Kory Jones, M.D., breast surgeon, is now seeing patients at Texas Breast Specialists–Arlington South and Las Colinas. Dr. Jones discusses why she chose her specialty and shares some interesting hobbies.
How has your specialty as a breast surgeon shaped who you are?
That's an interesting question because I think my career as a breast surgeon has truly been an evolution. I believe who I am influenced my decision to focus on breast surgery, and taking care of breast cancer patients has influenced me in turn.
After my second year of medical school, my mother was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer, and she passed away one week after my graduation. She was the most important person in my life, and that experience made me realize I wanted to be a surgeon so I could play an active role in treating cancer.
I chose to specialize in breast surgery as it allows me to get to know my patients and their families on a deeper level and follow them throughout their journey and beyond. I'm so fortunate because I really have some of the most wonderful, thoughtful, and gracious patients. They teach me about strength and faith every single day.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned in your career so far?
I have learned that medicine, specifically cancer care, is a very collaborative team effort. As surgeons, we’re taught that we are the person in charge of the operating room — the “captain of the ship," so to speak. However, I’ve learned that outside of the operating room, it takes a village of physicians, nurses, therapists, nutritionists, and other team members to provide individualized, comprehensive cancer care. There's no single person in charge; we all work together for the best possible outcome for every patient.
What do you wish more people knew about breast health and/or breast cancer?
I wish more people knew that you don't have to have a family history of breast cancer or a history of taking hormonal therapy to get it. I have seen many patients who are shocked when they are diagnosed with breast cancer because they don't have those specific risk factors. There are many factors that contribute to the development of cancer, and simply being a woman and growing older are two of the biggest risk factors for breast cancer.
If you weren’t a doctor, what would you be?
I love to cook, so if I weren’t a doctor, I’d be a chef. However, going to culinary school and excelling in that field may be more difficult than making it through medical school!
What does a perfect day look like to you?
The perfect day would start with sleeping in and making breakfast for my husband and very spoiled dogs. From there, I would take those same spoiled dogs on a nice walk and get in a kickboxing workout before settling down on the deck with a glass of wine while my husband grills us a fabulous dinner. That sounds like heaven.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I don’t have a hidden talent, but I do have some interesting hobbies. My husband and I scuba dive, and we try to go to Belize (where we got married 15 years ago) and get our feet wet every now and then. My husband is a lawyer, but his true passion is flying. I fly with him whenever and wherever we can to go camping or visit friends and family. Maybe my hidden talent is that it doesn't freak me out to be a passenger in a small airplane built in 1939!
What are your favorite restaurants in the Arlington and Las Colinas areas?
In Arlington, my favorite restaurants are Piccolo Mondo and Prince Lebanese Grill. I haven't had the opportunity to spend much time in Las Colinas yet, but I do love Hudson House. I'd appreciate other recommendations in the area – I love to try new places!