Based in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Wayne Jones has more than four decades experience as a psychiatrist and educator. He presently maintains a integrative health consultancy where he provides in-depth guidance to clients navigating the health care system and seeking optimal health outcomes. Dr. Wayne Jones was previously a private practice psychiatrist, providing diagnosis of general medical and psychiatric conditions.
Maintaining a focus on functional medicine, Dr. Jones seeks out root causes of complex behavioral issues such as ADHD, sleep disorders, panic disorders, and social anxiety. He has authored numerous articles and presented widely to organizations and groups in his field. For over a decade, he served as a psychiatric consultant with the student counseling service at his alma mater, the University of Texas at Dallas.
From 1975 to 1997, Dr. Jones was a staff member at the Richardson Medical Center. This position built on experience as major in the US Air Force, where he directed psychiatric care for airmen with PTSD and other psychological issues. Active in his professional community Dr. Jones has served as a member of the Patient Advocacy Committee with the North Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I wake up early and eat a nutritious breakfast while catching up on the important news of the morning. I ensure that my day is productive by setting a good foundation and then jumping into my consultation practice. I make sure to learn something new (or 10) every day.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by citing evidence, giving examples, and brainstorming with my team to incorporate it into our overall mission.
What’s one trend that excites you?
A trend that excites me is the recent publication of surveys that really show just how seriously inferior healthcare is in America, despite it being the nation that spends the most money on it. America is the 10th wealthiest nation, and the average longevity in America is 77 years, versus 81 years in Europe and 84 years in Japan. America is the only nation of the top 10 wealthiest nations without universal healthcare.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Exercise is a habit that has increased my productivity since my senior year of medical school. I was a serious marathon runner for 49 years until I had bad-back surgery. Now I do vigorous workouts on an elliptical trainer, interval training on a stationary bike, and weightlifting.
What advice would you give your younger self?
If I could talk to my younger self, I would tell him not to pursue relationships because of insecurity.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that American medicine is unfixable due to political greed.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I make sure to have a strong support system and seek counsel from trusted friends and colleagues.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I listen to music, exercise vigorously, or just go for a walk.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One way that I increase my influence is by being available to answer technical questions for friends, relatives, and others who have come to trust that my information is more reliable than standard American medicine. The information that I share is based on empiric evidence and is solidly backed by science.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I went through a period after a turnover of my front office staff that caused patient care to suffer. I was able to identify the problem, hire a better team, apologize to patients, and ensure that they received optimal care. I took responsibility for this situation, which is essential in all that we do.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
ChatGPT has been a tremendous aid in letters and articles that I write and promote on various websites, as well as for written communication.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
A recent book that I read more than once was by David Brooks, who is arguably the premier opinion writer for The New York Times. His book is called How to Know a Person. He describes multiple approaches to engage with people and to help them to open up.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Recently, I have become a regular fan of Michael Smerconish, who has a Saturday morning program on CNN. He has the most honest opinions and features the best guests. I enjoy his poll questions for the audience.
Key learnings
- Physical fitness, vigorous exercise, and a healthy diet are essential for achieving true success.
- Learning from family, friends, and clients is just as crucial as teaching is.
- It is vital to follow one’s passion, even when one’s opinion is unpopular.