Written by Nathan Clendenin for UNC Health Care

Have you ever met somebody and were pretty blown away by something about them – some part of their life that just makes you think, “How do they do that?” I had that feeling after meeting this month’s real doctor who is not only assistant director and surgeon at the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center but also trains for and competes in triathlons on the side. That means swimming a mile, biking 30 miles and then running a 10k, all in one stretch. No breaks, no rest. On top of that Jones has had heart surgeries and has a mechanical heart valve. It’s also interesting to note that according to USA Triathlon, less than 1 percent of triathlon competitors are African American.  This man is a force to be reckoned with!

Yet being around Dr. Jones is both inspiring and encouraging.  He successfully juggles his extremely demanding job, his family with two young boys, and training for and competing in triathlons which takes anywhere from 10-15 hours per week. He really emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced life. He urges his residents and fellows not to wait too late in life to find balance – start now. He’s discovered that living a well-balanced life benefits every area of his life (when that balance is off, everything suffers). For instance, being in excellent physical shape leaves him prepared for long and enduring stretches in the operating room and attending to patients on the floor.

Check out this month’s video and see for yourself.

We’re looking forward to Real Doctors, Real People in 2011 and have some great docs lined up.  But if you know of a UNC doctor you’d like to recommend, please contact me or Stephanie Crayton.