Profile: V. Faye Jones,  MD, PhD, MSPH, Associate Vice President for Health Affairs, University of Louisville

HEN is proud to celebrate Women’s History Month by highlighting a healthcare leader in our region who has positively influenced and enriched our community. The Women’s History Month 2022 theme, “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” is both a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history. 

We talked to V. Faye Jones, MD, PhD, MSPH, Associate Vice President for Health Affairs at the University of Louisville, about projects she’s most excited about, her proudest accomplishment and advice she has for young women starting out in the healthcare industry. Highlights are below.

What do you do on a daily basis at UofL Office for Diversity & Equity? 

In collaboration with a team of diverse experts, I provide consultation to the University of Louisville community to develop best practices for equitable policies in our practices, procedures, and systems.  

What initiatives are you most proud of?  

I am proud of multiple initiatives, but the one that recently stood out was the collaboration with community counselors to provide mental health services to our faculty, staff, and students who were and continue to experience racial trauma.  

The theme for 2022 is “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” How does your team at UofL work to provide healing and hope to the people in our community?  

From the Health Science Center Office of Diversity and Inclusion inception, we needed to develop and enhance collaborative programs with the community to advance health equity. Our pathway programs (i.e., Summer Health Professional Education Program, Louis Stokes Alliance Minority Participates Program, Post Baccalaureate Premedical Program) have been our core. Through these programs we are changing the faces of the healthcare workforce to be more reflective of our community.  

Advice for other women who want to excel in the healthcare industry?  

I would advise anyone going into this field to make sure this is their passion. Being in the healthcare industry is demanding work, both physically and mentally. Have a great support system in place to keep you balanced in life. 

Who inspires you?  

Children have always been my inspiration. I see their joy and their desire to create something good even when there are numerous challenges to overcome. Children make me feel like anything is possible.   

Where do you trace your roots of your success?  

I can trace my roots to success to my family, who always stressed the importance of education. My biggest supporter is my husband, who has always supported every aspect of my career and life.  

How can Louisville continue to empower and develop women leaders?  

It takes a village to thrive in any field. Mentorship and sponsorship are critical to cultivating success.