Anthony Center for Advanced Cardiac Care
Dr. Gerry Jones discovered his path in life at the age of twelve. While hospitalized, he met the surgeon who would inspire his career (and successfully remove his appendix). From his experience as a patient, Dr. Jones developed a great admiration for medicine and went on to graduate from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He completed a residency at New York Presbyterian, then a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center before his family relocated to Dallas where he practiced for nearly three decades. In 2019, he moved back to Arkansas to serve as CHI St. Vincent Vice President of Medical Affairs. Today, as CHI St. Vincent Infirmary President, Dr. Jones works tirelessly to improve healthcare in Arkansas.
Dr. Jones says that the heritage at CHI St. Vincent is one of the reasons he joined the team. Founded by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, it is the oldest hospital in the state of Arkansas. Ranked number one for heart care in Central Arkansas by U.S. News & World Report; it is the largest cardiothoracic care provider in the state; a major advantage for man who spent the better part of his life mending hearts. The institution’s newest venture, the Anthony Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, will reorganize existing resources within the hospital. “Access is a top problem in American healthcare,” notes Dr. Jones. “We need better navigation, not more buildings.” He adds that the center wouldn’t be possible without Isabel and John Anthony, who donated five million dollars to the project. “I want to express my gratitude to John and Isabel, and all the other people in Arkansas that support what we do. Their support and generosity are so crucial to our sustainability!”
The new Anthony Center will centralize CHI St. Vincent heart healthcare. “Right now, we have services scattered in different areas. This allows us to bring everything together in a single center. We’ll have better collaboration between patients and caregivers, with one place for testing, care, and recovery.” Another pursuit of the center will be exploring new cardiology technology and preventative medicine. “Right now, our system is based on the treatment of illness,” Dr. Jones explains. “We will have to think more about wellness and preventative measures in addition to treating disease. We want to talk to people in their twenties and thirties about what they should do to prepare for a better life in their seventies.”
When asked for perspective on the growing number of wellness influencers, Dr. Jones encouraged discernment. “There is misinformation out there. We always have to keep people’s motivations in mind. If someone says they can help but immediately goes into a sales pitch, I’m skeptical. Look for the people who you can trust and stick with them.” He believes trust is essential and the CHI St. Vincent faith-based approach to patient care means that the hospital prioritizes positive health outcomes over profit. “What we do is not a job but a mission that we’re privileged to pursue.”
CHI St. Vincent
