Jon Williams, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics, died this past weekend after a long and brave battle with depression that ended in him taking his own life. Williams graduated from the UNC School of Medicine in 1999 and also completed residency training in internal medicine and pediatrics at UNC, including a year as Chief Resident in Pediatrics. Following his training, Williams joined what is now North Chatham Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, part of the UNC Physicians Network.
At North Chatham Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Williams was beloved by his patients and colleagues, and also worked closely with residents from UNC’s combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics (Med/Peds) residency program.
“Jon was a wonderful medical professional, skilled clinical educator, and an invaluable member of the UNC family for more than 20 years. Indeed, it is hard for me to imagine a better man, or a better doctor, than Jon. We are all profoundly saddened by his death and grieve his passing,” said Lynne C Fiscus MD, MPH, FAAP, FACP, President and CEO of the UNC Physicians Network.
Williams’ family has shared that he struggled quietly with depression for many years and would encourage anyone experiencing mental health challenges to seek the support of mental health and medical professionals. As the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Health community grieve the loss of Dr. Williams, anyone needing support is encouraged to take advantage of the mental health and emotional well-being resources available.