, despite a...

Dr. James Jones, PhD, Physician Associate Certified
Dr. James Jones, PhD, Physician Associate Certified

I am an experienced and dedicated healthcare professional with over 36 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!

Other Writing

The Three Commodities of Life After Loss: Rebuilding Through Time,

Abstract


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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Reimagining Healthcare Sustainability: How Artificial Intelligence Can

Is your hospital sustainable enough to survive the next decade?

From rising costs to workforce burnout and environmental risk—community-based hospitals are at a crossroads.

Discover how Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just a tech trend but a lifeline for rural and underserved health systems. In this bold and timely piece, I will unveil the Sustainable AI for Community Health (SACH) model—offering practical, ethical, and scalable solutions that hospitals can implement today.

Learn how AI...

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Advancing Readiness: The Evolving Role of Physician Associates in Joint

Author: COL James J. Jones, PhD, PA-C 11th Physician Associate Consultant to The U.S. Army Surgeon General

Abstract

Amidst an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, rapid technological advancements, and the dynamic nature of multi-domain operations, the role of the Physician Associate (PA) in military medicine is undergoing a critical transformation. This article examines the competencies and strategic initiatives required for PAs to remain operationally relevant, clinically...

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The 7 Commandments of Clinical Leadership The 7 Commandments of Clinical

The 7 Commandments of Clinical Leadership.pdf 358.52 KB

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