Kathleen Jones, PA-C

Heart care is a family passion. My father was a cardiothoracic surgeon, and his love of the heart rubbed off on me. I was fortunate to attend Duke University, where I majored in biomedical engineering. It was there that I figured out how to blend my love of cardiology with my engineering background, leading me to the field of cardiac electrophysiology. \n Electrophysiology can be a complicated field, but I want my patients to understand the parts that are important to them so they can make informed decisions about their care. You will often see me take out my dry erase board to outline steps of different procedures. I want to answer all questions because I know being comfortable with and confident in care can help lead to better outcomes. \n In addition to the time I spend with my patients, I also devote time to professional organizations including the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS). These groups allow me to collaborate with providers from across the country, which benefits my patients. My patients also benefit from my involvement in clinical trials across the field of cardiology. \n Along with my wife and three kids, I love living in Wilmington. Together, we enjoy outdoor activities and the beach. We all love swimming, and encourage everyone in our area to learn to swim since water is all around us. Even our labrador retrievers love to swim!

Both my maternal grandparents died in their 50s of heart disease. I remember, from a young age, reflecting on how unfair that was and wanting to do something to change it. In college, I discovered an interest in epidemiology and hemodynamics. Cardiology is the field that best marries these two interests. \n As a researcher, my areas of focus are disease prevention, cardiac imaging and cardio-oncology, a relatively new field in which cardiologists help cancer patients and providers navigate cardiac issues that can arise during treatment. My goal is to get the patient to the finish line, either curing their cancer or turning it into a stable, chronic disease. \n Cancer patients are truly warriors; they're some of the most motivated and inspiring people I've ever met. I also enjoy partnering with oncologists and offering patients the benefit of a multidisciplinary approach to their treatment. \n When I first meet with patients, my goal is to educate and empower them with the tools and knowledge to improve their health. I am not a physician who makes decisions on behalf of patients but rather someone who can find common ground between what science can offer and what the patient's preferences may be. \n I am a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and was honored to be a Novant Health Healthcare Heroes finalist in 2022. \n My wife, who works in Novant Health's corporate communications department, and I have two young children - a son and a daughter. I'm passionate about all water sports, including kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and boating. I am also a fan of UNC Tarheel sports.

When I give advice to patients, it is the advice I would give to my friends or family members. I want each patient to know that I care about them as a person, and I will be there to see them through any acute issues and any ongoing treatment. \n Earlier in my career, I worked with children taking part in research studies in the hematology/oncology division. I was able to follow patients through their entire time in those studies, and very much enjoyed developing those relationships and providing that continuity of care. I chose cardiology/electrophysiology because it, too, allows me to follow patients in clinic and develop a relationship with them. \n I am proud to have developed the atrial fibrillation clinic and to be the first physician to use radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. As the field of electrophysiology is rapidly changing, I will continue to help bring new technology and research to our community in my role as the electrophysiology division chair. \n Outside of work, I enjoy spending my time with my husband, our two children, and our dog and cat. We love being out on the water and camping. When I have time to myself, I like cooking for family and friends.